by Cee, DW
“Laney…” Mom was at a loss for words.
“Mom, I think someone might be at the door. I hear knocking. Could I call you back?”
“Sure, Sweetheart. Take care of yourself.”
“Bye, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I ran downstairs to greet my knocker.
“You’re still here.” There was a sweet-smiling Englishman at my door. “What’s the matter with your face?” His perfect smile deflated into a not-so-perfect frown.
“What kind of a greeting is that? Do over,” I said and closed the door on him.
He knocked on the door again and I opened.
What I expected was a, “Hello!” But what I got was a shocking kiss on the lips.
“You going to open your mouth so I can let you feel my tongue?” he asked with a grin. I shook my head no, wavering between laughing at Michael and giving him a cool set-down. “What’s with the funny look on your face?”
“I’m wondering if I should laugh with you or slap you.” I answered in all seriousness, just to freak him out.
“You should maybe consider kissing me back?” He took a giant step away, his eyes constantly monitoring my hands. I chose to laugh.
“You are a rascal, Michael Bennington. Stop stealing kisses from me!” I tried to sound stern, but it was impossible with a smile on my face. This man had a way of making me smile and turning a sour mood into a delightful one.
“I will not promise to stop stealing kisses, and I’m happy to be your rascal, chauffeur, tour guide, month-long lover...take your pick.”
“Why only month-long?” I joined in the humor.
“When I say month-long, I mean all month long, as in we don’t leave the house, month-long.”
“Got it. Um...which one shall I choose...I think I’ll have to choose the most desirable one, which would be…”
“...would be…?”
“The tour guide!” I pointed to an obvious taxi that was waiting for us, with the ticker going.
“Damn! I’ve wasted a lot of money on you, Ms. Reid. Let’s go.” He shooed me out the door and into the taxi.
“Why’d you stop by?” I’d forgotten to ask.
“What do you mean, why? I came by to take you to dinner, of course. I knew you wouldn’t know how to get to the restaurant, and thought I’d take a chance on you being home. Now my turn to ask—why had you been crying?”
“Oh.” I had forgotten about Donovan for a fun few minutes with Michael. “Mom,” was all the information I was willing to offer.
“You miss your Mum?” He offered solace by scooting closer and putting his arm around me. I stared at his hand that had firmly grabbed onto the top of my arm. “What can I do to make you feel better?” His hand gently pushed my head down onto his shoulder and caressed my head.
“Michael.” I warned. “You’re doing it again.”
“I’m only trying to make you feel better, Love.” He chuckled and there was no choice but to join him.
The ride to the restaurant was only minutes from both our places. We got into the restaurant and were seated in a very private, very cozy booth, side-by-side.
“Where will Ruby sit if we’re in such a small booth?”
“Well...hear me out.” Michael pleaded. “Give me one night to talk to you and to have you get to know me and me get to know you. Once we are acquainted, you’ll adore me and probably fall madly in love with me. I swear!” He spoke so fast I didn’t know if I caught all his words correctly.
“So, if I give you one dinner, you’ll try and impress me, and if I’m not impressed, I don’t ever have to spend another minute with you, ever again?” I asked innocently.
“Well...”
“Which is it? You were confident that after tonight, I would want to continue to get to know you. If not, we’re done. You want to put that much on the line?”
This time he didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I am that confident. Give me tonight, and I promise you we will become better friends, and possibly even lifelong best friends.”
I liked the confidence. “Let’s do it. You first.” I let him speak.
“I grew up mostly in London and did my undergrad and graduate studies in the States.”
“Is that how you speak such perfect American-English?”
“Yes. Your American-English grew on me and stuck. After getting an MBA, I am now about to jump into the family business.”
“And what’s the family business?”
“Our family holds a lot of land and property that my grandfather is too old to take care of, and my father would like to hand over to me. I need to bring everything up to date, so to speak.”
“What does that mean?”
“Grandfather still uses ledgers for his P&L sheet, and we have too many properties that need updating. Much work needs to done, but here I am obsessed with getting to know a blonde American beauty.” He smiled. “Tell me more about you.”
“But I thought this was me getting to know you?” I teased.
“I’m dying to know more about you. We can stay up all night talking if you like, but I’d like to know where you’re from, what you did for your eleventh birthday, what was your first pet—everything, give me everything about you.”
His ardor was humbling. “I’ve lived in Los Angeles all my life. My dad is number two in a line of five boys, and he and my mom are brilliant in what they do.”
“Your father, I know, is a surgeon, but what does your mother do?”
“She is non-paid professional party planner. My eleventh birthday, you asked—a huge water theme. Criss-cross water slides, a massive blow-up ten-foot water slide, all kinds of water guns, water balloons, anything water, it was there. My cake even floated on water.”
“A floating cake?” He didn’t believe me.
“Sound incredulous? Every party she plans is outrageous. My grandmother recently remarried, and she turned my uncle’s regular grassy pool backyard into the most amazing English cottage backyard with ponds, and arches, and statues, and a wedding breakfast feast. For my cousin Jake’s rehearsal dinner, she turned our backyard into a Moroccan Riad. Her parties are over the top and interactive. I think it was two Thanksgivings ago where we had to come dressed as Pilgrims and Indians.”
“What did you dress as?”
“Pocahontas.” I giggled. “I have a teeny-tiny fascination with Disney princesses.”
“And you said you have a brother?”
“Yes. He’s the same age as you, but he has one more year to go to finish his MBA.”
“What will he do after school?”
“I don’t know. He doesn’t know either. My dad was hoping he’d go to med school, but it wasn’t for Doug.”
I was about to give more information on Doug when the devil himself rang my cell phone.
“Are you going to answer that?” Michael wondered why I just stared at the phone. He had no idea that the last time I answered a call that said Doug, it turned out to be Donovan. I was scared. Without asking my permission, Michael picked up the phone and answered, “Laney’s Reid’s phone.” Then I heard him say, “May I ask who’s calling?” Then a smile broke out. “Laney was just talking about her older brother. She said you were the kindest, most brilliant and handsome man she knew.” Michael cracked up. “My name is Michael Bennington, and I’m a friend of your sister’s. It’s nice to meet you.” I watched him listen to whatever Doug had to say. “She and I met at Heathrow when she ruined my favorite pair of dress shoes with her suitcase.”
“I did not, you liar!” I accused.
“Or, it could have been that I purposely stuck out my foot so she would run over it.” He laughed. “Will you be visiting Laney sometime soon?” Michael listened and nodded some more. “I wish.” Michael looked at me while saying this. “Your sister gave me just this one night to convince her to want to get to know me better. If she decides I’m not interesting enough for her, she says
she’s never going to see me again.”
“You make me sound so mean.”
“You are, Love. I’ve got only one chance to prove that I’m worth your time.”
“That’s not true,” I insisted.
“Then, tonight’s not make it or break it, night? You’re not giving me the ax, the boot, the noose, after tonight?”
“I see where Ruby gets her dramatic flair.” I rolled my eyes.
“Oh, so sorry!” Michael chuckled. “Your brother would like to speak with you.”
“Hey, Doug.”
“You dating someone already?” My brother would always stay my older brother. Groan!
“I’m fine. How are you?” I ignored him.
“I’m calling to tell you that Mom is a bit of a basket case after talking to you earlier, so whatever it is that you said to her, undo it. She’s been moping around the house.”
“Sorry, Doug. I’ll call her when I get home.”
“Donovan know about Michael?”
“There’s nothing to know, Doug.” I needed to get off this topic, and fast. “Come visit with Mom and Dad, soon.”
“I think Mom might have bought herself a ticket already.” Doug bemoaned but laughed all the same. “Take care and don’t get too close to Michael. You just met him.”
“Yes, sir. Talk to you later.”
“He sounds like a fine fellow, your brother.”
“At times, he is. At times, I’d like to strangle him.”
Dinner evolved into a budding friendship between the two of us, and in all honesty, I enjoyed Michael’s company, immensely. After feasting on delicious Indian fare, Michael and I walked back home, and he introduced me to my very first Mr. Whippy with Flake. We shared the ice cream cone without a problem, but we fought hard for the flake. Who knew a stick of chocolate could taste so damn good!
“So...did I pass the test?” We were at my door, and it was cute how nervous he was.
“I tell you, it was a close one. Even after dinner, I had you on my drop-from-friend list, but you redeemed yourself and came back to square one after buying me a Mr. Whippy, and you finally passed when you let me have the last bite of the flake.” I grinned.
“Shit, I’m calling Cadbury and sending you a crate full of them.” He looked so relieved.
“No thank you! I don’t need a crate full of chocolate. A Mr. Whippy with a double Flake will do from time to time.”
“I’ll send over the truck the next time you have a birthday party!”
I laughed. “Good night, Michael.”
“You’re not going to ask me in?” He gave me a sly smile that was endearing on this sweet-looking man.
“No. I’ll see you again, soon.”
He came in to kiss me again, but I put out my hand to stop him. “Am I pushing my luck?” He grinned.
“Just a tad...good night.” I walked in and didn’t look back.
I feared the evening when I first learned Ruby would not be joining us, but I was glad I stuck it out and got to know Michael. The more I learned about him and understood his temperament, the more I liked him. He was easy-going, kind, and humorous. In some ways, he never outgrew his childlike humor, but it wasn’t annoying. It was cute.
Walking into my bedroom a text awaited me.
My plane lands around 4:00pm. Be nearby and ready to have dinner with me by six.
I would do my damnedest not to be home!
I was a flutter of nerves as I purposely left the house early in the afternoon. I had nowhere to be, nowhere to go, and without a cell phone, I was nervous about getting lost in this city. After wandering the British Museum, I couldn’t say what I’d viewed. None of the rooms held any interest for me, so I left and walked aimlessly till I came upon the London Film School, which held my interest for a very brief while. When I could loiter no more, I grabbed a bite to eat and bought myself a ticket to watch Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre. I hated myself today for feeling so forlorn and for creating this unhappy afternoon. There was no reason why I couldn’t have stayed home and faced Donovan. It was ridiculous to wander like the homeless. My cowardice was shameful and it was pissing me off. At intermission, I’d decided enough was enough. I’d go home and see what it was that Donovan wanted and why he was so desperate to get a hold of me.
The taxi turned into my street and nervously, I searched for an absent Donovan in front of Gram’s home. My heart sank and my shoulders sagged. He wasn’t there. Truly, I was the world’s biggest moron! Why the hell was I sad and hurt that he didn’t wait around for me? What the hell did I expect? It was 10:00pm! He wasn’t going to sit around for four hours in hopes that I’d come running to him. But I missed him so badly, I wanted to cry. Being alone was hard on the willpower.
I’d left my phone on the entry hall table and missed copious calls, texts, and voicemails. There were almost an equal number from Michael and Ruby as there were from Donovan.
I called Ruby, first. “Hey. It’s me.” I put on a happy performance.
“Where the hell have you been all day? Michael’s been frantic, and even I started worrying after the tenth unanswered call.”
“Sorry. I went to tour Piccadilly and eventually ended up watching a show.”
“By yourself?” Ruby thought I was nuts. “Why in bloody hell would you do that?”
“It wasn’t planned, per se. One activity just led to another.”
“You are one strange girl, Laney Reid. You have friends who would have joined you.”
“I know.” I tried to sound apologetic. “I just…” Truth wasn’t an option at this point so I ended the conversation by saying, “Could you let Michael know I’m all right and I’ll be turning in for the night?” Before Ruby could respond or make any other comments, I said, “Good night. Talk to you tomorrow,” and hung up. That was done. Now, on to reading Donovan’s texts.
4:13pm Just landed. See you in an hour.
5:41pm Where the hell are you? Why aren’t you answering your phone?
5:48pm Dammit, Delaney. Answer your phone!
6:02pm You’re really pissing me off.
6:23pm Delaney. What’s going on? Why are you doing this to me? Why won’t you see me?
Then, I listened to his voicemail. “By the time you get this, I’ll probably be back at my hotel.” There was a long pause in the message. “What the hell do I have to do to get you to talk to me? Where did we go wrong? Why are you severing all ties with me? I’m hoping this is all a mistake and you’ll give me a call when you get this message. I’m staying at The Berkeley Hotel. Call me no matter how late.”
I cried the entire night.
I never saw Donovan when he came here last week. Different from all his texts and voicemails, he never came back and he didn’t contact me again during his stay in London. The weak girl that I was, I stayed home the next day and the next few days after that, waiting for him. Without a doubt, I’d give in the next time he showed his face or called me. Neither happened.
“Whatcha’ been up to, Laney Reid?” A nice surprise sobered me up.
“Bee! How come it’s taken you this long to call me?”
“And how come you’ve never called me? Are you not talking to anyone with the last name Taylor?”
I guess she and Donovan had been talking. “When are you coming here?” I decided no response was the best defense. “I would love to see a friendly face from home.”
“Did my nephew not come with a friendly face? Was it only a scowl? Not to toot my own nephew, but even a scowl is striking on him.” I guess I walked into that one.
“Are you calling to heckle me about not having seen Donovan last week? I wasn’t here when he got here, OK? And he never came back like he said he would. As usual, I waited for him like the moron that I am, the entire next few days, but he never showed.” I got angry at Bee for chastising me, with Donovan for being the jerk that he was, and with myself for being a fool!
“Easy, Girl. I’m just
trying to relieve my nephew’s frustration. You’ve done a number on him and his head is not on right.”
“Good! He started this dance twelve years ago. My head’s been on backwards since then. I’m glad someone else is suffering.”
“My collection is done; I’m bringing it with me tomorrow. Will you meet me at Heathrow, or shall I try and navigate my way over to your ‘hood?”
“I’ll meet you!” I was so desperate for a friend right now. Ruby and I had been hanging out daily, with Michael in tow, but Ruby had gone to see her friends in Edinburgh, and I was wary about spending too much alone time with Michael. He continued to push more than I liked. “How long are you staying?”
“A few days, then I’m off to Paris. You could come with me if you have nothing else going on.”
“Paris is a maybe, but if you send me your info, I’ll bring Gram’s Range Rover and pick you up in style!”
“Fab! See you soon.”
I ran around getting the house ready and stocking an already stocked fridge for the arrival of my first guest. I practically jogged to the bakery to have some cupcakes ready for my guest.
“Well hello, Stranger! You didn’t bring your phone out, again?”
“Michael! Hi. What brings you here?”
“Me mum has a craving.” He sounded like a little boy.
“What does she want?”
“What else but cupcakes?”
“Let me choose some for her.” I went about ordering a tray full of goodies for Mrs. Bennington and also for Bee and myself.
“You going to eat all that by yourself?” Michael looked worried.
“Why? You won’t like me anymore if I get any bigger than I already am?” I squinted my eyes and gave him a seriously dubious look. He laughed at me and stole another kiss. Damn! I’d have to make sure not to say anything “cute” around him.
“Come have dinner with us.” He somehow was holding my hand again. He had a way of catching me off guard.
“Looking like this?” I was in a summer dress of the un-fancy-kind. “I think even your staff is dressed more formally than I am.”