Today was set to be one of change for certain. A representative from Sotheby’s was due to arrive at any moment to appraise the rings and list them for Kit. She headed into the front room and admired her grandmother’s Steinway. She had played so many pieces on that beautiful instrument. Although she felt melancholy as she stroked the keys, she knew letting Sully keep it would defeat the purpose. Although it was technically being repossessed, it would remain in her possession. Spencer deferred to her judgement. She wasn’t sure where it would be going in the interim.
The sound of the doorbell got her attention. She answered the door and greeted the appraiser. He spent his time thoughtfully evaluating all the rings. By the time he left, Kit had an auction date set. The representative had left with an armored briefcase that contained her grandmother’s rings.
Kit sighed, pleased with resolution, yet a bit surprised at how quickly everything was moving. She returned to the front room to take a moment and recollect her thoughts.
Ariana entered an hour later. “Mr. Donaldson is here with his client.”
She thanked her and ran out to the foyer, excited. “Mike, hello. Henri!”
He giggled and embraced her, giving her a kiss on each cheek. “Ma cheri like fine wine you better with age. Trés belle.”
She beamed with happiness. “I’m so glad you’re here. Business first, then fun?”
He nodded. “Your realtor Monsieur Donaldson has given me much information. I’d like to see for myself.”
She linked her arm in his. “I’ll personally give you a tour.”
After an extensive thirty-minute tour, Henri had made his mind up. He looked at her. “Remind me—le prix?”
She stared at him, then remembered he spoke in what she called ‘Frenglish’ a mix of French and English. “Oh! You mean my asking price?”
He giggled. “Oui, bien sur!”
She laughed. “Oh Henri, I had forgotten how much fun I have with you.”
She noticed her real estate agent within hearing distance. She proceeded confidently. “If you want to do month to month it’s one-hundred. If you want to pay up front, it’s nine-hundred annually.”
Henri thought about it for a moment. “I have no use for a studio where they make the records, Cheri. Make an entrance separate so I can hold parties.”
She smiled. “Deal. Except the Steinway piano is not included. I’ll have a new baby grand here before your move in date.” She called over her real estate agent. “Mr. Valois would like to proceed.”
Two hours later, Kit donned dark sunglasses and a large, floppy rimmed white hat, sunning herself on Joe’s one hundred-fifty-foot super yacht that gently bobbed in the waters of Marina Del Rey. She was relaxed and felt relieved. Henri had signed a one-year lease for her estate, electing to pay it all upfront in a wire transfer.
She took in her surroundings, relishing fond memories. When Joe put his roots down in Los Angeles, he had his yacht moved from Port Hercules in Monaco to Marina Del Rey. When he died, he left the yacht to Henri. Instead of having it shipped back to Port Hercules, Henri negotiated a deal with the city of Marina Del Rey in order to keep it where Joe had placed it. It was frequently used for business reasons, including a yacht charters and private parties. They were fortunate that there were no bookings for the day, so Henri suggested they take advantage of it. He approached her and handed her a glass of champagne.
She took it from him and grinned. “Thanks. I guess I underestimated how much I needed this.”
He sat across from her, crossed his legs and looked at her. “Mon dieu, Chaton, quell euphimiseme.”
She giggled. “In English please.”
He thought about it for a moment. “Aaah… understatement? Is that the word?”
She nodded. “Yes. Ok, I see where you’re coming from. Yes, it is an understatement.”
He waved his hand. “You must take better care, Chaton. Louez le grand mansion du fuisillade?”
Kit struggled to remember her high school French. “Why did I lease my house? I’m not sure of that last word.” He nodded and formed his fingers into a gun.
She sighed. “First of all merci beaucoup beaucoup for leasing it and for the year. I know you come to L.A. a lot and hate staying in hotels so it’s a win-win for you and me. It means a lot to the me and the McKenna family that someone who understands legacy will be staying there from time to time.”
She pressed her hands together and bowed to him in gratitude before continuing. “Secondly, yes, I can’t live there because of the shooting. It’s too much. And on top of that, it’s over with Sully. It’s now up to me to take the next step and make it a legal separation. I’m meeting with a divorce attorney in a few days. When it comes down to it, I just can’t be in that house anymore and I wanted to move as soon as possible and before he got home from finishing out his tour.”
Henri gasped, shocked by her words as he sat in front of her. Feeling deep compassion for her, he took both of her hands into his as he gazed into her eyes.
He spoke softly. “Oh Cheri, this makes me so sad. J’adore Sully beaucoup. What happened, Cheri?”
She shook her head, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Henri always did have a way of helping her release pent up emotions. He had a big heart and there were times his demeanor reminded her so much of Joe. The compassion, the caring, the deep empathy.
The tears started to flow as her voice trembled. “Too many drugs and a
