by Beth Carter
“Thanks, but—” Suzy giggled. “It’s likely just sweat.” She fanned herself with a menu. “These twins are making it hard to waddle more than ten feet.”
A server dressed in all black appeared with water and menus. His eyes bulged when he saw Suzy. “I guess someone is having a baby. Congratulations.”
“Two babies, actually.”
“No wonder—” He stopped mid-sentence, likely regretting his word choice. “Would you like to hear the specials?” Before they answered, he rattled off Parmesan Risotto, Balsamic Roast Chicken, Bacon-wrapped Scallops, and Smoked Salmon Cakes. “Would you like a few minutes to decide?”
They bobbed their heads. “Any cocktails for now?” Ken ordered a scotch and Suzy asked for a Shirley Temple. “Very good. Be right back,” the server said.
Once they were alone, Ken told Suzy he was worried about Izzy. “I know, hon, but she’s with her mom. She wants to spend time with her too.”
Ken ran his fingers through his hair. “She’s so far away. It makes me uneasy that I couldn’t get to her quickly if I wanted to.”
Reaching across the table, Suzy held his hand. “What’s that old saying you tell me, ‘Don’t borrow trouble’.”
“You’re right.” He picked up a menu. “Everything looks amazing. My mouth’s watering.”
Chapter 13
Shocked that Tony invited her to play ball with Joey, Alex downed her coffee, threw on shorts and a tee, and tied her sneakers. She drove to the park complex within ten minutes.
“Hey, guys.” She kissed Tony and ruffled Joey’s hair. “Thanks for inviting me. This will be fun.” As Alex handed little Joey a bat, he jerked it away from her hand.
“Ow. Watch it. I broke a nail.”
Joey’s face reddened. “Mama told me you’re not nice.”
Tony’s forehead creased. “Son, show some respect.”
“I’m not your son.” Joey pouted as he swung at a ball and missed. “I’m your nephew, remember?” he yelled.
Tony blew out his breath. Alex noticed his jaw clench. Their relationship had intolerable written all over it. In the beginning the sexy bad-boy cop seemed worth the trouble. Now, she wasn’t so sure. Ever since Tony found out his lying brother and cheating ex had an affair and Joey wasn’t his, nothing had been the same. Alex tried to attend Joey’s Little League games only to be hissed at by Nikki, Tony’s ex. She and Tony attempted pizza, bowling, and swimming, but the kid always acted out. Alex was not a parent but had a feeling Joey was mad that Tony was no longer his real dad. I’m not sure I’m equipped for this.
Tony handed her a bat. “You’re up.”
Alex stood in the batter box. “Keep your elbow up,” Tony instructed. She did as she was told, swung, and missed. “I’m terrible at this.”
“Try again. Keep your eye on the ball,” Tony said.
“Can we go, Dad? I mean, Uncle Tony? I’m bored.”
“No, we paid for this session and we’re going to hit all of the balls. Stand back. Let me show you two how it’s done.” Tony made contact with every ball and sent them flying far into the field. One after another, he never missed. When he hit ten balls in a row, he handed the bat to Joey. “Want to try again?”
“I want to go home,” Joey said, as Tony’s nostrils flared. Alex tried to diffuse the situation. “Who wants pizza?”
“I had pizza last night,” Joey said.
“You’re a real killjoy, buddy.” Tony propped the bats back inside their wooden stands.
“What’s a killjoy?” Joey asked.
“Never mind.” Tony rubbed Joey’s head, still half Mohawk but growing out. “I’ll take you home. Take a bath and do your homework, okay?”
“Okay.”
~ ~ ~
After they dropped Joey off, Tony and Alex went to her house and ordered a pizza. They ate in silence, likely considering how to handle Joey. “He’s getting a smart mouth on him. I’m sure Sean’s responsible for that.”
“Nikki too. She’s a world-class b—”
Tony held his hand up. “I know how you feel about her but she is Joey’s mom.”
Alex set her half-eaten pepperoni slice on the plate, crossed her arms, and leaned against the couch. “You always take her freaking side. Always. Do you realize that?”
Putting his hand on her thigh, he said, “Come on, Alex. Not you too. What is this? Beat up Tony night?” He ran his fingers down her arm. “Want to see the Tony and Alex show?”
“It’s been canceled.”
Tony turned to her. “You’re joking. You don’t want to have sex?”
Her eyes narrowed. “No, I don’t want to have sex. I want to make love. I think you’d better leave.”
“Come on. Semantics—or whatever the fuck the word is. You know what I meant.” He leaned closer. “You used to love the Tony and Alex show.”
“I’m getting tired of the reruns.” Alex stood, crossed the room, and opened the door. “Bye, Lieutenant. See you another time. I’m not in the mood.”
“Well, shit. Hasn’t this been a fine fucking day?” Tony stood and patted his back pocket. “I have handcuffs.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Still not interested?”
“Nice try. Nite.”
Tony stepped onto the porch. “You used to like my handcuffs.” She managed a small smile, said goodnight, and closed the door. I used to like a lot of things about you.
Chapter 14
Already knowing the conversation wouldn’t go well, Cheri dialed Julio’s cell number before she lost her nerve. The minute he answered, she blurted out, “I’ve rehired Chef O’Leary.” She held the phone from her ear as Julio bellowed several curse words in Italian. She let him get it off his chest before proceeding.
“Relax, Julio. It’s for the best. It will give me something to tell that uppity food critic. He needs to know we’re taking action and have made changes after that disastrous event where you served meat to the vegan.”
“I’m a chef. I know what complements other dishes. That client—”
“You know the saying, ‘The customer is always right.’ We stand by that creed at Fifth Avenue Catering. Besides, that snooty jerk with the bad combover will think he engineered all of this. If that’s what it takes to get back into Clark Rigby’s good graces, I’m willing to—”
“What about me? I’ve created fabulous new dishes for Fifth Avenue Catering.” Exasperated, Julio said, “Clients love me. The staff loves me.”
Cheri raised her eyebrows even though Julio couldn’t see her. “I’ve heard you’re a bit of a peacock, Julio. If a client requests peacock, we’ll serve it, but we don’t need one preening around the kitchen.”
“Pshaw. When does your hot-tempered Irish chef return?”
“Tomorrow.” She switched ears as he spewed more curse words. “Remember to email me the client list for the next few months. I especially want to see any special requests. Do you understand?”
“Yes, si.”
Cheri hesitated. “One more thing, Julio. Chef O’Leary is now your boss. You aren’t on equal footing; you will report directly to him.” She held the phone from her ear, knowing what was coming. As expected, expletives erupted. When Julio finally wore himself out from the bleeping blue cloud, Cheri reminded him, “Don’t forget to send the client menu plans” and hung up.
~ ~ ~
I need to have some fun. After she sliced some cucumbers for her water, which reminded her of going to the spa, she sat on her deck. She stretched her legs and watched the boats on beautiful, tranquil Crystal Lake. Sun rays danced on the water like tiny ballerinas as fishing boats, sports yachts, and jet skis competed for territory. Everyone is enjoying life but me. I’m calling the cowboy.
She stepped back inside and dialed Cole’s number. He picked up on the second ring. “Hey, New Yo
rk.”
“Hey, cowboy.” His voice perked her up immediately. “I’ve missed you. Are you home?”
“I’m at a cattle auction in Joplin for a couple days,” Cole said. “Then, I promised to help my buddy build a fence.”
Cheri’s brows furrowed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me.”
Cole paused. “Nah. I’m just busy.”
Refilling her water, she said, “When will you be non-busy?” After a couple of seconds, he said, “In a few days. I’ll call you. Stay out of trouble, New York. See ya.”
Cheri felt unsettled after their abbreviated conversation. She had heard a cow moo in the background and knew he was telling the truth. Still. This isn’t the sweet Cole I know who carried me over his threshold after I broke up with Sebastian. Something’s up.
Chapter 15
On Saturday morning, Hope made coffee, took a few sips, and poured it down the sink, deciding it was making her even more antsy. I go my whole life without a date and now I’m going on two in a row. I can’t believe it. Alex and Suzy would be shocked.
After she loaded the dishwasher, she changed into tan Capri pants and a yellow ruffled top. She stared at her minimal amount of shoes and decided on Skechers since Tucker mentioned going to a park. She grabbed a white sweater out of her closet in case the date went into the evening. The doorbell rang as she reached for her purse. He came back.
Grinning so wide her face hurt, she threw the door open. “Hi.”
“You’re here. That’s a good sign,” he said.
Hope nodded. “My thoughts exactly.” Stepping onto the porch, she locked her door. “Where are we going?”
“Have you ever been to Sequiota Park? It’s beautiful.”
“Maybe once but not in years.”
“Good. Then, it’ll be like new.” As Tucker backed out of her driveway, Hope studied his profile. She liked his trim, closely cropped brown beard and broad shoulders. He caught her staring. She blushed. “Someone’s in deep thought.”
“I’m excited for our date. I feel like a kid again.”
“Me too. We’re obviously on the same page as far as a low dating track record.” He grinned. “And that’s a good thing.”
After they arrived, Tucker reached for her hand. Hope felt absolutely giddy. She already didn’t want the day to end and prayed her hands wouldn’t get sweaty. She was glad fall was approaching since humid summers in the Midwest only made her frizzy hair more out of control than usual.
The sky was a clear, cornflower blue with fluffy white clouds. As they walked over the stone bridge and approached a miniature lake filled with ducks, Tucker put a quarter into a turnstile. He asked Hope to catch the duck food in her palm. “The ducks will love you for it.”
“This park is gorgeous. I think Suzy mentioned she had a crazy Halloween wedding here one year.”
Tucker nodded. “It would be perfect for that.” Pointing, he said, “There’s a cave over there. It’s loaded with bats. I’ve seen them fly out at dusk.”
Hope shivered. “Suzy mentioned her bride and groom were thrilled the photographer captured their wedding photo with the bats overhead.” She shook her head. “I’ll pass. Feeding ducks is more my speed.”
After they each gripped a handful of pellets, they stood at the water’s edge and tossed the brown granules into the water. A dozen ducks splashed and swooped in for the first few bites. “They’re so cute. I want to take a picture.” Hope angled her phone and snapped several photos. When she was out of food, she shyly asked Tucker if he wanted to take a selfie, immediately saying, “It’s okay if you don’t want to.”
Tucker reached for her camera and extended his long arm. After several smiling photos, he said, “Why wouldn’t I want a picture with the most beautiful woman in Sequiota Park? Heck, in all of Crystal City.”
Still finding it hard to believe she met this wonderful man while in Nashville last year, Hope scrolled through their photos and grinned more than she had in a decade.
“Are you going to post one on social media?” Tucker asked.
Hope’s mouth went dry. “I, uh—”
“No matter. I’m private online too. Don’t think anything of it,” Tucker said, but she could hear the disappointment in his voice.
“It’s my students. Since I’m a counselor at Hilltop High, I try hard to stay under the radar, remain neutral, and especially keep my private life offline,” Hope said. Actually, she didn’t want to tell her girlfriends—not yet. She was too afraid this relationship wouldn’t last.
Tucker tossed in more duck food. Impulsively, Hope hugged him. “I hope that’s okay.” A nervous giggle escaped. “I hadn’t planned on being the first one to hug.”
He squeezed her close. “I’m glad you did. Hug me any time.” Holding her in a long embrace, Tucker said, “Your hair smells like honeysuckle.”
Hope tousled her frizzy hair. “You’re just saying that.” She felt herself blush. A man had never said anything remotely close to this to her before. She wasn’t accustomed to compliments from the other sex. I feel like a gawky teen.
He kissed the top of her hand. “Something tells me you aren’t used to compliments. Get used to it.”
“I’ll try.” He handed her the last of his duck feed. After the ducks plunged headfirst into the crystal water to eat, they promptly swam away. Hope laughed. “That’s not very gracious. I guess they’re moving on to their next meal.”
“Speaking of, I’m getting hungry. Are you?” Tucker asked.
Hope rubbed her round belly. “I’m always hungry. Can’t you tell?”
“Thank goodness you eat,” Tucker said. “There’s nothing I hate more than paying for a woman’s meal and having her pick at her food.”
Eyebrows furrowed, Hope said, “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.” She winked. “I much preferred the honeysuckle hair remark.”
“Both were compliments,” Tucker said. “You’re beautiful. Don’t change a thing.”
Chapter 16
As they crossed the park to leave, Hope noticed toddlers on swings, bigger kids on slides and the jungle gym, a few joggers with earphones, and a picnicking family sitting on a colorful blanket. “This is a beautiful park. Thanks for bringing me here. I realize I need to get out of the house more.”
“The pleasure’s mine. I love the outdoors.” Tucker reached for her hand as they approached his Denali. “Where should we eat? Want a meal now or junk food?”
“Are you kidding? Junk food.”
“How about Andy’s Frozen Custard? I’ve been craving one of their concretes. We can get two spoons—or you can have one all to yourself.”
“Sharing is a good idea if we’re going to eat again later,” Hope said. As she buckled her seatbelt, she decided she had had more fun in two days than she had had in two years, except for her outings with her girlfriends at Coconuts.
Seated at a red picnic table at Andy’s, they shared two frozen custard treats since they couldn’t decide between Strawberry and Oreo or Triple Chocolate. Between bites Tucker said, “I enjoy being with you. You’re easy to be around.”
“I feel the same way about you.” Hope slurped the last of the shake. “Oops. Sorry.”
“No worries. You want to get every last drop.” Tucker winked at her. “Decision time? Pizza or steak?”
Hope groaned. “I’m full. Do you want to come over and order Chinese later?”
“Good plan.” While Tucker drove, Hope’s mind swirled. What was I thinking? Do we sit at the kitchen table? On the couch? I don’t have wine or beer. Why did I suggest my house?
Once they arrived, Tucker made it easy. He plopped down on her sofa and kicked off his shoes. “I hope you don’t mind if I get comfortable.” He laughed. “These are clean socks, I promise.”
“I don’t mind in the least.” Hope removed her sandals and went barefoot. “My friend, Alex, refuses to go barefoot.”
“Why? Doesn’t he like it?”
”She’s a woman. Her name is Alexandra but she goes by Alex. She’s a germaphobe with a touch of OCD. She makes fun of herself. It isn’t a debilitating case, thank goodness.”
“That’s good. Got any beer?”
Hope scrunched her face. “Sorry, I don’t have beer nor wine. I’m not very well equipped for dating, am I?”
“I’m not an expert either. We’ll manage. Got any soda?”
“Yep. Regular or Diet Coke?”
He patted his belly. “Do I look like I drink diet anything?”
Chuckling, she said, “That’s about the only thing I watch but then there are those who say sweeteners are bad, so I can’t win.”
When she returned to the living room with two iced sodas, Tucker took a glass and patted the couch beside him. “Tell me about you.”
She groaned. “I’m not very interesting. I’d much rather hear about you.”
He winked. “I asked first.”
Hope leaned back on the couch and glanced into Tucker’s soft eyes as she considered how much to divulge.
He sipped his soda. “Something tells me you’re stalling.”
“It’s complicated. Extremely complicated, actually. I have a weird family dynamic.”
He laughed. “Who doesn’t?” Reaching for Hope’s hand, Tucker said, “You aren’t going to scare me off, so shoot. I can take it.”
Hope took a deep breath. “Okay, here goes.” She told him about being raised by hippie parents who were deadbeats, about the horrific fight they had when she threw them out of her house until they obtained jobs. Her eyes welled with tears. “Minutes after they left, their van was hit by a train.”