Rhona's Phoenix

About Rhona’s Phoenix

Before the Party

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

After the Party

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Gone 13-18

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Returned?

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Drascle

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Re-vitality

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Last Party

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Reading Guide Questions and Answers

Bonus Excerpt

Coming Titles

Meet the Author

Contact the Author

About Rhona’s Phoenix

Save me safely,

Pull me higher,

From the flames of

Engulfing fire.

How I need your strength,

Save me safely away.

Phoenix is a slang term used to refer to any person who had undergone a dramatic change in appearance for the better. The term is especially applicable when the change happens over a relatively short period of time or during an interim, such as over the summer break from school. Examples include the short, skinny guy who grows six inches and gains twenty pounds of muscle, or the plain girl who gets a makeover and a fashion-forward wardrobe, between the end of one school year and the start of the next. One who has phoenixed will often become instantly popular and will separate themselves from their past image as if he or she has been reborn from the ashes of the former self, which has been burned and no longer exists.

To phoenix is the dream of many within the student bodies everywhere but few will ever experience it. To phoenix is to become, which is the dream of most people all over the world.

^

Prologue

Lunch with Lee was set for the exclusive steakhouse where people like his father went for a one hour, one hundred dollar break from the monotony of their high-powered jobs. It had been three years so he obviously meant for it to be a celebration, a welcome home, if I do say so myself. He would never say that but his text message said it all. He had invited his five closest friends: Ioni MacDonald, Daia Browning, Carlo Ghant, Ben Musselman, Peter Anderson. He had invited them to go to a place they could never afford where they would have been turned away on first glance. Lee, however, was a Dunn and his father was the mayor of Burnet.

Lee sent the text on the previous day, the first day he had stepped foot in Burnet in, literally, three years. Due to the fact that he was super smart and had all the financial resources that a STEMs kid could need, he easily made his way into an elite technology program for high school students on the west coast. He might have been programming stealth crafts for the government or hacking into the networks of other countries or creating innovative systems for corporate America--they didn’t know. He hadn’t told them. The prince of Burnet had not been seen or heard from until the previous day, at least not to the knowledge of these five.

Burnet wasn’t a small town, but it wasn’t a city. It wasn’t a place where everyone knew each other and yet everyone knew Lee. His father was Kyle Dunn, the mayor, successful business owner, visionary and social advocate. Most importantly, the Dunns were pillars throughout the entire area. Wesley Dunn, Lee’s ancestor, had been a war hero who had returned to the town with military accolades and a future in politics. He had built Burnet and the surrounding areas into big business centers.

Names tended not to be of much value in Burnet except for people like the Dunns. As the only son of the only Dunn family still living in Burnet, Lee got a lot of exposure. He campaigned with his father, he had thrown the first baseball several times, he had always been there for the groundbreakings, official openings, and virtually any event with the least bit of merit. As a result, perhaps, he was the most outgoing guy on the planet. He wasn’t arrogant or a show-off. His first lessons in life must have been in sharing because he’d had to share the spotlight on the day he was born with his father who had just been elected mayor. Lee Dunn was synonymous with Burnet--he had been like a cornerstone of the place from his first day of life--and he had finally come home.

^

Chapter 1

Ioni MacDonald was the first to arrive to Dravers, the upper-upscale restaurant located in Emberton. She had managed to arrange a rideshare, even with the short notice, and had prowled the shops up and down the short blocks of the contrived little downtown. She would have to walk over to Dravers for their late lunch. She could have ridden her bike since it was less than a three mile trip but she wanted to be fresh for their meeting. Ioni had carefully looked over the restaurant’s website and while there was no specific dress code outlined there, she knew that sweaty mess would not be on the menu. A leisurely mid-morning perusing the over-priced boutiques and a snack of tea with fruit from the bustling coffee shop would suit her much better for the reunion.

Ioni was accustomed to being an unpaid assistant. She usually got and held the tables. She brought the napkins and extra condiments. She took requests for seconds and refilled glasses. She hadn’t done that much over the past years but she found herself falling right back into old habits as she pulled open the heavy wooden door and stepped into a brightly lit foyer.

A beautiful woman with long blonde hair that fell into soft curls at the ends looked up. She was wearing a burgundy blouse and a black jacket. Ioni moved forward in her dress, high-waisted and soft purple, which she had paired with a cropped ivory blazer. The woman’s outfit had probably cost three times that of Ioni’s and the bottom of her wasn’t even visible as she stood behind the desk. Ioni could see none of the dining areas.

Good afternoon, Ioni said. I am with the Dunn party.

The blonde seemed to freeze for several seconds. She didn’t speak or move. Then she blinked.

Wonderful! Well, no one else has arrived as yet. Would you like to wait here?

No, I’d much rather be seated all by myself so that everyone can see that I don’t have a thing to do, Ioni thought. She had the distinct impression that the blonde woman was nervous, but she would like to have said that she was also nervous and she would rather have gone anywhere other than Dravers, but she asked for the restroom instead.

The woman sauntered around the desk and revealed a slim black skirt with a burgundy pattern near the hem, long and tan dancer legs and cut-out booties. Her posture was perfect as she led Ioni to the left of the entrance and opened the door for the girl. Ioni and the blonde made eye contact as she went inside but no warmth was exchanged.

Ioni just wanted to kill time. She washed her hands, sampled the rich and lovely-scented lotion, fluffed her unmanageable hair and surveyed herself in the mirror. Three years earlier, she’d been shorter, heavier, short-haired, a little boyish.

What am I now?

There were familiar faces waiting to greet Ioni as soon as she stepped out of the restroom into the foyer. Daia, Ben and Peter were there and they must have received information that she had not. Ben and Peter were wearing jackets and Daia wore heels. On par, Daia was no better dressed than Ioni, though a bit more formal, but the guys looked extra nice. Maybe their parents had warned them that lunch with a Dunn at a nice restaurant was cause for something extra, as if they were hoping their sons might date him. This thought made Ioni smile at no one in particular but Peter’s smile back was unmistakable.

Is he here? Daia asked.

Are you kidding? Ben said too loudly.

His voice echoed around the foyer and the blonde looked annoyed. He lowered his voice when he spoke again.

You aren’t serious are you? Lee is the greatest but not with time. Lee is rubbish with time.

They all laughed, knowing he was right but also enjoying his use of a Briticism. He had been watching the BBC again.

So, Daia interjected softly, has he seen Rhona? Is Rhona coming?

Ben immediately chided Daia again.

Daia, you are on fire today, do you know that? How in the world is Rhona coming here?

The group was quiet. It seemed that each one attempted to answer this question honestly and to themselves.

I’m just guessing but I don’t think that Rhona is coming, Ioni said.

The sound of a car horn caught their attention. Ioni wondered how the blonde would feel about that. The four of them looked at each other with mixed emotions. They prepared themselves according to their own custom. Ioni moistened her lips. Then the wooden door flew open and daylight spilled in and they saw Carlo in a navy blazer and tie with a big smile on his face.

Guys, he said, you’re staring. Do I have something on my face?

Carlo stepped inside and the form that had blocked the light was replaced by a larger one. Lee, in a lightweight, long-sleeved sweater stood in the door with the light illuminating him. He smiled at each of them before stepping up to the desk. The blonde was tall but he towered a few inches over her.

Lee Dunn, he said.

We are so glad that you are here, the blonde said. We have a table ready for you.

Her eyes lingered on Lee far longer than they had on anyone else in their company. This was only natural of course. As she ushered them to the right of the entrance down a short walkway to the dining area, she reached up and smoothed down the rumpled collar on Lee’s light blue sweater. The guys snickered but Daia and Ioni just passed looks.

Inappropriate much?

It had been three years and Lee had grown taller and had developed his father’s lean, muscular physique but aside from those quite appealing aesthetic differences, he had not changed at all.

^

Chapter 2

Crab cakes, shrimp cocktails, lobster bisque, porterhouse steaks, filet mignon, and rack of lamb were some of the items that came and went. Ioni could not keep herself from running a tab in her head. She had almost memorized the menu and the prices, which had been published online but were absent on the one that she held in her hands. The night before, she had made up to order the salmon Caesar because it wasn’t too expensive but wasn't so modest that Lee would press her to order something more. Lee was aware of what money meant to his friends and he didn’t want them to skimp just because they couldn’t afford it themselves. It was a trait that people liked about him and exploited. The trouble was that he was completely insensitive to his friends’ feelings about him urging them to spend more of his money--his father’s money.

The conversation was uptight until dessert. Lee seemed happy but removed. He answered few questions about the past three years of his life but listened to their stories instead. His friends could have gone on all night. The new principal at the high school, the football team’s successes, who had broken up and gotten together, favorite hang-outs that had folded and favorite new spots that had replaced them--he seemed interested in all of these but none of them lit the spark. Carlo was always the master of ceremonies and kept things flowing well. Still, there was an invisible wedge disjoining them that no amount of smiles or laughter could remove until three bowls were set on the table.

By that time, they were the only ones in the grand, open room. Beautifully presented strawberry shortcake--red, white, creamy, fluffy accompanied by the scent of vanilla and cinnamon-- sang to them. Daia shook her head saying she couldn’t possibly eat any more.

No, Peter objected as well. You know I only eat cake with fruit in it.

Peter smiled slyly and then cracked up. It was unlikely that the elegant dining room had experienced such laughter. That settled it. All six of them took their spoons in hand.

You guys, we’re splitting these because you know it has bourbon in it, Lee said, carving out a sizable spoonful and gobbling it down.

They laughed and ate suddenly as if no time had passed out all. There had been countless times when they had shared their food in this way--ice cream, nachos, pizza, pancakes. The guys were usually two to one, the girls were always three to one. With things more relaxed, Lee told them more about completing the grueling technology program. He told them about the sleepless nights, down-to-the-wire close calls at the end of every semester, ant infestations in the dorm, food poisoning, his roommate’s hover-copter mom and the food she brought every other day that kept Lee smelling like Indian spices. He told them that he’d been assigned to a team that he’d had to work with for the entire three years. Poor replacements for his real friends, he’d said.

Everyone was feeling good, Ioni could tell. She and Daia left a big chunk of the dessert in the bowl, an offering to some needy, wandering spirit. All of them breathed deeply and looked satisfied. They had let their guards down. Lee had just tucked a credit card into the leather bill folder and rubbed his hands together.

It’s too bad Rhona couldn’t be here.

Ben did not notice the reaction of the others. He chuckled before he spoke.

Rhona who?

Lee smiled and leaned way back in his chair.

You don’t know Rhona? She is the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen. If you don’t know Rhona, you don’t know jack.

Lee laughed and the others laughed. Ben was unfazed. He chuckled again and stood.

Oh, that Rhona.

Their waiter bowed somewhat and slid the bill folder off of the table with a smile, perhaps taking their mirth as a favorable sign. Ben followed the waiter to the bathroom. Only Lee had reason to stay while they ran his credit card so there was a flurry of movement. Peter had been sitting between Ioni and Lee. He hopped up, dropped his hands on Ioni’s shoulders and gave a squeeze, then helped Daia out of her chair. The jackets had made an extraordinary difference on the behavior of the boys, especially Peter, whose table manners were impressive.

We’ve got to run, Lee, Peter said.

Well, I don’t, Daia said, but I rode with him.

Lee stood.

I can take you home.

Daia didn’t seem to know how to respond to Lee’s offer.

Uh, no, Daia, remember, you were supposed to …

Daia nodded slowly.

Right! What was I thinking? Well, it was fab seeing you Lee. You are even sexier than you were before.

There was surprised and uncomfortable laughter.

Thanks?

You said there was bourbon in that? I think I may have had too much!

Daia went to Lee and gave him a long hug. She said something to him quietly so that the others could not hear. Peter went next and the two shook hands. Ioni wondered why this had only come after the meal.

I better go, too, Carlo said. I’m supposed to get the car back before my mom has to go to work. You got my new number, right?

Lee shrugged.

Come by the house this week. I don’t have anything to do.

Ioni and Daia’s eyes came together like magnets. Daia motioned with her hand, urging Ioni to call her. Then she, Peter and Carlo all headed toward the foyer. Lee looked at Ioni, still sitting in her chair.

Just you and me, huh?

Lee walked to the girl and helped her up. Ioni smiled up at him.

Just you and me, she said.

And Ben, Lee said, his face quizzical.

Uh, Lee, Ben left.

Ioni didn’t know how she knew that, or maybe she did. The remaining two strolled to the foyer and out into the sunlight.

The parking lot was almost empty. The dusky Audi that practically sparkled could not have been a more obvious fit for the tall, dark-haired boy. It was probably just as obvious that there was no vehicle Ioni could have driven there.

How did you get here? Lee asked.

Rideshare, she said.

Ioni knew she had to make a decision fast but she was having a hard time. Should she ask him for a ride or work something else out?

Isn’t that like hitchhiking?

Hitchhiking? No! Technology is involved. I thought you liked technology.

Lee smiled and shook his head.

Get in my car.

Ioni felt rooted to the spot where she was. She still hadn’t made a decision. Crunch time. If she got in the car with him, she knew what would happen. She had gone over and over this in her head already because she had known that it would happen sooner or later. That didn’t make it easier. Ioni rehearsed things, that was her secret, that was her key, and it enabled her to feel confident and poised but it was labor intensive, time consuming. She wasn’t at all certain that it would even help in this situation.

She sighed. She realized that she had made a decision when she allowed her butt to linger on the plush seat inside of the Dravers steakhouse.

They walked to the car.

^

Chapter 3

It’s only a three mile ride, how much can we discuss during a three mile ride?

Ioni soothed herself by asking this question.

The car was luxurious inside. It was rich and cool enough with the air conditioning blowing for her to fly into a state of denial even though it was nothing like the cars that Lee’s father had driven over the years. Lee was still modest--not modest like his friends who were lucky enough to have any vehicle, but modest for the likes of the Dunns and Everlys. The Everlys will inevitably come up, a hateful voice in the back of her mind whispered to her, but not for long, not on a three mile ride.

Lee still remembered the way to Ioni’s house. She could tell because he made all the right turns. Then, without warning he made a really wrong turn.

This looks totally different, he said, driving past a new strip of stores. Do you mind if we detour?

Ioni’s heart picked up speed.

Uh--

Lee pulled into the parking lot and parked. Ioni shifted in the nice seat, not as comfortable as it had been moments earlier.

You are almost like a stranger, aren’t you?

Lee pulled the key from the ignition and turned to her.

No. Why do you say that?

It’s been three years.

Ioni knew what she was doing but she could not stop herself. It felt as if the weight of everything had just broken her completely down.

That doesn’t mean that I am a stranger. This is my home.

Home is where the heart is, Ioni said, then swallowed hard.

Home is where the heart is, Lee repeated.

I wish that you had come back to visit, Lee. Even once. Even for a day. I wish that you had.

Lee turned back toward his window.

I’m here now.

When did you say you got in? Yesterday morning? Did you even go to see Rhona?

Lee sighed. Ioni swallowed again.

You’re so nosy, Ioni.

Lee hadn’t sounded angry but there was a hard edge in his voice, which she suddenly realized had deepened considerably during his time away.

"For your information, I tried to see Rhona as soon