by Beth Carter
“You said only one,” Cheri said as forcefully as she felt comfortable without making him balk. He knew she needed him. “What is it?”
Chef O’Leary’s voice softened a notch. “This one won’t cost you a dime. I want you to tell Julio I’m his boss. We are not equals. I’ve been with you from the beginning and he”—Chef O’Leary’s voice rose as he spewed several Irish curse words—“he’s destroying my kitchen.”
Cheri blew out her breath. “I’ll make sure, Chef. And thank you. I hope you’re free to begin immediately.”
“I’ll be there tomorrow morning. Tell the gowl before I arrive that I’m his boss.”
“The gowl?”
“Julio.”
Cheri chuckled. “I’ll Google that. Will do, Chef. Thanks again and welcome back.”
Chapter 9
Still laughing about the crazy pseudo wedding ceremony at Coconuts, Alex called her cop boyfriend, after a shopping outing. “Hey, stranger. How’s it going?”
“Busy, as usual. I’m working a twenty-year-old cold case, been focused on an Amber alert that went wrong, and worked a drowning at Crystal City Lake.”
Alex grimaced into the phone. “I hate your job.”
“I know you do, but it’s all I know. I bet you never planned on dating a jaded cop.”
Alex took a deep breath. Sometimes I wonder why I stay in this thorny relationship.
“Anybody there?” Tony asked. “You’re the one who rear-ended me a few years ago, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember.” Alex turned the air conditioning off and rolled down her window. Fall was fast approaching. She could feel a difference in the air. On many occasions she had speculated how different her life would be if she hadn’t rear-ended Tony. Maybe Gage and I would be dating now. Maybe I would have met someone else. She turned the volume on the radio down. “So, besides locking up criminals anything else going on?”
Tony’s tone changed for the better. “Yeah, I’ve been teaching Joey how to throw a football. I ordered a youth size Kansas City Chiefs football. He loves it. He’s pretty good. Maybe he’ll be the next Mahomes when he grows up.”
Alex laughed. She knew how much Tony enjoyed watching the Chiefs and could imagine his grooming little Joey to be a football player. “That sounds like fun.”
She frowned to herself, knowing full well she’d never be invited to play football with the little guy. Tony’s ex, Nikki, wouldn’t stand for it. As she approached her house, she asked, “Anything new at work? I’m almost home.”
“Actually, there is. The chief took pity on me and my backlog of work. He’s assigning a new partner. I can’t wait to offload some of my paperwork.”
“Good. You’ve been wanting a new partner. When does this happen?”
“Soon, I hope,” Tony said.
“What’s his name?”
“Who knows? Chief is being mysterious.”
She pulled into her driveway. “I’m glad you’re getting some help.” She reached for the garage door opener and parked. As she entered her house, she said, “You wouldn’t believe what happened at Coconuts this week. A couple got married.”
“Inside Coconuts? Was it a private wedding?”
Alex grinned to herself. “It’s a crazy story. Basically, a jilted bride showed up with her wedding party, got rip-roaring drunk, hours later the groom showed and apologized, and a minister happened to be inside the bar. The bride and groom couldn’t keep their hands off each other.” Laughing, Alex said, “I thought they were going to have sex in front of all of us.”
“Damn. I wish I had seen that.” Tony’s voice turned husky. “I’ve missed the Tony and Alex show.”
“You and me both. Let’s get together soon.” Alex grinned into the phone. “You owe me a massage.”
“I think you’ve got that wrong, but okay,” Tony said. “I’m happy to oblige. Sure you don’t want me to come over now?”
“It has been a long week. I about fell asleep driving home.” She yawned to punctuate the point. “See you soon. Nite.”
Chapter 10
As Hope drove home from the nail salon, she was almost nauseous with worry. What will I wear? What will I say? What if I screw this up and Tucker never asks me out again? I hate being so insecure. Alex would never let me hear the end of this if she knew.
After parking in her driveway, she unlocked the front door and paced inside her modest duplex. She rearranged two floral couch pillows for the fifth time. Shaking her hands to relieve anxiety, she smiled when her pink nail polish caught her eye. The light pink polish matched the roses Tucker had sent. At school that week, nearly every student and colleague had asked who sent the flowers but she didn’t tell a soul. This was her first date since one nightmare occasion in high school, so her expectations were low. She couldn’t take the shame if this didn’t work out—and why would it? Her life had always been akin to a moldy container of strawberries.
Repositioning the bouquet yet again on a table by the front door so Tucker would notice it immediately, she chuckled as she remembered carefully strapping the arrangement in a seat using the seatbelt, as if the bouquet were a toddler.
Hope checked the time. Tucker would be there in one hour.
She sifted through the mail, threw away junk postal in the outside trash bin, and turned on the television to quell her anxieties. Staring, but not listening, to a home improvement show, Hope’s mind raced. Maybe I should have told my best friends. They could have given me some advice. I’m the naïve one in our group. I’m certain I’m the only virgin. Alex would laugh like a hyena if she knew.
She had showered that morning so she had some extra time. Retreating to her miniature closet, she stared at hangers of khaki pants, jeans, and Capri pants. I need to make more of an effort than this. Maybe I should wear a dress for once. Sorting through her clothes, she reached toward the back of her closet, chose three outfits, and spread them on her bed. She knew her sensible loafers would look silly with a dress but she didn’t have a clue how to walk in heels. Groaning, she stared at the items on her bed and went back to her closet. She spotted a long-forgotten black maxi dress. The sleeves were elbow length which would cover her meaty arms that she deplored. I wonder if this still fits.
She placed the dress over her head and was shocked that it not only fit but she looked, well, almost glamorous. Not Alex or Cheri glamorous but Hope glamorous. She added flat silver sandals, an elongated silver key necklace, and stared at her reflection. Wow. I almost look good.
Dressed, she retreated to her tiny bathroom and applied makeup for the first time in years. She had stopped at Walgreens earlier and bought pink lip gloss, dark brown mascara, and peach blush. After lightly applying the makeup, she fluffed her wavy hair and smiled into the mirror. Frowning, she realized she didn’t have any perfume. How is it that I don’t own perfume?
As she shoved contents from her big tote into a smaller clutch, which wouldn’t close since it was stuffed full, the doorbell rang. Hope’s heart nearly stopped. She stiffened and stood in place like a guard. He’s here. I hope I don’t faint.
Hope padded across her small living room as he rapped on the door. “Hope? This is Tucker.”
Swinging the front door open wide, she uttered a meek, “Hi.”
A smiling Tucker extended one red rose. “For the most beautiful woman this side of the Mississippi. Actually on both sides of the river.”
Hope’s hand shook as she reached for the flower. “You already gave me flowers.”
“You needed a fresh one.” Tucker grinned. “You’re prettier than I remember. You’re beautiful, in fact.” He glanced at his pressed jeans and navy button-down shirt. “Gee, I’m glad I didn’t wear my overalls.” Hope giggled. “I almost wore my usual school attire. I would have been more comfortable, but I’m new to this.”
�
��Next time, let’s wear our standard clothes. But tonight we’re going to enjoy playing dress up. Sound good?”
All Hope could think about was the fact that he mentioned a next time. She felt a blush creep up her neck. Feeling shyness kick in, she waved him inside. “It’s great to see you. I’m so glad you called, er, texted. I mean, sent me a card.” She giggled. “You know what I mean.”
Chuckling, he reached for her hand. “You’d think this was our first date or something.”
Hope exhaled. “To be honest, I haven’t dated much. I’m a little nervous.”
“Ditto. We can be nervous together.” Tucker scanned her modest, but neat, living room. “Nice house.”
“Thanks. It’s not much but it’s all I can afford on a high school counselor’s salary.”
“You shouldn’t put it down. You’ve done well for yourself.” He winked. “Where would you like to eat?”
“Surprise me.” Hope picked up her bulging purse and stopped. “Wait. I should have offered you a drink. I’m inept at dating.”
“Nah. I’m rusty too. Let’s get a drink at the restaurant.” Tucker reached for the door. “Ready?”
“My friend Alex would say she was born ready but I’m, well, I’m not exactly—”
“You look ready to me. I’m glad you wore low-heeled shoes so we can dance later unless you head for the hills during our date.”
“Not a chance.” Hope grinned. “But as you discovered in Nashville, I’m only good at slow dancing.”
“That’s my favorite.”
As they climbed into his white Denali SUV, Tucker asked, “Where do you want to eat? Name the place.”
“Um, I like anything and everything as you can see.” Hope would have been happy eating at McDonald’s or Taco Bell—anywhere—as long as she was with him. Tucker was even more handsome than she remembered and possibly a few pounds heavier which thrilled her. I won’t have to worry about my weight around him. “What are your favorite restaurants?”
He started his truck. “I’m a simple guy. I don’t like fussy places. I guess my favorites are Longhorn Steak House, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster.”
Hope brightened. “I like all of those. I haven’t been to Red Lobster in ages.”
“Then that’s where we’re going.” Tucker backed out of her drive and turned right.
As he drove, Hope studied the outline of his face as if she were committing it to memory. When he caught her gawking, she blushed. “Sorry. I was staring.”
“I hope you like what you see cause I do. You, I mean.” Tucker shook his head. “I’m a bit nervous too, to tell you the truth. I haven’t dated since high school.”
“Me neither and I barely dated then.” Hope laughed. “Actually, my date never showed, so it wasn’t even a date. I was stood up.”
“Dumb guy.” Fingering the crease in his jeans, Tucker said, “By the way, I ironed my jeans for you.” He winked, “I’ve never done that before.” He snorted. “I usually make fun of guys who press their jeans.”
Hope felt like a princess. “I noticed. You look great. I haven’t worn a dress in years. I did this for you. I guess we’re trying to impress each other.” She felt silly. I’m a grown woman. I’d lecture my students and tell them to be themselves. Making a mental note to do just that and to relax, she leaned against the headrest.
Chapter 11
Tucker got to the restaurant in ten minutes. “Good, the lot isn’t full.” The hostess seated them and handed out menus. They both requested sweet iced tea. When a server appeared, Hope ordered popcorn shrimp, a baked potato with sour cream and butter, and a Caesar salad.” She grimaced. “That’s so fattening and probably unhealthy.”
“But so good.” Tucker handed the server his menu. “I’ll have the same and please bring out those cheese biscuits and don’t be shy with the portions.”
“Yes, sir.” The server refilled their drinks and returned with the biscuits.
As Hope reached for the warm, cheesy bread, she said, “You have good taste.”
He winked. “I asked you out, didn’t I? What are you doing tomorrow?”
She swallowed a big bite before saying, “Looks like I’m going to be with you.”
“Good. Now pass another biscuit, please.”
As Hope passed the basket of bread, Tucker said, “You have pretty hands. Pretty everything. Nice nail polish too.”
“I’m not accustomed to compliments, but thank you.” She glanced at her hands. “I had my first mani-pedi before this date. I wanted to get a pink that matched the roses you sent.”
“The color’s beautiful.” His face turned serious as he held a biscuit in mid-air. “I have a request. I get the feeling we’re both out of our element. On our next date, let’s be ourselves. Deal?”
How can I like this guy so much already? “Deal.”
After Tucker paid, they held hands and walked to his car. He opened her car door. Hope’s stomach did flip flops. I’m going to have to kiss him soon. How is it I’ve never been kissed beyond a quick peck at an awkward high school dance and from a neighbor whose name I can’t recall? Tucker will never believe I’ve never really kissed, as in steamy French kissing, like I see in the movies. At that moment, Hope regretted putting her life on hold for her adoptive hippie parents who were supposed to raise her but that relationship had worked in reverse. Palms sweaty, she snuck a nervous glance toward her date.
Turning on the ignition, Tucker yawned.
Hope grimaced. “I’m boring you, aren’t I?”
“Not at all. I’m having a great time, but do you mind if we skip dancing tonight? I’ve had a long week on the road. My rig broke down in Tulsa, and after a tow and repairs, I had an eighteen-hour day yesterday. I’m beat.”
“No problem. I had a long week too.”
As he rounded the curve toward Hope’s duplex, her mouth went dry. Should I ask him in? Should we kiss on the porch and end the evening? I feel like one of my pimply students. I’ll be much more patient counseling them about their dating woes now.
Once he turned off the car, he put his arm on the back of the seat and attempted to stifle another yawn. “Do you mind if I don’t come in? I feel like a dripping wet puppy all of a sudden.”
Hope blew out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “Of course not.” She reached for the door handle, and forced herself to be bold. “What time tomorrow?”
Chapter 12
After Dr. Camejo told Suzy she was on track to deliver in three weeks, took her vitals, and refilled her prenatal vitamins, he grinned. “See you next week unless the twins have plans of their own.”
Suzy’s eyes widened. “Do you think they’ll come early?”
“You’re not dilating, but this isn’t your first birth and you’re having multiples. It’s certainly not unheard of but don’t worry. I’m sure you’re prepared with an overnight bag. You’ll be fine, even if they come early. Try to avoid stress and undue excitement.” He glanced at her feet. “Your feet are swollen. Drink plenty of liquids and elevate them when you can.”
Not quite yet in the mindset to give birth, Suzy said, “Thanks, Doc. Hopefully, I’ll have 2-3 more weeks before I’m up all night with the twins.”
He patted the door frame and smiled. “Better enjoy your peace and quiet now.”
After he left the exam room, Suzy edged her wide girth, with the help of a nurse, off the table. She dressed, crossed the parking lot, and called Ken. “We need to have a date night.”
“Tonight?” Ken asked.
“Yes, before it’s too late. I get the feeling I’m not going full term.”
“Are you okay, honey? What did the doctor say? I should have gone with you.”
“Everything’s fine. I’m not dilating. It’s just my motherly instincts.” Suzy angled the air vent
toward her and held her shoulder-length red hair off her neck. “Ah, that feels good.”
“What feels good? Where are you?”
Suzy laughed. “The a/c feels good. I’m in my car.”
“Whew. You had me worried I had some competition.”
After roaring with laughter, Suzy said, “Guys don’t exactly want to date a woman the size of a patio set.”
“I don’t know why not. You’re beautiful.” Ken paused. “What do you want to do for our date tonight? Let me place my phone on speaker while I change.”
“What are you wearing, handsome husband?”
He chuckled. “My standard. Jeans and a Polo shirt. What do you want to do tonight, sweetheart?”
“Miniature golf.”
“Are you serious?”
“No, I wouldn’t be able to get a club past my bulging belly. Let’s go have a romantic dinner somewhere, maybe sit outside on a patio. I’ll enjoy a Shirley Temple while you imbibe.”
“That sounds perfect. I know just the place. It’s new. Let me see if I can get us in. I’ll text you right back.”
“See you soon.” Suzy put her car in reverse and stopped at Starbucks for green tea while she awaited Ken’s text.
~ ~ ~
At the light, Suzy’s phone buzzed. Ken texted the name of the restaurant and address. I’ll meet you on the patio. Don’t bother texting back since you’re driving. Ken
Once Suzy made her way through the bustling crowd, she glanced around the modern wood and black trendy restaurant with red awnings and giant red umbrellas on the patio.
Glancing across the crowd, she noticed Ken waving her over. Suzy edged into her chair. “This place is adorable; cute name too. I didn’t even know it was here.”
Ken kissed his wife. “One of my clients told me about it. About Thyme is brand new. You’re glowing today, babe.”