Free Love's Paradise by Celeste O. Norfleet Page A

Louise sat down Sheri went back to her desk. “It’s good to see you, Mamma Lou.”
    â€œYou, too. Camille and I were chatting this morning and since I told her I’d be in town today she suggested I stop by and peek in on you this afternoon.”
    Sheri shook her head. Her grandmother always knew when she needed something. “I’m glad you did. It’s good to see you, Mamma Lou. I think I can use a friendly face right about now.” Her voice trailed off softly. Louise noticed instantly.
    â€œIt looks like Camille was right. You look troubled.”
    â€œI am. I just got back from Crescent Point and meeting with Jordan Hamilton,” Sheri began. Louise smiled. “No, Mamma Lou, it’s not what you think, trust me. I know you hoped at one time that he and I were a match, but believe me we’re not. You’re completely off on this one. We couldn’t be further apart. He’s the absolute last man on earth for me.”
    â€œAre you sure about that?” Louise asked as she remembered seeing the sparks of attraction in their eyes as soon as she introduced them at the party she gave months ago. It was unmistakable. She knewinstinctively they were the perfect match. Unfortunately sometimes people fought so hard to stay apart that they nearly missed what was right in front of them. She had no intention of letting that happen to Sheri and Jordan.
    â€œI’m completely sure. The man’s impossible. Talking to him is like banging your head against a brick wall. He’s stubborn and arrogant, and as far as I’m concerned he has no values, no ethics. I don’t know how anybody can actually work for him. He must be a tyrant.”
    â€œThat doesn’t sound like the Jordan Hamilton I know.”
    â€œTrust me, it is.”
    â€œHas something happened that I don’t know about?”
    Sheri spent the next ten minutes telling Louise exactly what happened at the construction site earlier. Louise asked a few questions and Sheri answered, trying her best to sound as unbiased as possible.
    â€œMy goodness,” Louise said. “The possibility of discovering the Crescent would be absolutely extraordinary. A find of this enormity couldn’t go unrecognized. It’s our collective responsibility to do something, at least to make sure one way or the other.”
    â€œI agree. But right now I’m at a loss. Jordan Hamilton is impossible.”
    â€œThat’s so unlike him. He and his brothers are wonderful, very caring and charitable men.”
    â€œNot in this case, not him. I have a phone call in to Jack in D.C. and I’m going to speak with Nolan later today and see what he can do to help. I’m also going to speak with Uncle Hal. My last resort is to get an injunction or something like that.”
    â€œAn injunction is pretty severe, don’t you think?”
    â€œNo, not at all. Jordan Hamilton was very emphatic about his position. He’s not going to allow us back on his property.”
    â€œI see. Well, speaking with your uncle is certainly an idea. I’m sure he’ll be able to mediate a resolution. But before you turn to such drastic measures, perhaps you’d allow me to possibly mediate a solution. Have you spoken to Jordan since this happened?”
    â€œNo, not really,” she said.
    â€œSometimes a nice quiet conversation is all that’s needed in situations like this. I’ll call and speak with him.”
    â€œI doubt you’ll get very far, Mamma Lou. Jordan Hamilton is the most, annoying, stubborn, insolent man I’ve ever met. He’s a total jerk.”
    â€œIs that so?” Louise said with added interest, trying her best not to appear as pleased as she was. To some without an ear for what was really going on, the conversation sounded hopeless. But sheknew better. Her plan was working out even better than she’d hoped.
    â€œWell, aside from all that, I’ll call and