Crazy in Paradise Read online

  “I agree with Brad,” I said. “Based on experience, you’ve been hard to get hold of. We’re here now, so let’s get this over with.”

  Anger flashed across Tucker’s face and disappeared just as quickly. “Fine. Be at my office in two hours. And don’t be late since I’m being so accommodating.” He turned and walked away.

  “He’s definitely a man used to telling people what to do,” I said. “Dealing with him won’t be easy.”

  “What a tool,” Brad said. “Madison, you’re going to have to keep an eye on him. When you’re around him I’d keep one eye over your shoulder, if I were you.”

  “Calm down you two,” mother said. “Everything will be fine. Elizabeth wouldn’t leave her affairs in a mess. She was very organized. She would’ve left her paperwork in order, and clearly spelled out.”

  “I certainly hope so,” I said. “He acts like he has a personal stake in the estate and doesn’t want to share. And I hate the evasive way he answers my questions. Having to work with both him and his unfriendly assistant will drive me crazy for sure.”

  “He’ll loosen up when the two of you start working together on settling the estate,” mother said.

  “I still can’t believe that Elizabeth is dead,” I sighed. “First her death, then this ridiculous funeral, and now the reading of the will, which will make it seem even more final.”

  Brad tugged on one of my red curls. “I’ll find Dickie Vanderbilt and make sure everything has been taken care of. I wonder if anyone just calls him Dick.”

  The three of us laughed.

  “He prefers Richard,” I mimicked.

  My mother smiled. “Wasn’t he an odd little man? He stood at the podium and tried to solicit business!”

  “I’m going to walk around, say good bye to the lingerers and push them out the door,” I said.

  “Find out about the blonde who showed up at the end of the service,” Brad said.

  “You’re not going to try to pickup someone up at a funeral, are you?” I asked, staring at him. Brad stood six feet tall, with sun-bleached hair, and the look of the boy next-door.

  “Elizabeth would get a good laugh if I hooked up with a good-looking blonde at her funeral,” he said.

  “What about Madison? Maybe, we could find someone to introduce her to,” mother suggested.

  “Oh no, you don’t. You first. How about Brad and I fix you up with the man who had the naked hula girl on his shirt?”

  “And did you notice that the shirt gave the illusion you could see inside the grass skirt?” Brad said. “I’ll go deal with Richard. Madison, you get rid of the rest of the people and go find the blonde girl.”

  “What about me? What am I going to do?” Mother asked.

  “Behave yourself, and we’ll be right back. I know. Go outside and smoke.” Brad winked at her.

  “Nice, Brad, encouraging Mother to smoke. No ‘Son of the Year’ award for you.”

  Chapter 2

  “Here’s another charming house that’s been converted into commercial property,” mother said as we pulled into the driveway. “I don’t care for the idea, but I suppose anything is better than tearing it down and, heaven forbid, putting in a strip mall.”

  Tucker Davis’ office was located in an old one-story cottage-style house, painted sea blue, with tropical plants and palm trees in abundance. An old sailboat in the yard held up his sign.

  “I expected something chrome and glass,” I said. “Sterile, like his personality.”

  “Why couldn’t the reading of the will be done at Elizabeth’s?” Brad complained. “I guess I should be happy he agreed to do this today.”

  The three of us walked into Tucker’s office. “Here’s your chrome and glass,” my mother pointed out. “Nothing in here fits with the charm of the outside of the house.”

  Tucker appeared in the doorway of his office, his fake smile firmly in place. “Come in. I wasn’t sure you’d be on time.”

  “We could go sit in the car,” Brad said.

  Tucker laughed as if he thought what Brad said was the funniest thing he’d ever heard, and then he motioned to several chairs placed in front of his desk. He opened the folder in front of him. “The will is pretty cut and dried. Elizabeth was explicit in her wishes. The first part is legalese, sound mind and body, etc. And, as you are aware, she appointed me executor.”

  “What did she say exactly?” I asked. “Since you insisted on a formal reading, we’d like to hear what she wrote instead of a summary.”

  “This is the way I conduct these types of proceedings,” Tucker said. “I’ll read the sections that pertain to each of you. Once the will is filed with the court, Ann will send copies out, and you can go over every word in detail. Now let’s get started.” He put on his glasses, shuffled through the papers and began reading.

  “Madeline, Madison and Brad, you are the three people I loved most in the world. I’m sorry this day has come. I wanted you to know I was the lucky one to have had all of you as my family. First, to Madeline, my sister and best friend, thank you for sharing your children with me. They were my greatest joy. Because of your generosity, I never missed having children of my own. I’m leaving you all of my jewelry that you loved so much.” Tucker stopped to pour himself a glass of water, not offering us anything.

  “Mother, are you okay?” I asked.

  “I loved her jewelry,” she said. “I want to go back to last week when I could call and ask her to borrow a necklace or a bracelet and she would send it to me. Two months ago, when we had lunch in Myrtle Beach she gave me her emerald bracelet because she knew I loved it.”

  Tucker looked at us. “Can I continue?”

  I nodded, thinking how truly insensitive he was.

  “Brad, you were like a son to me. I was extremely proud of you. I enjoyed our business ventures. They were not only fun but profitable. My favorite was the commercial fishing. It was hard work, but being on the water with the wind and the sun in my face, there’s no better way to spend a day. As you are aware, I’ve several accounts at Tarpon Cove Bank to be transferred to you and your sister. Go and see Hank at the bank. He has all of the necessary paperwork.”

  “Elizabeth left this envelope for you,” Tucker said, handing it to Brad. “She also transferred to you her share in all of the business interests you own together. All loans have been paid in full.”

  Tucker looked back at the documents before him. “Now for you, Madison. You’re like a daughter to me and, as you got older, a trusted friend as well. I want you to have the happy life you deserve. Take the letter I left for you, brew a cup of tea, sit by the window, and read it in a private moment. You’re to receive the rest of my estate, which includes The Tarpon Cove Cottages. The property is a big responsibility and I know you’re up to the challenge. Tucker can answer any questions that come up.”

  “This concludes the reading,” Tucker said. “And as I mentioned, each of you will receive a copy in a couple of weeks, and you can read the will in its entirety.” He closed the file. “There’s one last issue. I understand you’re staying in Elizabeth’s house, Madison. Since the Cove Road property wasn’t covered in her will, it’ll be sold and divided accordingly and you’ll need to vacate as soon as possible”

  “I’m not moving anywhere,” I told him. “I’m surprised Elizabeth didn’t tell you, but my name was put on the deed years ago with right of survivorship. The house is mine now. Since I plan to stay, I’m making Cove Road my home. You can send any correspondence to me there.”

  “No, I wasn’t aware,” Tucker said looking unhappy over the new information. “In any case, I’ll be checking with the county recorder to make sure the deed is in order. Elizabeth also wanted me to give you this.” He handed me a small skeleton key. “She left no further instructions. I assume you know what it goes to.”

  I nodded. I knew exactly what the key fit.

  “I have received an offer for the house,” Tucker told me.

  “I’m not interested in selling.
”

  “At our next meeting we can go over the contract. It’s a package deal that includes the cottages. It’s a very good deal. You should give the idea some thought,” he insisted.

  I shook my head at him. “Tarpon Cove is my home now.”

  “This concludes everything we needed to discuss today,” Tucker said, sounding a bit irritated, and then turned to me.

  “In the next couple of weeks I’ll be setting up meetings with you to discuss The Cottages and go over current and future management issues. The property needs hands-on attention, but right now, everything is running smoothly.” He stood up, crossed to the door and held it open. “Thank you for coming.”

  After leaving Tucker’s frigid office – in more ways than one – and returning to the heat of the evening, Brad said, “Let’s go to dinner at The Crab Shack and celebrate Elizabeth.”

  “Since the three of us are together it’s a good time for a family meeting,” Madeline said. “So much has happened in a short amount of time.”

  * * *

  The Crab Shack sat off the main highway that looked out over the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant had a low-key atmosphere, decorated with fake palm trees and fish mounted on walls strung with ropes of lights. Elizabeth had had a few favorite restaurants and this one was at the top of her list.

  Brad raised his bottle of beer. “To Elizabeth, sister, aunt, second mother, and the woman we all loved. We celebrate her life.” We lifted our glasses in tribute.

  “I call to order the meeting of the Westin family,” Madeline said. “All members are present, including Elizabeth. She’ll watch over all of us like a guardian angel.”

  “Mother, you first,” I said.

  “One thing we’ve learned over the past few days is that the people you love shouldn’t be taken for granted,” Mother smiled at me and Brad. “One never knows what the morning will bring.”

  “You were a better mother than we sometimes deserved,” I said. “You stepped up when dad died, and filled the void, being both mother and father.”

  Brad put his arm around Mother. “Don’t get all teary-eyed.”

  “Since I’m first,” Mother began, “my news is that I’m moving to South Miami to be near the both of you. Brad is already here, and I was sure you would stay, Madison. The reason I stayed in Miami for the last few days was to finalize the paperwork on a house I bought in Coral Gables. It’ll be ready to move into in about three weeks.”

  “Wow.” I exhaled, realizing I’d been holding my breath.

  “I’m returning to South Carolina in the morning to pack. When I get back we’ll be a family again, close enough to get together for dinners and holidays,” she finished.

  “That’s a great idea,” I said. “I love that we’ll be living close to one another.”

  “I agree with Madison,” Brad said.

  “I’ll go last,” I said. “You’re up next Brad.”

  “I can’t top Mother. I live the farthest away, but it’s only an hour’s drive to the Everglades. Come and visit me a few times and you’ll love it as much as I do.”

  “You need to be on top of your game with Tucker Davis,” Brad said to me. “When you meet with him, be clear with what you expect. He works for you. He came across as manipulative, and nothing gets done unless it’s his idea.” He finished off his beer, signaling the waiter for another one. “Now that you’re going to be living here, I want you both to promise to come to The Glades and hunt alligators,” he smiled, as we rolled our eyes.

  “Mother,” he continued, “anything you need to make your move go smoothly, just call Madison,” he laughed at me. “She can take care of everything.”

  “You’re not funny. Mother knows she can call anytime. I’m not the one joyriding out in the Gulf.”

  “That’s work. From my boat to your dinner plate.”

  “Stop you two.” Mother turned to me. “Your turn.”

  “Wait, who’s the blonde?” Brad asked.

  I ignored him. “Now that Elizabeth’s house is mine, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I promise to care for it and love it as much as Elizabeth did. I’ve lots of decisions to make, and I plan to take my time. Mother, could you add my boxes on the back of your moving truck? That will save me a trip back. Jazz is here with me.”

  “How’d he like the trip?” Brad asked.

  “I had to get him a kitty tranquilizer. Otherwise, he would’ve howled the entire flight. He likes the house, more room for him to roam around.”

  “Madison,” Mother began, looking at me closely. “I’ve watched you carefully over the last couple of days; you’ve changed in many ways. We’ve a lot of catching up to do.”

  Where was this conversation going? Brad was smiling at me; a ‘you’re in trouble now’ look on his face.

  “I think you’ve been holding out on your dear mother,” she continued. “When I get back, we’ll have a girl lunch. I look forward to catching up,” she smiled.

  “Mother,” I said. “Of course, I’ve changed. I was married for five years, now I’m divorced and starting over again. Now a lot more changes are on the way as Elizabeth left me a lot of responsibility, and I want to show her that this faith in me wasn’t misguided. What I need from you is to balance being a mother with being a friend.” I picked the sand dollars and starfish out of the centerpiece and made piles on the table.

  “You’re paying for that mess,” Mother scolded.

  “I’ll put them back.”

  “When did you get so direct?” Mother asked.

  “Less confusion with direct. Lets people know exactly where you stand and how much you’re willing to put up with.”

  “You’re going to need to use your new attitude in dealing with that attorney of yours,” Brad said.

  I rolled my eyes at my brother. “I can do this.” It had been a long time since I made all of my own decisions. I was going to show my mother, brother, and myself that I could do it.

  “Mother,” I mouthed to Brad. I wanted him to understand if Mother was going to go into over protective mode, I would reroute her in his direction.

  Brad laughed and shook his head.

  “Are we ready to adjourn this family meeting?” Mother asked.

  “Not quite yet. What did you find out about the blonde?” Brad asked.

  “Her name’s Julie,” I told him. “Her son Liam is ten years old and mature for his age. Talking to him was like talking to an adult. She’s single, and no mention of a boyfriend. She lives at The Cottages, does voices for cartoons, and Liam told me she dances at night. She did a couple of cartoon voices for me, and Liam had a few voices of his own to show off.”

  “Great info, sis.”

  “I enjoyed the conversation. I liked her and her son. If you get involved with her, she’s a package deal, complete with a child. Are you grown-up enough for that?”

  “Next time I visit, we’ll go to The Cottages and you can introduce me,” he winked.

  “Do you want to stay with me tonight, Mother?” I asked.

  “I’m driving back to Miami. I have an early flight in the morning and the airport is a lot closer.”

  “When you’re settled in your new house we’ll throw a family party and invite new friends,” I suggested.

  “Let’s toast,” Brad said. “To new beginnings here in South Florida.”

  We raised our glasses.

  Chapter 3

  I drove up to my aunt’s house, stopped the car for a moment and stared at what was now my new home. My brother and I spent every summer of our childhood here. I always loved this place; it’s filled with happy memories.

  The house is located down a side road, off the main highway, in the outskirts of Tarpon Cove. It’s a two-story Key West-style home, with gingerbread trim and a large porch wrapping around the entire perimeter of the second story. I pulled my Tahoe in the driveway, opened the gate, and pulled into the courtyard, which could easily hold two cars.

  I walked around the back, and throug
h the pool area, which had always been my favorite part of the house. I used to sit outside under an umbrella and read, and then dive into the cool water whenever the spirit moved me. I looked forward to doing just that on a regular basis.

  I walked across the patio area and came to an abrupt stop. An exceedingly good-looking man appeared to be asleep in one of the chaise lounges.

  “Excuse me!” I called. Wow, he’s good looking.

  He opened his eyes and slowly looked me up and down. They were a deep indigo color and he had jet-black hair.

  “Who are you?” I asked, though honestly, I didn’t care. I just wanted to keep him.

  “I’m a friend of Elizabeth’s.”

  At this point, anyone could say they had been her friend.

  “Zach Lazarro. Surely she mentioned me?” He showed some teeth, which he probably thought passed for a smile. “She talked a lot about you, Madison.”

  Aunt Elizabeth, I thought, you held out on me in a big way. You never mentioned this hunk of hotness. I noticed blood seeping through his shirt from the shoulder area. “Why are you bleeding?” I asked, trying to stay calm.

  “A band aid or two and I’ll be on my way.”

  “I’m calling 911.”

  “No, don’t. Please don’t call. There’ll be lots of questions I don’t want to answer.”

  “You’re not dying on my patio.”

  “I promise,” he smirked.

  “I’m either calling a doctor or 911. Your choice.” I was probably overreacting, but I wasn’t going to take the chance.

  “I’ll leave.” He tried to stand up, sucked in his breath, pain etched on his face, and he quickly sat back down.

  “Leaving isn’t one of your choices,” I told him.

  “You’re a tough one, just like Elizabeth.”

  I rummaged around in my purse and found my cell phone. “Well?”

  “Call Doc Rivers over on Beach Road. Tell him you’re calling for Anthony.”

  I dialed 411 and the operator was in the process of connecting me. I swiveled the phone away from my mouth and looked at my patient. “I thought you said your name was Zach?” I questioned.