Free Dear Mystery Guy (Magnolia Sisters Book 1) by Brenda Barrett Page A

hers when she gave her speech. After she had finished speaking she quoted the poem No More Smalling Up Of Me by Jean Wilson.
    Della could remember it now. She let herself out of the apartment, silently quoting it.
    There's no obstacle so bold
    As to dare stand in my way.
    I am taking back my life,
    And I am doing it today....
    She had gone to the library at the home and looked up the poem, memorizing it in its entirety and from then on it had become her New Year's mantra.
    Those were good times. She sat on the stone bench under a poui tree at the front of the building. It was a cloudless day, and cool. She wrapped her hands around herself and looked around her. Most of the parking spaces were empty. The occupants of the apartment were mostly single working class people. Maybe most of them had gone to spend time with their family in the country or maybe they had gone out because the place was eerily quiet.
    Hazel drove up in a new black town car ten minutes later. Della's eyes widened.
    "What happened to the old car?" she signed.
    Hazel laughed. "At home. That was the helper's car. Because I am now the wife of a wealthy man, I can drive this and any other car I desire."
    Della nodded. "Okay then."
    "You want my old car so you won't have to take the bus anymore?" Hazel asked, "I could loan it to you."
    "Are you serious?" Della signed excitedly.
    "Yes." Hazel shrugged. "I have always wished that you could have your own transportation to navigate around the place. Not that I think you can't do it on your own. I worry about you, you know. I know you love your independence and you are quite fine living alone but you are mute. It's like living in a country where most people don't speak your language. Suppose something happens on the bus and nobody understands sign language?"
    "You worry?" Della frowned. "Really?"
    "Yes." Hazel nodded. "We all do. When you left Magnolia House to live on your own, we were all terrified. I know you are the oldest and all, but you are the most vulnerable. You do realize that Patricia arranged for Keisha to be your roommate?"
    "I didn't know that." Della laughed. "I thought I got the place on my own and was fortunate to have a roommate who knew sign language."
    "As if we would be comfortable with you alone. I love you, girl," Hazel said, her eyes tearing up.
    Della reached over and hugged her.
    "You look sad," Della signed. "What's wrong?"
    "I am always sad at this time of the year." Hazel exhaled. "Remember, I returned to the home humbled, pregnant and clueless as to what happened to me. It was around this time. Well, the second day of January."
    "Yeah," Della nodded, "I wish you could remember what happened and who Sebastian's father is."
    Hazel shrugged. "I wish that you could remember too. Let's make that our New Year’s resolution."
    "If only it were so easy." Della smiled, "I don't make resolutions anymore."
    "Me either." Hazel said forlornly. She started the car. "So where are we going now?"
    "Norbrook," Della signed. "I just want to see where he lives."
    Hazel smiled. "Della is in love, na-na- na- na."
     
    *****
     
    112 Norbrook Drive was in an exclusive part of an already exclusive neighborhood. Della soon found out after Hazel slowly drove through the palm-lined neighborhood with the spacious yards and the large land spaces.
    "This is old money." Hazel whistled. "I have been here with Baron before. The Spanish ambassador lives over there." She pointed to a tall wrought iron gate that had a security post at the front.
    She cruised through the neighborhood some more and slowed down near the front of a mansion that had a pristine lawn.
    "Wow!" Hazel whispered. "Della, are you sure you saw 112 Norbrook Drive?"
    Della nodded, craning her neck past Hazel to see the house.
    "That's his vehicle in the porte-cochere." She pointed to a vehicle that was parked near the massive front door. She recognized the license plate number. She slid farther in her seat when she saw that he was at the door.
    "Is