Vicki Andree - The Legacy

Whos the new guy? Tim Young whispered into Leesa Lanes bejeweled ear. Everyones curious about Lyzas escort tonight. No one seems to know him from anywhere. Did she bring him from one of her long-distance projects?

Really, Tim, do you think I know all of Lyzas business? Were sisters, not clones.

Tim sounded desperate. Yes, but youre twins. You have some kind of special ESP, right? Dont hold out on us. He could be a good contact for future business. What family does he represent? Are they in investments, oil, real estate? Come on; give me some info!

Leesa chuckled. She knew Lyzas escort, but what little information she had about him would not be shared. She had made a pact with her sister not to reveal anything she knew about David Gabriel. But the fact that she knew so little made it difficult not to be drawn into the curiosity of the others.

Tim continued his speculation. Come on, what does he do? He reeks of power. What corporation does Daddy own? Now theres a confident man dancing with one of the richest women in the world.

They sat at a small table next to the expanse of polished hardwood dance floor inside the Lane Mansion. The slow dance music played by the full orchestra reflected Leesas mothers favorites from the forties. They sat alone at a table for eight. Leesa wanted to dance, but Tim wanted to talk. He wanted to ask questions about her sister. Questions, questions, questions. When will he shut up and ask me to dance? Finally Leesa could stand it no longer.

Get a grip, Tim. Maybe well find out something on the dance floor. She nodded toward the exquisite couple dancing past them in a slow, romantic clutch.

Tim jumped up, remembering both his manners and that his date was the daughter of the hostess. He held out his hand in an overdone gesture of gallantry.

May I have this dance, Miss Leesa?

She took hold of his hand. Id be delighted.

On the dance floor, he gently guided them through the crowd toward Lyza and her mystery date.

Didnt I see them together at the Lady Gaga concert last week?

She grinned, but could tell he was not amused. Like I said, Tim, I dont know. I dont have Lyzas calendar either, so give me a break. Theres a new guy in town. Get over it. Besides, you can relax; hes no threat to you!

All right. Ill get my information elsewhere. And if its true that you dont know anything, Ill be sure not to share what I find out. Take that, you wicked woman. He swung her around as the music switched from the slow dance to the fifties-style jitterbug.

Now this is more like it. Leesa laughed. Thank Heaven Mother only throws this benefit once a year.

Leesa smiled at Lyza across the crowded dance floor, giving her a thumbs-up behind Tims back. There would be questions tonight, but Leesa was assuring her sister that nothing had thus far been revealed. Then Leesa bumped into Gary and his dancing partner.

Oops, excuse us. Tim leaned over. Gary, didnt you escort Lyza to this shindig last year?

Guilty as charged. Last year, and each of the three years before. Leesa, remember how we all sneaked out early year before last and went bowling? He stopped short. Those were the days. Life goes on; maybe weve all grown up. I know you all thought I had a thing for her, and maybe I did at one time, but after the plane crash, she changed.

Garys date said, What! You cant be serious. I mean about the bowling.

Tim winked at Leesa. Oh, hes serious. Leesa and I went along, and it was a lot of fun. We got away with sneaking out and felt like successful criminals!

Evidently we did get away with it, because I got an invitation and had to come tonight. Gary gave his date a hug. But I forgive them. Julies wanted to attend the Save the Orchids benefit for years. Whos Lyzas date tonight?

Leesa rolled her eyes at Garys partner. Who cares? Oh, thats right, everybody! Leesa wasnt having fun anymore, so she decided to put speculation to an end. Hes our cousin from Indianapolis.

Gary looked ashen. Thats your cousin? No way. Cousins dont look at each other like that. Gary glared at Leesa. Youre lying.

Leesa pulled Tim between her and Gary, taking a step back. Youre being ridiculous, now lets be minding our own business.

The music ended. Tim and Leesa made their way back to their table, dodging people and chairs. Tim seated Leesa, then went for drinks. While Leesa sat alone, she eavesdropped on her parents conversation at the table next to hers.

Lawrence directed a question to his dripping-in-diamonds wife, Lana. Whos the young man?

Lana looked at the crowd spread before the head table. Oh, who? Where?

Several friends stopped talking with her as she stretched her neck to locate the elder (by eight minutes) of her two daughters. Yes, there she is. Oh, doesnt she look lovely tonight?