Isabella, ever the observer, spoke up with a reflective tone. “Love is indeed a funny thing. It can lead us down unexpected paths and bring people together in ways we never imagined. Harriet’s journey might be different from ours, but she deserves her own chance at happiness, just as we do.”

  Enzo nodded; his eyes filled with empathy. “Exactly, Isabella. We can’t judge others for the choices they make or the roads they walk. All we can do is offer support and understanding, even if it’s difficult.”

  As they bid farewell to the sheriff deputy and the counter clerk, Isabella, Enzo, Steele, and Ruby made their way back to the car parked outside the Silver Bells Wedding Chapel. Isabella couldn’t help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events and the strength of their family bond, which had been tested once again.

  With laughter and stories filling the car, they drove away from the chaotic scene, leaving the Silver Bells Wedding Chapel behind. Though the love potion fiasco would become a memorable family tale, Isabella couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of gratitude for the unpredictable adventures that life brought their way.

  With a renewed sense of compassion and acceptance, the group walked back to their car, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives. They had learned that love could be both a beautiful and complicated force, capable of uniting and dividing, but they were determined to navigate its twists and turns together.

  As they drove away from the Silver Bells Wedding Chapel, their hearts were filled with hope, knowing that love’s journey would continue to unfold, bringing with it surprises, challenges, and opportunities for growth. And as they moved forward, they carried with them the understanding that love, in all its forms, had the power to transform lives and shape their destinies.

  Chapter 41

  Isabella & The Emerald Lady

  After the fiasco in Reno, Isabella knew she still had unresolved issues to attend to as she drove her minivan down Highway 680 and took the Berryessa exit heading downtown. She made a left turn onto Lundy Avenue and then made a right on Mabury Road. She knew she was heading for the back parking lot of the Berryessa Flea Market. Her favorite place to park was by the old railroad tracks. Parking here afforded her quick access to where she was going, and it was a great place to hide your car if you didn’t want to be recognized.

  Isabella parked and retrieved the basket she placed on the back seat and made her way inside. She smiled as she walked past the stalls and saw well-made replicas of expensive brand-named purses and luggage. She and her friends used to buy them back in high school. And then tell everyone they were real. She knew where she was going, booth 88.

  As Isabella rounded the corner, she spotted it. Booth 88. She walked over and went in.

  Old Gypsy, known as the Emerald Lady, took her time. She heard the tinkering chime signaling someone had entered. It was now working again. She remembered when Harriet came to see her it wasn’t working. Now that she thought back on it. It was probably trying to tell her something. Like she shouldn’t have taken on Harriet as a client.

  The old woman took her time walking to the front entrance.

  “You?”

  “Hello Auntie!”

  The old woman stared at the woman who called her Auntie for a few seconds and then yelled, in a heavy Louisiana accent. “Dis my time! What do you want?”

  “We need to talk about Harriet.”

  “Damn! Isabella. Why are you meddling? Harriet’s a grown woman.”

  Isabella nodded agreement. “Yes, but in a lot of ways. Harriet acts like a child without understanding. And you know that.”

  “It ain’t my fault Harriet is what they call special needs. She acts normal enough... But! Oh, come on inside.” The old woman grunted as she rubbed her brow threw her hands up and said. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

  “Beautiful said, Auntie, is that yours?”

  “No, I didn’t author that one, it’s from the bible. Jeremiah 17:9”

  Isabella followed close behind as she watched the Emerald Lady close the blinds of her shop. She waited until they closed the distance between them and looked the Emerald Lady right in the eyes and said. “When a woman has lost everything, she loved, or been robbed. She unconsciously has in her mind some clue or suspicion on how to fix it. Such was the case with Harriet. Thou you and I both know what Harriet needed the most was real guidance and not an allusion. Which is what you gave her.”

  “It’s not my fault that Harriet is a stupid girl!”

  “Ah, yes, but you didn’t have to take advantage of her. $10,000, is what you charged her. Auntie for shame!”

  “And she’s going to pay me every penny,” The Emerald Lady said.

  Isabella exhaled. “Then I guess, I’ll have to go and beg my father to pay you back the money.”

  Isabella knew why she was saying what she just said.

  “You wouldn’t dare tell your father about me and my clients?” The Emerald Lady nervously looked about.

  “Watch me!” Isabella said. “You know Dad is still mad that you married Enzo’s uncle Ralph Rawlins.”

  “I never understand why your father was mad. He didn’t have to sleep with Ralph, I did. Besides. Ralph is a good man. He just was a cheat when it came to playing cards and other things. He cheated your father, in cards, and he’s still mad at him.”

  “And business,” Isabella said.

  “I know. Your father is only mad at Ralph because of that business deal Ralph messed him over. I told Colbert Ralph didn’t have good business sense.”

  “Dad knew and he also knew you made sure he got his money back. Dad’s not really as mad at you as you think.”

  The Emerald Lady laughed. “I know. When I told your father I was going to marry Ralph. Your Dad flat-out said, “Why do you want to marry Ralph Rawlins? He’s a liar and a card cheat. Do you want to know what I told your father? How many men do you see my age left walking around on this earth in San Jose, Colbert?” She laughed.

  “Oh, and by the way Mother made these for you. They are your favorite. I can take them back home if you don’t want them.”

  The Emerald Lady’s eyes widen. “Lana made me Maple Pecan Tarts? I thought I could smell them. Give me that basket!”

  Isabella gripped the basket hard. “You old sugar addict. Are we going to talk like we both got some sense and work out this thing with Harriet?”

  “I’ll make us some tea. Don’t you go anywhere with my basket of pecan tarts? Sit down at the table.”

  Forty minutes later, The Emerald Lady said. “Lana is still the best baker in this family. These Maple pecan tarts are so delicious,” she said swallowing another bite.

  “Okay, now you really think I can get the money Harriet owes me from this man?”

  Isabella smiled wide. “Yes, Auntie, I’m sure of it! And here is how you are going to do it,” she leaned in close and whispered.

  The Emerald Lady’s eyes sparkled as she listened to Isabella lay out her plans.

  All at once she let out a loud laugh. “Ahhhh Hah! Hah! Hah! Isabella, you are the true conning one in this family. My dead mother, your grandmother thought just like you! You truly have that woman’s DNA in you!” The Emerald Lady laughed. “My Baby Brother’s wife has done well raising you, my child! You make Auntie proud. Let us do this!”

  Isabella smiled warmly back at her aunt. Harriet had no idea what their plans for her were. This was going to be interesting.

  Chapter 42

  Harriet & The Emerald Lady

  That following Saturday Harriet woke to the pounding of her front door.

  She made her way to the front door and opened it.

  A man stood there, and he handed Harriet a letter.

  Harriet looked at the man.

  “Open it. Read it now!” The man demanded.

  The letter was from the Emerald Lady, demanding payment for her services. The letter instructed Harriet to get into the waiting car.

  “I can’t go now. I’m not dressed,” Harriet said.

  “Lady, you can go and get dressed but my advice to you is not to call anyone, and don’t try to break and run. The Emerald Lady does not take kindly to people who ignore her summons.

  “Okay, I’ll go and get dressed.”

  “Miss, you have one hour. Use them wisely,” the man said. “You must be ready to go in one hour. Or else.”

  “Okay!” Harriet said, going back inside and heading for her shower.

  One hour later, Harriet was dressed and ready to go. She walked out her front door and locked it before turning around and looking for the man.

  The man was standing by a car.

  Actually, Harriet could have sworn it was a limo, she thought things couldn’t be that bad for her if the old lady was having her picked up in a very classy car. She didn’t recognize the front emblem and when the driver held the door for her, she said to the driver.

  “This is a different-looking Mercedes.”

  “It’s a Maybach Landaulet Miss.”

  “Is it expensive,” Harriet asked.

  Yes, very expensive the average one goes for about a million.”

  Harriet let out a whistle. “Dollars? The Emerald Lady paid that for this car?”

  The driver bowed and said. “That Miss is neither your business nor mine,” as he closed the door.

  The driver drove down Highway 101 past the town of Gilroy. When they passed the town of San Juan Bautista, California where Harriet knew the Emerald Lady had a shop, Harriet grew concerned.

  “Excuse me, driver, didn’t we pass the street where the Emerald Lady’s shop is here in town?”

  The driver didn’t flinch nor look around. “I have my orders and we should be there shortly.”

  Harriet sat back and decided to enjoy the scenery. The rolling fields of growing garlic laid out as far as the eye could see. She noticed the smell of garlic never entering the car.

  The driver drove up a road that took them high up into a mountain. She knew they were somewhere off of 152 Pacheco Pass because she saw the mountain top that was called the Mysterious Mountain Top. She had toured it when she was a young girl and a member of a local Firecamp Girls Troop.

  As he drove around curve after curve Harriet saw some of the most spectacular views she’d ever seen. The view alone had to mean wherever they were going the property had to be worth millions.

  Finally, A Hacienda Villa came into view.

  The first thing Harriet saw was a large number of expensive-looking cars parked along the massive circular driveway. There was every kind of car you could think of from Mercedes to Cadillacs. She even saw Audios, Porsches, and BMWs too. Harriet knew many of the cars were so expensive they were one of a kind.

  The driver seemed to know where he was going and pulled into a side courtyard on the side of the house.

  Once he opened the door of the car and then led Harriet down the courtyard and inside the villa.

  When they entered the villa Harriet just knew a party was going on. She didn’t feel scared if so, many people were around, and she was sure nothing bad could happen to her.

  Harriet looked around and saw women dressed in everything from sequined strapless gowns to seductive lacy lingerie. She curiously took in her surroundings.

  When she looked around again and saw The Emerald Lady. Harriet tensed up when she saw the expression on Lady Emerald’s face. She could see her eyes narrowing as she focused, her gaze on Harriet.

  “Harriet my girl, I’m so happy you could join us,” Lady Emerald said through clenched teeth. “Will you follow me, please?”

  Harriet knew she had to do as she was told.

  The Emerald Lady led Harriet up a flight of stairs and into a bedroom. Harriet watched as she walked over to a closet and opened it.

  As you can see Harriet there is a private party going on here at my home and you are not dressed for it.”

  “Sorry, but I didn’t know or else I would have brought my party dress,” Harriet joked.

  Lady Emerald raised her eyebrows. That is why were are here in this room. “Here put this on and be sure to remove your underwear.”

  Harriet gasped and then shut her mouth as she stared at the outfit the Emerald Lady was handing her. It was the most beautiful sexy lace black Lingerie long dress Harriet had ever seen. Along with it, was a sheer see-through kimono robe with feather boa trim.

  Harriet looked back at the Emerald Lady unsure of what to do.

  “What are you waiting for put it on,” The Emerald Lady commanded.

  Harriet stood there in stunned silence not knowing if she really should put it on. She knew her nipples would be showing. “Ah, I’m going to look naked in this.”

  The Emerald Lady chuckled. “If you don’t hurry, I can have someone help you get dressed, but I can’t assure you it won’t be very fun. That my dear is up to you.”

  Quickly Harriet did as she was told.

  The Emerald Lady began speaking. “So, Miss Harriet as you know you owe me the sum of $10,000.00. If I let you get away without paying me word will get out and I’m sure you can guess it would not be good for my business.”

  Just as Harriet finished dressing and walked back into view. The Emerald Lady stood frozen on the spot. As she inspected Harriet.

  Finally, she spoke and said. “My dear Harriet, you do not disappoint! You are endowed with great assets in the boob and booty department. I am sure you will do well tonight and pay off your debt with me very quickly. Here this mask will complete your outfit.”

  Harriet took the mask and really looked at the intricate design. It was mesmerizingly beautiful. “This is exquisite,” she said.

  The Emerald Lady smiled watching Harriet examine the mask. “Some say the mask is a show of freedom, but I feel it adds just the right touch of anonymity.”

  “I don’t understand,” Harriet said feeling naked in the sheer sexy garments she wore.

  The driver who had brought her instantly appeared at her side and handed her a drink. “Here drink this. You’ll need it.”

  Harriet went to say something, and her eyes captured the Emerald Lady’s she knew better than to protest. “She sipped the drink at first and then swallowed hard. The drink went down smoothly.

  Instantly she started to feel the effects from head to toe. Psychedelic images seemed to magically appear. Then Harriet felt the Emerald Lady take her hand. “Come now my child we have a party to attend.”

  The next thing Harriet knew, she was being introduced to a tall man. He was wearing an Egyptian pharaoh mask. The mask gave the man a ruler-like masculinity. For some strange reason, Harriet thought his eyes looked familiar. But for the life of her Harriet couldn’t place his eyes to a face or a name. She figured it had to do with the drink she had taken. She kept hearing Lady Emerald telling her he was the President and CEO of his own company.

  She heard the man tell Lady Emerald. “You found her! She’s the one I’ve been looking for,” the man said.

  “Is it alright if I take Harriet to our room now?” The man asked the Emerald Lady.

  “Yes, you know the way,” the Emerald Lady replied.

  The man took Harriet by the hand and gently led her down the massive hallway.

  When they got to the bedroom door. The man opened it and then lifted Harriet and carried her to the bed.

  Harriet remembered the bed was soft that he laid her on. When she felt her sheer boa robe being removed and then she felt the man’s large hands capture her breast and then his mouth found one of her nipples as he sucked and nibbled. She gasped with pleasure. He then left her nipple. He laid down on top of her and gave her what was possibly the hottest kiss she’d ever had as he kissed her passionately.

  When he ran his hands over her body, Harriet felt her body come to life. And when he cupped her black-lace-encased backside, handling her possessively, as if he was staking a claim to his territory, it made her feel horny.

  Harriet loved the pleasure he was giving her as he started trailing fiery kisses down the side of her neck heading back to her nipple.

  He stopped abruptly and said. “Harriet unzip my pants.”

  With trembling fingers, Harriet did as she was told. The sound of her unzipping his pants seemed loud to Harriet in the hush of the quiet room.

  His breathing increase as she felt the hardness of his cock as the zipper opened. At that moment she realized he wasn’t wearing any underwear and she reached in and stroked his cock.

  The man moaned.

  Harriet didn’t know why but she kept stroking his cock. His cock seemed to jump in her hand as if it had a mind of its own. She stroked the length of his penis and felt it’s strength she could feel her pussy getting wet with anticipation.

  The man was beautiful Harriet thought and the size of his cock excited her as she helped him take off his pants. He was standing in front of her as she lay on the bed, and she saw a drop of fluid peak out the tip of his cock and her eyes looked up at him as if asking his permission before she licked it with her tongue.

  “Would you like to suck it?” The man asked.

  Harriet nodded and licked her lips, wetting them so that the man’s cock could slide easily and then she took the man’s cock into her mouth. She found her rhythm and took him deep into her throat.

  When his fingers plunged deep inside her, moving in and out rhythmically, Harriet thought she was dreaming of the pleasure he was giving her.

  Minutes later when she felt his hands removed from her hot vagina Harriet moaned out. “I want more!”

  The next thing she knew, the man’s hard erection slipped in between her legs. Harriet gasped out in mesmerizing amazement at the feel of his huge cock, as he entered her. She knew it had to be of superhuman girth.

  “He is incredibly magnificent! Harriet thought, closing her eyes, as she moaned and screamed out with pleasure as he pushed himself further and further into her body, it was then Harriet realized that he was fucking her with passion. She could tell the man was enjoying every minute as he rammed her like a wild animal, and she was loving every minute of it too as wave upon wave of sensual pleasure coursed through her body.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25