by J. J. Keller
The snack prepared, she set the dish in front of Justin and handed him a fork. Shania picked up toys and cleaned the kitchen as he ate the peach and drank his milk.
“Are you done?” she asked as he scooted to the edge of the chair.
“Yes. Can I watch TV?”
“Yes, good idea. You watch a program, and I’ll shower. Then we’ll go to Morgan’s parents’ house.” Shania flipped on the television and a blue fuzzy monster popped out of a trash can.
“See horses?” he asked as he lowered to sit on the carpet.
“Probably not tonight, Justin.”
He frowned and focused on TV as a big yellow bird plastered across the entire screen.
She smoothed his hair. “If the bell rings or if anyone knocks just watch TV. Do not open any door and let someone inside.”
Her voice must have held a hint of fear because his eyes became round.
“Okay, Mommy.”
She kissed his forehead. “I’ll shower and be right back.”
Shania didn’t believe Beck would return, but she didn’t plan to put her son at risk. She bit her lip as she walked into the bedroom. Her queasy stomach didn’t help her nerves to settle. She wanted to make a positive impression on Morgan’s parents. Despite having known them for the past four years, this dinner would be different. She was in love with Morgan and wanted them to see her as…what? A daughter-in-law?
Excitement pattered a snappy beat inside her as she stepped into the tiled stall shower. Being with Morgan for the rest of her life would be a dream come true. She pressed her hands to her face. Yes, she hoped Morgan’s parents would call her daughter. She desperately wanted to be part of a family again.
She practiced what she would say as she ran the razor over her legs and underarms. The day she’d bought Justin a ball she’d purchased a tube of quality lipstick, facial moisturizer, Included was a bonus sample bottle of bath wash and lotion. The decadent scent reminded her of berries and jasmine. A hint of vanilla relaxed her. What was Beck’s intent?
Out of the shower she wrapped a towel around her, then bent in half shaking the hairs to maximize volume with her hair dryer. Upright again, she towel blotted her skin and finished by smearing lotion on her arms, neck and legs. Undergarments in place, she slipped into a black cowl-neck dress. The cotton top was form fitting, but the bottom flared like a large flexible umbrella. She forced her legs into pantyhose, but the toes rebelled when stuffed into black high heels. Her grandmother’s pearls were placed in her ears.
“I want to wear my boots,” Justin said. He held the rodeo riders lassoing straight forward. The towel was missing from around his neck, the shirt remained clean.
“Wouldn’t you rather wear the shoes that light?” She applied her lipstick in the mirror, resisting the urge to smile as he frowned.
“No, I want to wear boots.”
She faced him.”I’d rather you wear the sneakers.”
“Boots,” he demanded.
“All right, if you can put your boots on the right feet, then you can wear them.”
Her cellphone rang, interrupting any further rebellion. “Hello.”
Justin sat on the floor, a thoughtful expression on his face. The cowboys swinging their ropes on leather rested beside him.
“Hi, I’m sorry about being gone most of the afternoon. I’m about ten minutes out of town. Could we drive separately? I’ll meet you there,” Morgan said. A horn honked in the background, with wheels squealing against the pavement.
“Sounds like you’re in a street race.”
“Crazy drivers. I’ll see you there. Okay?”
“Sure. We’ll see you there.” She hung up and glanced at Justin. “While you’re trying on your boots, I’ll get our coats.”
“Okay, is this right?” He had one shoe in place, the toe pointed outward.
She didn’t want him to wear the oversized, noisy footwear but she admired his determination.
“No, honey, wrong foot.” She left the room as he removed them.
She obtained Justin’s coat from the closet and lifted her jacket off the rack in the foyer. Clomp, clomp vibrated on the hardwood floors behind her. She pivoted to look at him.
“Congratulations.” Shania smiled at him. She removed the bunch of multi-colored hot-house flowers from the refrigerator. The fall fresh-scented champagne roses, fern leaves and chrysanthemums reminded her of fun times at school dances and family gatherings complete with winter centerpieces.
She placed the flowers beside her coat on the back of the sofa. Justin struggled to get his arms in his jacket. After assisting him and with mitts and hat in place, he was ready to go. Covering herself with her wool wrap, she picked up the flowers and her purse. A quick visual check over the living room indicated the interior was tidy, except for a couple of stray toys.
“Let’s go, cowboy.” She hoisted her bag onto her shoulder and took Justin’s hand into hers.
The snow continued to flow, lightly covering her car and the ground. Beautiful flakes placed a pristine blanket on the evening ahead.
* * * *
Morgan answered the door, wet hair flipping onto his forehead. He’d dressed in an emerald shirt, bringing out the glorious moss green of his eyes. Jeans and boots finished off the outfit. His light peck to her lips warmed them the slightest bit.
“Sorry, I’m so late. I’ve got great news,” Shania said to Morgan. She lowered two framed sketches to the slate of Hardwick’s entrance hall floor, propping them against the staircase. Tucking the bunch of flowers under her arm, she helped Justin remove his coat. His gloves littered the floor. Out of the garment, he stood to the side, replicating Morgan’s usual stance. Hands in his pockets, Justin rocked heel to toe.
“I was worried,” Morgan responded and moved behind her. She shrugged. His fingers touched her neck as the jacket was removed, igniting that slow burn. She switched the chrysanthemum-laden floral bouquet from one hand to another as she moved her arms through the sleeves.
“Daddy.” Justin tugged on Morgan’s pant leg. “Mommy wouldn’t let me wear boots.”
Morgan lifted Justin and hooked Shania’s coat on the stair rail. “It looks like you’re wearing them.”
Justin’s frown turned upside down. “Uh-huh.”
“Oh good, we’ll get started with dinner now that the guest of honor is here.” His mother, deep green eyes glittering, entered the foyer. Mark followed a step behind.
“Mom.” He shifted Justin to his other side and hugged Shania to his side. “You remember Shania Miller, and this young man is Justin.”
Shania held out the bunch of flowers. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Hardwick, and Mark. I’m sorry we’re late.” She handed the spray to his mother, as she’d rehearsed during the shower.
“That’s okay, dear, remember you were going to call me Maggie.” Mrs. Hardwick took the bouquet, gave Shania a hug, and glanced at Justin. “Hi, Justin. Are you hungry?”
“Don’t stand out here in the foyer, come. Welcome, Shania and Justin.” Mark took Shania’s arm and pulled her forward into the formal dining room off the foyer.
Shania stopped in her tracks. Her heart raced as fast as the sixty miles per hour she’d driven the last ten miles. She licked her lips, and slid her palms against the cold cotton of her dress. At least the sweat palm prints wouldn’t show on the black material.
A white linen cloth covered an eight-foot table, showcasing stoneware place settings. The formality of the table arrangement didn’t bother her, but the people made her palms hotter and damper. Patty, Morgan’s ex-fiancée, sat beside Too Many, and then Shania’s father. Shania’s mother held court across from her father. Anger ripped through her like tearing a poorly created sketch, heating her core. Damn, this was a horrible set-up. She bit her lip and glanced at Morgan.
A broadcast smile lit his face.
He’d arranged this atrocity.
The chair beside her mother hosted a booster seat, which meant Shania had to sit beside Ju
stin in the uncomfortable triangle. Her stomach soured with anger. The fury roiled to her throat, making it burn. They hadn’t believed her about only being with Beck, and then demanded she abort her baby. She couldn’t get over their mistrust. She shot Morgan a death-to-you-look.
Morgan winked in return.
Shania understood why Too Many was there. He was Morgan’s friend. But why would he possibly invite that witch Patty? Unless Too Many had scooped-up Morgan’s leftovers. Her parents? What could he possibly be thinking inviting her blood relations to share a meal with them?
“Sorry, we’re late. Hello, Patty, Too Many, Father and Mother.” Shania turned to take Justin from Morgan.
Instead of giving Justin to her, Morgan placed her baby on the seat. He pointed to her parents. “Justin, this is your grandmother and grandfather.”
“Holy crap,” Justin announced and glanced at her for confirmation. Shania nodded.
Mark softly chuckled. Too Many snorted.
Morgan held her seat beside Justin and across from Too Many. She flashed Morgan a questioning frown and slid onto the chair. He half-smiled, but his eyes held a ripple of uncertainty. He settled onto the ladder-back next to her and shook his napkin.
Shania lifted a piece of fabric and tried to place the soft blue material on Justin’s lap.
“Shania, if you don’t mind we have a toy truck for your son--Justin,” her mother declared.
The gift didn’t surprise Shania, but she found the opening comment odd. No “hello, how have you been” or “why did you ruin your life?” However, her mother’s fingers shook as she creased a section of her navy napkin.
“Truck,” Justin shouted and moved to get off the seat.
Shania placed her hand on his. “After dinner. Everyone’s been waiting on us.”
He kicked his boots against the frame of the seat and tossed his napkin to the floor.
“Those are nice boots, Justin,” her mother said, trying to win him over. Shania’s mother was a professional. The experience from numerous charity events would enable her to convince King Midas himself to give up his gold and join the cause. No doubt by complimenting Justin’s footwear and giving a gift she’d get his favor in no time.
Justin smiled and raised a leg, bumping into the bottom of the table. Mrs. Hardwick had placed dishes on the center and as they rattled, she glanced at him. He thumped the wood again. She held onto the gravy boat with two hands.
“Sister M said…” Justin stammered and held his shoe out for examination and praise.
“What did Sister M say?” her mother urged, sending him a reassuring smile.
Oh, no!
“They were slightly used.” Justin smiled. He was proud as can be of his boots, and kicked the wood as he slid his foot under the table.
Heat rushed up to Shania’s face. She reached over and pushed down the leg, so he wouldn’t jar the table again. “Justin, shh.”
“Robert, did you hear that?” her mother whispered across the table.
“We all heard him, Mrs. Hardwick,” Patty’s spiteful voice spewed. A devilish smile followed.
Shania lowered her face, willing the heat to recede.
“A moment of prayer, please,” Mr. Hardwick announced. He quoted scripture, added a note about guests, and ended. “Peace be with you.”
“As with you,” Mrs. Hardwick, Morgan and Shania said in unison.
Much to Shania’s amazement, the meal continued without further incident. Limited conversation had been bantered about other than a couple of fishing tales. Justin spilled a few kernels. Yellow corn edged the tablecloth around his plate. He ate more than he had in the past few weeks. Was another growth spurt coming?
He held his tiny hand to her face and whispered, “Can I get down?”
Shania glanced at Morgan. “Sure,” Morgan replied.
“Shania, would it be all right if we gave Justin his gift?” Her mother rubbed her aging hand over Justin’s smooth small one. A look of poignant longing appeared on her face. Almost four years had passed since Shania had seen her mother and father. Her parents had aged with lines creasing their faces, saggy jaws and stomachs that flopped over their belts. Had they kept Beck’s letters? No, she wouldn’t believe it. Beck had lied.
“Truck.” Justin glowed. Having forgotten about the prize, now he couldn’t wait to leave.
Shania glanced at Morgan. “Is there a place he could play with a toy?”
“Kitchen?” Morgan glanced at his mother.
“Sure. Justin, the kitchen floor is made from bricks. You’ll enjoy running a truck over the rough terrain, like in the desert.” Mrs. Hardwick smiled at him, lifting and lowering her hand in a wave motion, imitating a vehicle on an uneven road.
“Do you need to use the restroom before you go play?” Shania helped him down from the seat.
He squinted, hesitated, and a quick nod followed.
Bathroom activities done, her mother took Justin’s hand and led him to the kitchen. A wrapped rectangle secure under her arm. Shania experienced a spasm of pain in her chest. The past was the past. She shouldn’t deny her son his family. By coming here tonight her parents flung out the olive branch, and she’d embrace the offering. Justin would get to know his grandparents.
Shania relaxed and settled onto her seat. Morgan placed his arm around her shoulders.
“Since we’re going to have a special announcement during dessert, I thought we’d have home-made ice cream to go with the cake. Morgan, would you go out to the garage to get the ice from the freezer?” Mrs. Hardwick asked and nodded toward the door.
“I’ll be happy to.” He kissed Shania’s cheek and whispered, “I’ll be right back.”
Shania’s mother came from the kitchen and called her father. He excused himself from the table. They walked into the living room.
Great, Justin probably told her about PBJs for dinner a few nights ago.
“Since we have some time until the big announcement, I’ll get a drink. A real drink.” Patty got up and walked into the kitchen.
What was the big announcement? Was Too Many marrying Patty? The moment Patty’s short skirt snaked past the door, Shania shot a glance at Too Many. He hadn’t tied two words together the entire night.
“What are you thinking, getting mixed up with her?” Shania squeezed out and then glanced at Mark, the only other person at the table. He calmly sipped coffee as he stared a set of bay windows at the other end of the room.
“What can I say? I like bad women.” He smiled and lifted his glass, as if toasting her.
“I’m not a bad woman. At one time I thought I loved Beck. Morgan is my true love and that doesn’t make me…like her.” She didn’t care if Too Many thought she was wicked. Only Morgan’s opinion mattered.
“Of course you’re not bad. If you were, I’d have hit on you a long time ago.” Too Many grinned.
A shriek pierced the silence.
“Justin!” Shania jumped from her chair and ran into the kitchen. The swinging door banged against the wall and remained in place, stuck on the clasp to hold it secure.
“You little bastard,” Patty screamed.
Justin grabbed his large yellow metal truck off Patty’s elegant designer shoe and backed up like a sand crab.
“You need to train your bastard brat.” Patty lifted her shoe and brushed at the leather.
Shania lifted Justin and held him on her hip. She shoved his head to her shoulder, covering the exposed ear with her hand.
“You can say whatever you want to me, but I will not allow you to call my son hurtful names.” Shania’s breath came fast, expanding her chest. Surely Justin’s head moved with the pounding.
“Bitch, whore, man stealer, what else do you want to hear? You’re more than that.” Patty’s breathing took on a fast pace as well. She’d apparently been gathering steam in the past three months.
“You weren’t meant to be together. He didn’t love you, Patty.” Shania held her hand tighter to Justin’s ear.
�
�And he does you? Can’t you see what’s in front of you? For the past four years he’s been kowtowing to you because Beck asked him too. Morgan’s the kind of guy who takes his obligations seriously. So many times we couldn’t take a vacation or even go to a movie because he was on call for you. He’s not in love with you. Morgan’s fulfilling a vow he made to his best friend,” Patty harped.
“Patty,” Too Many protested from behind Shania.
Shania turned to leave. Regardless of how much she disliked Patty, she was right. Beck had said the same thing. Morgan would honor a vow. He’d do whatever he promised and for however long it took to protect her and Justin.
She released her hand from Justin’s head. Tears blinded her as she pushed past Too Many. Her parents were walking back into the dining room. “Justin, tell your grandmother and grandfather ‘thank you’ for the truck.”
“Thank you,” he whimpered, then suctioned his head to her shoulder.
Shania blinked away the tears and glanced around the room. “Thank you, Mark, for dinner. Please tell Mrs. Hardwick the food was delicious. I’ll call Morgan.”
Morgan’s father stared at her as if trying to decide what she was saying. They must not get a lot of squabbling at their house. He lifted his coffee cup and nodded.
She lowered Justin to the floor and grabbed his coat from the wooden staircase banister. With quick rough movements she took the toy and placed it on the tile. She tucked his arms into the coat and zipped it rapidly enough the teeth-gathering echoed through the small foyer. Morgan came around the corner as she jerked on her wrap. Justin picked up his truck, holding it close to his chest and backed into her legs.
“What’s going on?” Morgan moved his glance between her and Justin. Shania’s hands trembled as she tried to secure one edge over her shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her. “Tears? Why?”
She sniffed, stepped away, and wiped her face with her sleeve.
“We’re leaving. Got to get back.” She chuckled, trying to keep the hysteria out of her voice. Reluctant to depart, she couldn’t stay knowing he’d commit to her because of loyalty. As many times as he’d hinted about love, he’d never said the words.