Fly: A PORTAL Chronicles Novel (The PORTAL Chronicles) Read online

  I eyed him, impressed. “Unpredictable and wise.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far.” He smiled. “I’ve just had a lot of life lessons learned the hard way.” I was about to ask him to elaborate when he said, “Here we are.” Reaching an elevator, I noticed there was no up or down button but a keypad. Everett quickly typed a series of numbers and the elevator door opened. “After you.” He bowed exaggeratedly.

  He’s funny and doesn’t take himself too seriously, to boot, I noted. I stepped into the elevator.

  “This is a private system that Brightman staff use to get around campus.”

  “And you have access how?” I asked.

  “I’ve got connections,” he explained with a wink, resurrecting some of my butterflies from their earlier death. “In fact, we’re going to meet one now.”

  Everett pushed a button with a giant “K” and the elevator door glided shut. In only a few seconds, it opened again to a dimly-lit stainless steel kitchen filled with gleaming appliances and shelves polished to a mirror shine.

  “Wow!” I breathed.

  “Come on,” Everett said. “We can leave your luggage here.” His warm hand enveloped mine sending another flutter through me.

  My mind begged to analyze all the possible meanings of our hand holding, but I quickly told myself it meant nothing and concentrated on keeping up as Everett led me through the kitchen.

  “Maddy?” Everett called.

  “Yes?” a soft, sweet voice answered.

  He lit up, pulling me faster. “I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s my favorite girl at Brightman.”

  I was surprised at the surge of jealousy that coursed through me then. Maddy? His girlfriend? It has to be. Why else would Everett be so obviously smitten? The kitchen must be their secret meeting place. Why did he drag me here? I longed to disappear as images of famous models and actresses flitted through my mind, each more beautiful than the next. A guy like Everett would only date a perfect, gorgeous girl like that. Maddy must be exquisite. But my renderings didn’t matter as I was about to find out for myself.

  “Maddy!” Everett exclaimed, loosing my hand to run to her.

  My heart fell. I looked up wondering what burgeoning beauty I’d behold to see Everett swoop an older, pleasantly plump woman into an enthusiastic hug. Though not the vivacious vixen I had pictured, she was beautiful in her own right.

  “What a nice surprise,” Maddy said, her round, angelic face aglow with delight. She produced a pair of glasses from her cloud of white curls. “Let me take a good look at you. You look more like a man every time I see you.”

  “Maddy,” Everett groaned, glancing at me.

  Following Everett’s gaze, she noticed me. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we had a guest in our midst, and a very pretty one at that.”

  “I brought someone special to meet you, Maddy.”

  The flutter went through me again. He thinks I’m special?

  “This is Sophie Cohen,” Everett introduced. “Sophie, this is Madeline Montclair, Brightman Academy’s Executive Chef.”

  “Oh, Sophie!” Maddy exclaimed. I swore I saw recognition then in her pale blue eyes. I couldn’t be sure but she did hug me like a long-lost child. “Please call me Maddy. It’s an honor to meet you.”

  An honor?

  “Sophie’s had a long trip and she hasn’t eaten,” Everett cut her off. While his tone was upbeat and friendly, his meaningful look was hard to miss. “Mind whipping something up?”

  Two could play this game. Maddy seemed to be expecting me or to at least know I was coming, but how? Before she could answer Everett, I cut in. “It’s so nice to meet you, too, Maddy. How have you heard about me?”

  “Oh, well, uh—” she stammered. Her cherub cheeks glowed peachy pink.

  “Didn’t you mention Dr. Smitherson is a close family friend?” Everett asked me. “He must have told the staff about you.”

  “Yes! Just this morning at Staff Orientation!” Maddy nodded overzealously.

  I frowned at them both.

  “Well, glad we got to the bottom of it,” Everett laughed awkwardly. “Now, about dinner?”

  “It would be my pleasure,” Maddy said, taking off for an opposite corner of the kitchen. She flicked lights on as she went, her ample bottom trailing her like the bustle of a dress.

  “What was that about?” I asked under my breath. Everett frowned, looking confused. “I get the sense she already knows me, like, from before this morning.”

  “I didn’t notice anything.” I felt the warmth of Everett’s hand on the small of my back and suddenly found it hard to complete a thought. “Let’s sit,” he said, ushering me in the direction Maddy had gone.

  Everett led me to a small wooden table with two wooden chairs in a corner of the kitchen. He held out my chair and seated me before sitting opposite me. Taking in the kitchen, I decided that I liked the space. It had a magical quality, and despite the cold metal surroundings, felt cozy and safe.

  “Maddy’s the best cook,” Everett said, watching her work over a lit stove top nearby.

  The sounds of sizzling and bubbling filled the air, as well as a divine aroma, sending my stomach into tailspins. “Good. I’m famished.”

  “Then I had the right idea bringing you here.” His eyes twinkled, bright and jovial. “I’m glad you joined me.”

  Once again, the color of green in his sparkling eyes shocked me, and I held his gaze, inspecting every color.

  “What?” He smiled self-consciously.

  “Hmmm?” I asked absent-mindedly.

  “What does that look mean?”

  I realized I was staring. “Sorry. I’m a little exhausted. I think my brain shut down for a moment,” I lied. Embarrassed, I turned to watch Maddy expertly season her dishes with spices from pretty glass containers, humming happily as she worked. “I wonder what she’s making.”

  Everett leaned in. “Whatever it is, it will be exactly what you’re craving. She has a gift. She can read people.” He laughed to himself. “Or maybe her food is so good that whatever it is, after you eat it, you just think it was what you were craving because it hit the spot.”

  We watched Maddy in silence for a time until I felt the heat of Everett’s gaze shift to me. “What brings you to Brightman?” I met his eyes to find I was right. Chin propped on hand, the full force of his eyes rested on me, leaving me breathless.

  “My dad enrolled me without my knowledge,” I blurted, surprised for the second time at my honesty. I didn’t know if I had it in me to relive the story again after rehashing it on the plane with Gloria.

  He nodded, surprisingly unfazed by my confession. “And he didn’t tell you about it until yesterday.”

  “Yup. Right before our going away party.”

  “Wait! Didn’t the going away party tip you off?”

  “No. My dad changes jobs frequently and we usually throw a big party before we move somewhere new to say our goodbyes and thank the friends we’ve made during our stay. But things were different this time.” It took great effort to push down my tears, causing them to form a burning ball in my throat. I fidgeted with the cloth napkin on the table.

  “How’d he break the news?” Everett gently asked.

  “Clumsily,” I scoffed. “It was a huge mess.”

  “If it’s any consolation, I think you’ll really like Brightman.”

  “You already said that.”

  Everett stilled my hand with his. “Trust me.” I looked up to sympathetic eyes. “Anything you need, just ask. I’m here.”

  I studied the look on his face — in his eyes — realizing he truly meant it. There was a sincerity about him that I liked, giving me the impression he wasn’t saying it for show, but because he was intentional and kind. Though it felt like we’d been friends for ages, not hours, I didn’t understand how he could have so much compassion for me. The look he gave me was innocent, yet intimate enough to take my breath away. I held his gaze, somehow comfortable now under the weight
of it.

  The spell was abruptly broken by Maddy’s call. “The food is about ready.” Everett quickly removed his hand from mine as she turned to look at us from her workspace. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “How about some of the grape sodas Vinny brought from Italy?” Everett suggested, rising from the table.

  “Don’t be silly. You keep Sophie company,” Maddy said, turning to leave.

  “Vinny is a family friend who owns an Italian restaurant nearby,” Everett explained. “Every summer, he visits his family in Italy and brings back these amazing grape sodas made at a small winery near his hometown. I paid him to bring back a stash just for me this time. I’m slightly addicted.”

  Maddy returned with two ornate glass bottles. “Thanks, Maddy,” we said in unison. She squeezed my shoulder and smiled warmly before going.

  Everett popped open a bottle and handed it to me.

  “What if I hate it?” I asked.

  “You won’t.”

  One sip and I was hooked. Cold, sweet, and delicious, I savored the effervescent liquid as it bubbled its way to my stomach. “It’s really good,” I conceded.

  “Told you.”

  A moment later, Maddy placed a tray of hot soup and sandwiches before us. The smell was even more wonderful up close, but I couldn’t place it. “Baked potato soup and BLTs,” she said, serving us. “Bon appetit!”

  I gaped in shock, staring at the food, the lump in my throat suddenly back in full force. What was with me? Everett didn’t take the cake for most mood swings after all. I was an emotional wreck.

  “Thanks, Maddy. This looks great,” Everett smiled up at her.

  “You’re very welcome,” she said, bending and kissing his forehead. “Now eat up while I clean the mess I made.”

  Everett turned to me. “Go ahead.” I searched his face, thinking maybe this was a joke he was in on. His smile faded as concern clouded his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  “How did you know?” I demanded, trying not to cry.

  “How did I know what?” he retorted, looking every bit confused.

  Realizing I was being foolish, I reined in my emotions. I took a bite of soup. It was mind-alteringly good. I took another and another, hoping Everett would let my antics drop.

  “What’ going on?” he quietly asked.

  I stopped and looked up at him, chewing slowly. “My mom—” I said, trying unsuccessfully to keep my voice from trembling. I took a deep breath and tried again. “My mom used to make this exact thing when either of us were sick or down in the dumps. It was sort of… our thing. I haven’t had it since she died when I was eight. In fact, this tastes exactly like she used to make it.”

  “You’re sad because it reminds you of your mom?” Everett asked.

  “Well, since Maddy seemed to know who I was, I thought for a second that she knew and made this on purpose. But that’s impossible,” I thought aloud. “I’m sure it’s a coincidence. I’m being paranoid.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss, Sophie. I know what it’s like to lose someone close to you.” Everett’s face fell. “The hardest part is the little things, like this, that catch you off guard and remind you of that person. I can tell you that, to my knowledge, it was totally unintentional.”

  “I’m sure this is comfort food to other people, too,” I shrugged, forcing a smile.

  We ate in silence, every bite total and utter perfection, and by the time we finished, a sense of well being had spread through me.

  “That was good!” I said, looking up from empty dishes.

  Everett watched me with an amused expression, his head once again propped on his hand. “I don’t think you took a breath the whole time,” he said. “But at least you savor your food. I ate so fast that I don’t think I even tasted it.”

  “That’s a shame, because it was delicious,” I shot back. I drained the rest of my soda, feeling the consequences of overeating. “So, now what?” I asked.

  “Now I show you to your room,” came a deep voice from my right.

  A tall, brawny, older man with tidy hair and a white beard approached us. He wore a red tie and grey vest over a stark white business shirt with black suit pants and shiny black shoes. He was gentlemanly and handsome — not at all the ancient, spavined creature I’d imagined him to be.

  “Dr. Smitherson?” I guessed.

  “Correct,” the older man said, extending his hand. “Gabriel Smitherson. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sophie. Welcome to Brightman Academy.”

  Chapter 7

  Dream Room

  I’d been so wrapped up in eating and talking with Everett that I’d totally forgotten about meeting Dr. Smitherson. His warm smile and boyish blue eyes were disarming, and I immediately liked him. “Thank you. It’s so nice to meet you,” I replied, standing to greet him. His hands were strong and large, at least twice the size of mine. “Have we kept you waiting?”

  “No. Ol’ Everett here got word to me of where to find you two,” he replied, now shaking Everett’s hand. “Good to see you, Everett! Thanks for helping me on such short notice today.”

  “It was my pleasure,” Everett said, glancing at me.

  “Well, how was your trip?” Dr. Smitherson asked me, settling against a stainless steel counter.

  “Good,” I said. “It went by quickly.”

  “Good to hear. Is your father well?” he asked.

  “Yes, very well. His flight for Alaska left shortly after mine, so he should be there by now.” And then I thought to ask. “I don’t mean to be rude, but how do you two know each other? I only just heard about you last night, yet my dad spoke of you fondly. It seems you two were very close at one time.”

  “Yes, we were. Your father and I were roommates at school a good century or two ago.” He chuckled at his joke. “After college, we worked together for a time. He was like a brother. I knew your mother well too, but I unfortunately lost touch after she passed away.” Sorrow tainted his smile. “What good days those were. I admired your father a great deal, and still do. He’s a very good man in a day where good men are hard to come by.”

  I nodded in agreement, struggling not to think about Dad, the strain making me realize how utterly spent I was.

  “Is Sophie’s room ready? I’m sure she’s ready to call it a day,” Everett said, coming to my rescue. I suspected he’d been watching me again. Our eyes met and he gave me a warm smile.

  “I’m sorry,” Dr. Smitherson said. “Here I am babbling away like the old man that I am.” He gave a mischievous smile. “Let’s go. I’ll show you what we scrounged up for you, Sophie.”

  “Here we are. Room seven of Harmony Hall,” Dr. Smitherson said, pausing at a door with a large, brass seven on it. He took a key card from his vest and swiped it at the door. It unlocked with a high pitched beep and a metallic thud. Swinging the door open, he quickly turned his broad body to block our view.

  With a twinkle in his eyes, he said, “I promised your father I’d take the very best care of you, and I’m a man of my word. I hope you find your accommodations to your liking.” He smiled warmly. “Welcome home, Sophie.”

  He moved from the door to reveal a massive, lavishly decorated living room. I entered it, hardly able to breathe or believe my good fortune. Dark mahogany wood floors gleamed against light gold walls, connecting a sitting room made up of a huge fireplace, an oversized couch, two matching armchairs, and a luscious sheepskin rug. A glistening chandelier and a mirrored coffee table and side tables added sparkle to the room. A small kitchen gleamed further back with a fridge, deep sink, and granite countertops of browns and golds. The refrigerator door had been custom built to match the antique white cabinets, which popped against chocolate brown walls and a shimmering gold backsplash.

  “Wow!” I heard Everett exhale behind me.

  “I know, right!” I gasped. “Dr. Smitherson, this is too much.”

  “Nothing is too much for Evyatar’s daughter,” he replied. He crossed his arms with a determined look. �
�I promised him I’d take good care of you and this room is partially how I plan to do it.”

  “If you insist,” I said with a huge smile. Who was I to spoil his plans of accommodating me in a luxury suite? I felt the need to unpack immediately in case he changed his mind. And then I remembered. “My luggage! We left it in the kitchen.”

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of having the maids bring up your bags and unpack them while you were eating,” Dr. Smitherson said matter-of-factly.

  “Maids?”

  “Yes. They come every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to tidy up the place.”

  “Oh.”

  Gesturing to double doors to the right of the kitchen, he said, “Make sure everything is to your liking in your bedroom.”

  I entered and was again blown away. The walls were covered in wallpaper of a beautiful, scrawling print, the lights teals and silvers of it matching the silky teal duvet cover of the king-size bed, which was covered in countless pillows. Another chandelier hung over the bed, its dim light glinting off the walls and giving the room a magical feel. The perfect finishing touch was the framed picture of Dad and I that sat on a nightstand by a small bouquet of hydrangeas. I could cry it was all so perfect.

  The bathroom was next. It was gorgeous with heated marble floors, a large, framed mirror that looked like an expensive piece of art, and a deep vanity sink. In one corner of the room was an intricately tiled shower where my bath products had been neatly set out, and in the other corner a toilet. In the middle of the two was a large bathtub with jets. Overwhelmed with glee, I jumped into the tub.

  “What are you doing?” Everett laughed, following me into the bathroom. “You know you’re not supposed to bathe in your clothes, right?”

  I laughed with him. “I couldn’t help myself. I had to try it out.”

  “It’s as big as an outdoor Jacuzzi,” he mused, sitting on the edge.

  “I know! Isn’t it great,” I said, sinking down further into the empty tub. A look of mischief crossed his face and he turned the water on and ran from the room, leaving me scrambling to get out. It was but a second later that I heard his impressed whistle. “Have you seen your closet? It’s huge!”