He left the kitchen and stood in the hall, hoping to escape without another confrontation.
His mother stepped into the hall. “Your father and I need to talk to you.”
He held in a groan. “If it’s about Regina, don’t push. I won’t change my mind. I have to leave to make rounds.”
“Those can wait. You have a duty to your family.”
He clenched his hands. Being away from home for such a long time had allowed him to escape his mother’s meddling. He felt like a raw recruit facing discipline for breaking some secret rule. As a child, he’d learned only quiet rebellion succeeded. Like becoming a member of the swim team instead of football. Refusing a summer job with his father in favor of being a lifeguard at the local pool.
His mother tapped her foot. Resigned, he followed her, but he would have his own way.
“Help yourself to the buffet and sit with us.”
“I’ve eaten.”
“In the kitchen.” She shook her head. “We allowed you do that when you were young but you’re a grown man. That’s a habit you must break.”
But the company’s better there. He straddled a chair. His father lowered the financial section of the paper. “Your mother and I are leaving for Europe tomorrow. You will fly over for the holidays.”
“I can’t.”
“You will. Since Regina isn’t to your taste, there are several young women among our friends who will suit.”
“Why this sudden desire to see me married? Leaving just now isn’t possible. I’ve just started in the practice with Joe.”
“But you’ll be alone for the holiday,” his mother said. “Warren and Nancy are flying to Aspen for a week and then to Hawaii. What will people think about us leaving you with no one to celebrate with?”
The whine in her voice made his head ache. He shrugged. “I’ll find something to do.”
She patted his hand. “I’ll call Gertrude Bishop and make sure you have a place for Christmas dinner.” She placed a jewelry box on the table and opened the lid to show him a ring with a huge diamond. “This is for Regina.”
He pushed the box away. “Not happening. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’m moving into an apartment.”
“There’s no need for you to leave home.”
His father cleared his throat. “Your mother is right. There’s plenty of room here.”
Caleb shook his head. There was room but not the space he needed. “An apartment close to the hospital makes sense. I’ll be on call many nights. I may even have to leave in the middle of a meal.”
His father raised a cup. “Why rent? Buy a house. Real estate is always a good investment. Ask Regina to speak to her father. I’m sure there are houses for sale in one of his developments.”
Holding fast to the anger threatening to escape, Caleb drew a calming breath. “I don’t need a house and I don’t need her hanging around. For once, would you listen to me?”
“Why now?” his mother asked. “She cares for you.”
Caleb shook his head. “All she cares about is her next drink.”
“How can you say that? She has adored you for ages.”
“How odd. It’s only been since Warren married Nancy that you’ve mentioned her name. If I ever get married, I’ll choose my own bride.”
His father cleared his throat. “Marriage to her would unite the county’s wealthiest families. Jim has no son. I have two.”
Caleb strode to the door. “I can’t marry just for money.”
His mother followed him into the foyer. “Before you leave, what are your plans for the evening? Be here at five thirty for drinks. We’re having dinner out and have reserved a place for you.”
“I have other plans. I’m meeting colleagues for dinner.”
“Who?”
“Jeff and Alex Carter. There are other doctors I haven’t met.”
His mother’s mouth tightened. “I suppose they are good enough as companion. Alex’s wife has a huge fortune, but can you believe she works at the hospital? I would imagine that’s just to keep her busy. She doesn’t need a salary.”
“Maybe she likes her job.”
“Shame you weren’t around when she was available.”
Caleb shrugged. “Wouldn’t have mattered.”
“Where are you going for dinner?”
“I’ll find out later.” If he told her, she would revise her plans. He strode to the door.
His brother stood in front of one of the garage openings. “I’ll see you at dinner. Lucky you. Mother arranged for Regina to join us.”
Caleb opened the door of his sleek sports car. “I have other plans.” He paused. “What went sour with you and Regina? In high school, everyone thought you would marry her.”
Warren laughed. “Mostly her drinking. She doesn’t know her limit. There were other things.”
“Didn’t Mother push you?”
“She did but…” Warren paused. “When drunk, Regina wanted sex. If I wasn’t there to perform, she didn’t care who was.”
Caleb’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t this make the rounds? I never heard a word.”
“With Bishop’s money and clout, who would talk?”
Caleb shook his head. “Not what I want in my life.”
Warren strode to his car. “Stick to your refusal. I fell for Nancy who satisfied Mother’s ambitions.”
Caleb started his car. As he backed out of the driveway, he smiled. His brother had shared more than he knew. Looked like one Winstone brother had broken the mold in part. Caleb drove to his meeting with the realtor.
Several hours later, they visited the last of the available apartments. Most of the places he was shown were above stores or were in private homes. None had been a place where he wanted to live.
“What about the apartment complex across the street from the hospital?” he asked.
She scowled. “The only way in there is to know someone who wants to sublet their apartment.”
His hands fisted. Jenessa. He’d been told to talk to her. Yesterday, he’d missed her at the hospital. He hoped he wasn’t too late. Tonight.
After leaving the agent, he drove the streets of town seeking memories of the good times here. He could have driven to Alex’s house but not without an invitation. His friend had a wife and son. Besides, he would see him this evening.
His stomach growled. Instead of going to his favorite teenage haunt the Hot Doggery, he drove to Frank’s Place. The small restaurant hadn’t changed. The long counter with stools on one side and the booths on the other side where the same. He spotted an empty booth and slid across the leather seat. The plants hanging in the many windows were poinsettias. He ordered a burger and onion rings. When they arrived, one taste told him the food hadn’t changed.
His thoughts turned to the evening. Would Suzanna be there? Alex had mentioned the wives were members of the Grantley Gang. Suzanna had been one. Would she come with a date? The thought of her being with another man raised emotions he shouldn’t feel.
When he finished the large lunch, he stopped at a sporting goods store and bought swimming trunks for himself. He would have to remind Suzanna to buy trunks for her brother. Finding no other way to delay, he drove home. With luck, he could avoid all family members.
He managed to slip inside. He waved to Cecelia as he strode upstairs. He spent the remainder of the afternoon deciding what to take when he moved into the apartment yet to be found. He nixed the furniture. Other than his trophies and some books and all his clothes, the rest could remain. The room reflected his mother’s tastes. Finally, he showered and dressed for the evening.
When he left, he noticed his father’s and brother’s sedans were missing. May they have a nice dinner. He drove to the Pirate’s Cove and parked in the spacious parking lot. When he entered the restaurant, a man dressed as a pirate with a toy parrot on his shoulder greeted him.
“The Carter party?”
A piano played by a slender black man sent a rolling tune through the air. Near the
piano, he saw a small stage where musicians could sit. A dance floor gleamed. Tables filled a tiered crescent around the room.
A waiter dressed as a pirate approached. Caleb heard a squeal and tensed. Why was she here? Then he saw his parents at a table with his brother and Nancy.
Regina grasped his arm. “I knew you would come.”
“I’m not joining my parents. I’m meeting friends.” Though they were no more than acquaintances now, he wished his words were true. He pulled away from her grasping hands and followed the waiter.
“I’ll join your party. I don’t like being alone.”
“Not happening.” He strode after the waiter and reached the long table. Suzanna had come. The green dress she wore enhanced the color of her eyes. Alex rose and began the introductions. Cate, he knew from Rehab. He’d known Jeff Carter and Megan since his swimming days. Before long, he felt as though he’d known them all forever.
“I’m for the buffet,” Jeff said.
A mass exodus emptied the table. Caleb reached the buffet and stared at the dishes shaped like ships. At the end of the line, two chefs sliced beef and ham. Another lifted lobster from a tank.
Regina appeared behind him. “Introduce me to your friends.”
He glared. “Give it up.”
“There are two women without partners. If I joined you, you would have three to choose from. I would win.”
“There are colleagues I want to know better.” He made his selection. “You would feel uncomfortable. Medical colleagues tend to talk shop. Things like brain surgery or cutting into bodies.” He finished filling his plate and walked away. To his relief, she didn’t follow.
* * *
Suzanna glanced at Caleb. While the other men of the party were attractive, Caleb outshone them. Who was the woman who’d accosted him twice? He had shaken her off both times. Why couldn’t the woman take a hint? Suzanna finished the lobster tail and sighed. Delicious food. Great company even if Caleb was present.
As a combo began to play, the couples left the table and moved onto the dance floor. She noticed the blonde weaving her way among the tables. Suzanna realized she was alone with Caleb. Where had Megan gone?
Caleb stood and clasped her hand. “Dance with me.”
Before she could refuse, he pulled her to her feet. This is a mistake. Being so close to him was dangerous. He drew her into his arms and they moved onto the dance floor and into a slow dance. The dreamy song made her relax. She wanted to increase the distance between their bodies, but she couldn’t convince herself to move. Being in his arms felt right.
Memories of other nights flooded her thoughts. They glided together as if they belonged to the music. She bit her lip. She couldn’t allow remembrance of falling in love to influence her. The ending of their last date was too vivid. How could he have believed she would give up her independence to become a kept woman?
The problem escalated. Every day, they had to work together, see each other, sometimes away from the hospital when he spent time in the pool with her brother the pull toward him would strengthen. At all times, she had to maintain her professional manner.
How, when love hovered near the surface? The touch of his hand sent heat slithering through her body. She responded to his scent with a sigh. Would the music never end?
The song ended, and they returned to the table. Megan snagged Caleb for a dance. Alex wandered to the buffet. Lauren slid into the seat beside Suzanne.
“Did you know him at City Hospital?” Lauren asked.
Suzanna nodded. “It’s something I don’t want to talk about.”
“Did you fall in love?”
“No more than half the nurses there. I dated him. We might have progressed to something more, but the chance evaporated. Don’t ask anything else.”
Lauren held up her hands. “Will you have trouble working with him?”
For a moment, Suzanna wanted to say yes. Would there be trouble/ Tonight, there were other people, so the meeting wasn’t one on one. She’d managed not to panic. “There might be some bumps, but I think we can manage. We won’t be spending hours together.”
Megan returned. Caleb headed to the buffet. “He’s definitely a Leo.”
Lauren and Suzanna laughed. “I believe you already informed us of his Sun sign,” Lauren said.
“No match-making allowed,” Suzanna added.
Megan arched a brow. “He talked about you a lot while we were dancing. Is there something you aren’t saying?”
Suzanna leaned forward. “What you’re hinting about is a no go.”
“Now hear this. Jenessa and Eric are Aries and Libra. Lauren and Alex are Taurus and Scorpio. Liz and Jeff are Gemini and Sagittarius. Rich and Cate are Cancer and Capricorn. Those pairings work very well.”
“What you’re pushing for isn’t happening. I don’t want to talk about him.”
Megan shrugged. “We’ll see.”
When everyone but Caleb returned to the table, Suzanna rose. “I’ll see you all.”
“Don’t go yet,” Cate said. “The Grantley Gang is now complete. Rick and I want to invite you to our house on Christmas Day around seven or eight for dessert. Children included.”
“Good idea,” Jenessa said.
Cate chuckled. “We can exchange silly gifts like we did in college. This time, a ten dollar limit.”
“Gives us a better choice than five did.”
Liz leaned forward. “Ten is good.”
“I second,” Suzanna said.
“Do I get a vote?” Rick asked.
“No.” Six women spoke as one. “You’ve moved on.”
“Besides you were never here at Christmas,” Cate said.
Suzanne propped her elbows on the table. “When do you think Jon will come home? If he’s still in the hospital, I’ll spend the day with him.”
Rick turned. “He’ll be home by Christmas Eve.”
She smiled. “Then as many of you as can, come to my house that afternoon and help decorate the tree.” She looked for Caleb and saw he stood near a table where the woman who had accosted him sat.
What does she mean to him? The twinge of jealousy she felt made her angry at herself. She had no claim on him.
“What a great idea,” Megan said.
“Are families included?” Liz asked.
“Absolutely. I’ll provide snacks and dinner.” Suzanna rose. “I’m heading home. Tonight has been fun but I’m beat. The past few months have been hectic. Now I can relax.”
* * *
Caleb tapped his foot against the polished wooden floor. His gaze stayed to the table where his new friends gathered. When his father beckoned, he’d abandoned his trip to the buffet. Why had he bothered to answer the summons? The questions his mother asked continued until he wanted to shout.
“Who were all those women?” his mother asked.
“Most are wives of my colleagues.”
“Two of the women don’t have dates,” his father said.
Regina laughed. “Guess they’re looking for a doctor.”
Caleb sucked in a breath. “No, they’re all friends.”
Regina giggled. “They’re all nurses and we all know what nurses are like. Guess that’s how they snagged doctors.”
“I’m sure they’re all nice women,” Nancy said.
Caleb stared at each of the people seated at his father’s table. “They’re part of the life I’ve chosen.” He strove to keep his voice calm but heard an edge of anger. He turned his head and saw Suzanna striding toward the door. He rose. “I’ll say good night. I have a busy day tomorrow.”
“Do you have to work on Sunday?” Regina asked.
“Yes.”
“That’s stupid. Several of your friends are leaving. I thought you and I could dance now.”
“Sorry. I have rounds at the hospital and on call for emergencies so I’m leaving.” He walked to the other table and said good night.
At home, he stripped for bed. Memories of holding Suzanna in his arms and moving
to the music rose. She had relaxed. Hi desire for her remained as did the knowledge of the strength of his desire to possess her. He wanted to be the only man she loved. Still, they had to discover a way to work together or one of them had to leave Eastlake. Would helping her brother show her how much he had changed?
The next morning, he went down for breakfast. On his way to the kitchen, his father called out. “Join me.”
Caleb wheeled and entered the dining room. “Why?”
“To talk.”
Caleb poured a cup of coffee and sat on his father’s right. He waited for the older man to speak.
Cecelia scurried into the room. “What would you like?”
“Two eggs over easy, whole wheat toast and orange juice.” Caleb sipped coffee. Could he avoid the fight he sensed building?
When the maid vanished, Mr. Winstone leaned toward Caleb. “This is an order. Your mother and I are leaving today. You will call Regina and spend time with her.”
Caleb shook his head. “I’m past the age when I can be ordered. I have no tolerance for Regina and I don’t want a surface marriage or any other kind.”
"Is it that young woman you danced with last night, the first one? She’s a looker and would work as a side piece. Marriage for money is tradition.”
Caleb tensed. He set his cup down before he tossed the hot brew into his father’s face. The maid’s entrance with his food gave him time to control his anger.
When she left, he rose. “One question before I leave. Do I have any half-siblings out there?”
“Absolutely not. As you know, there are ways to prevent such an occurrence. Eat your breakfast.”
“Appetite’s gone. Talking about Regina always has that effect. If I’m hungry, I’ll pick up something at the hospital cafeteria. Food there is good.” He strode to the door.
“Get back here.” The shouted command brought memories of his teen years and attempts to rebel. Back then, he’d caved. Not today.
“I won’t call Regina. She’s a drunk. She’s been one for years.” He continued to the foyer, grabbed his jacket and strode to the car. A dusting of snow covered the car.
The Leo-Aquarius Connection Page 4