by Gay N. Lewis
Georgia grinned. “That would be a plus, but couples can grow apart if they lead separate lives.”
“You’ve got a point there. No amount of money would entice me to stay away from Ken on a routine basis.”
“There’s another problem too.” Don’t show my face and reveal too much. Jana reads people well. Georgia ducked her head. Should she confide in her best friend? Why not? She needed a prayer partner—and someone to be accountable to.
Jana raised her brows. “What?”
“Giovanni is attracted to me.”
“Ahh. Now I understand.” She finished packing her gym bag, prepared to head out the locker room, but turned to face Georgia. “And what about you? Do you feel something for him too?”
“I might…a little. He flatters me in a sincere way.” She sighed. “I find myself wishing Alan was more like him.”
“Then that’s a major difficulty.”
* * *
When Jana came in loaded with shopping bags, Ken rose from the sofa and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
“I’m so glad you’re home. Missed you, babe. The game isn’t the same without you. Did you enjoy your evening?”
Jana set the bags down, put both arms around Ken’s neck, and kissed him thoroughly. When she broke the kiss, Ken stared down at her.
“Wow! I take it you missed me, too.”
“I did, and realize more and more how blessed I am to have you in my life. God is really good to me.”
“I’m the fortunate one. My love for you mushrooms each day.”
When they sat on the sofa, Ken gestured toward the packages. “What did you buy? I’m hoping for a sexy, black nightie.”
Jana laughed. “Oh, you. No, I bought summer shorts and tanks on sale and found a bronze shimmer sweater to wear with brown slacks when the weather cools down.”
“What’s a shimmer sweater?”
She pulled it from a bag. “See? This thing has metallic thread running through it. You like it?”
Ken nodded. “Yes.” He kissed her nose. “The perfect color to bring out those toasty shades in your hair. What did Georgia buy?”
“Shirts and ties to give to her father-in-law for his birthday and a navy business suit for her. Guess what?”
“What?”
“She’s lost six pounds.”
“Good for her.”
Jana folded the garment and laid it beside her. “I wish Georgia and Alan shared a love such as ours.”
“You don’t think they do?”
“No. In my opinion, Georgia masks happiness. She loves Alan and is naturally a kind, sweet, person, but there’s only so much verbal mistreatment and neglected affection a woman can take.”
“Did she reveal misgivings concerning Alan?”
“Nothing I care to expose. What little she did mention is between Georgia and me, but I hope you’ll speak with Alan. Maybe he doesn’t understand how important his words can be.”
“Hmm. I’m no counselor. I don’t know where to start with such advice.”
“You’re his best friend. That should be enough.”
Ken leaned back against the cushions and Jana placed her head on his shoulder.
“Do you think their marriage is in trouble?” He murmured as he stroked Jana’s hair.
“Not yet, but I’d like to see Alan adjust a few things. I believe it would make all the difference in the world to their future.”
CHAPTER NINE
“Where do you want to take your dad for his birthday dinner?” Georgia slipped into the passenger side as Alan started the car’s engine.
“I made reservations at Maxwell’s Steak House. He loves a delicious sirloin. Maxwell’s is quiet and we can hear each other easier in there.”
“Good choice. I enjoy Maxwell’s too. I hope he likes the shirts and ties I bought.” She held up a small wrapped package. “This is the box of golf balls monogramed with his initials printed in red. He’ll get a kick out of these.”
“No doubt he’ll like the gift. He’ll take pride as he plays eighteen holes with those other old geezers. They’ll be envious when he shows them his new golf balls, and I’m glad you found a place to imprint them.”
A compliment? Georgia widened her eyes. Something to cherish. She stored such rare accolades from Alan in her heart to recall on down days. Wonder if she should keep a secret journal of positive situations and statements coming her way? Might be a good idea. She didn’t have many sad moments, but it was easier to remember negative stuff and overlook the constructive, and she lived among many blessings. Why not ignore the bad ones and focus on the noble ones?
When they met Alan’s dad at the restaurant, he whistled as the couple approached. “Georgia, you are gorgeous! Love your beautiful red dress. Shows off a stunning figure.”
“I helped her lose a few pounds. Gave her a treadmill for her birthday. She was getting a little hefty.” Alan shook hands with his dad.
Could her face get any hotter? And her telltale blush. How she hated it when the awful pink betrayed her. Why had he needed to add that bit of news? “Thanks, Tim.” She kissed her father-in-law on the cheek. “You’re quite handsome tonight.”
“Not very often I get taken to a fancy place to eat. Decided to put on my best suit.” Tim offered his arm to Georgia. “Alan, allow me to escort this woman and I’ll be the envy of every man in the restaurant.”
Alan snickered as though his dad had recounted a bad joke. “Go on ahead. Lead the way.”
Once they were seated at a table, Tim turned to Alan. “Wasn’t I right? Did you notice the heads turn when this eye-catching woman walked by?”
Alan focused on his dad and shook his head. “No. Sorry. I didn’t notice.” He glanced across to Georgia. “Since I’ve tweaked Georgia’s figure I guess she’s prettier. I’m working on her opinions now. She doesn’t get politics. Can you believe she cancels out my vote at the polls? She even voted against me this week on our sub-division homeowner’s issues.”
“Are we gonna argue about political affairs tonight? If so, I’ll go back home.” Tim furrowed his brow and glanced at Alan and then returned to Georgia.
Georgia laughed. “No, we won’t do that to you. This is your night. We’ll visit over your golf game.”
“And I do have stories to tell you. I wish you could have seen the guys yesterday. I always beat ‘em, but for the first time in my life, I socked a hole in one. I knew I’d do it one day and I’m pleased as punch to say it finally happened.”
“Before you detail your story, Dad—it may take too long. I’ll tell you about my marathon mile by mile. Happy to break the news—I won the thing. Came in first place and got a new trophy.”
* * *
Tim saluted Georgia. “I really like the shirts and ties, Georgia.” He stacked the boxes on the floor next to his chair and picked up the golf balls. “But this is my favorite. The guys will want some with their own initials on it. Thanks for finding them.”
“You’re welcome.” Georgia sipped her coffee while Alan drummed his fingers on the table.
“How do you know Georgia selected them and not me?”
An exasperated grunt escaped Tim’s lips. “I spot her meticulous touch. Besides most women do the shopping.”
“You guessed right, but I figured the golf balls would make a good choice.” He glanced around the room. “Are you two ready to leave? The waiter is eyeing our table. They don’t care for us sitting here taking up their space to chat. They lose customers for their station.”
Tim nodded. “Good point. The evening has been wonderful, but we should vamoose.”
Georgia picked up her purse. “Give me a moment in the ladies room, and then we can go.” She stood, waved, and left the men to themselves.
* * *
Tim surveyed his son after Georgia left his vision. “Alan, you’re a fortunate man. Georgia is a knockout and she’s a sweet, gentle lady.”
“She’s okay.”
“What do you mean okay? She’s
beautiful, thoughtful, keeps a fine house and earns a substantial salary in a job where she excels. As far as I’m concerned, she’s a superwoman.”
“She’s not perfect.”
Tim narrowed his eyes. “And you are?”
“Of course not. I’m just saying she needs to correct a few faults.”
“And you think nagging should produce the results you want and then people will regard you in a superior light. Is that it?”
Tim watched Alan throw up his hands and wondered what his son would say.
“I’m not nagging.” Alan fumed. “I tease her so she can advance. She needs to act and reason in a more intelligent way, and a healthier body is a good thing. The way she conducts herself has nothing to do with how people perceive me. My comments are meant to correct flaws and cause folks to regard her more highly. If society regards me as exceptional because of her, well, then, I’ve received a bonus. She brought her weight down with the treadmill, didn’t she? That was a clear-cut benefit—for her and me.”
“She didn’t need to weigh less. The lady lost those pounds because she loves and wants to please you. If you ask me, she needs to gain them back.”
“She told me she liked the new machine.” Alan puffed out his cheeks.
“Yeah—right.” Tim shook his head. “She’s a tenderhearted woman and didn’t want to hurt your feelings. The lady responds gently to your unkind remarks and cruel treatment.”
“Hey, Dad. Back off. When it comes to wives, you’re no expert.” Alan’s face looked like he’d sucked a lemon.
Even though a tear came to his eye, Tim stared at his son. “You’re thinking of your mother.”
“You bet I am. She left us for greener pastures.”
“Son, why do you suppose your mom went away?”
“I wasn’t good enough for her.”
Tim’s mouth dropped open to reveal every tooth in his head. “What?”
“If I’d been a smarter student or a better athlete, she might have been proud of me and maybe she’d still be here. I didn’t impress her with my brains or looks so she couldn’t love me. I’m making sure people hear about me and my marriage. If I correct all faults—mine as well as Georgia’s—society will approve of us and I’ll be worthy of respect.”
“Now let me get this straight. You imagine your mom left because you weren’t adequate?”
Alan nodded.
“Is that why you brag over your accomplishments so much?”
“I don’t brag. I just let everyone know I succeed. I won’t allow myself to fail again.”
Tim’s shoulders sagged like the time he lost his friend in Vietnam. “You’ve got it all wrong. Your mother bolted because of me, not you. You’ve never been a failure in your life.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I did too much of the same thing you’re doing to Georgia. Rather than build your mom up with compliments and gratitude, I tore her down. I badgered her constantly to change something I didn’t like.”
“I don’t remember it the way you describe.”
“Well, I did—all that and more behind closed doors. I drove her crazy trying to make her into a woman she wasn’t, and to top it off, I was too clingy.”
“Clingy?”
Tim nodded. “I refused to let her out of my sight and denied her going anywhere without me. I bullied the woman nonstop. I fussed over the way she dressed and what she said. I found it necessary to keep her near me to make sure she didn’t do or say something to embarrass me. When we were in public, I’d spring a certain expression, and she’d close her mouth shut—failed to talk at all after I properly admonished her.”
“I don’t recall any of this.”
“You were too young, but I’m sure you caught some of it.” He shook his head. “When your mom and I were alone, I yapped about many things I regret. I’ve learned my lesson. If God ever gives me another love, I’ll treat her with respect, give her space, and accept her for who she is. You can’t believe how many times I’ve wished for a do-over with your mother.”
Tim thought about Alan’s frown. His son looked as though he’d just heard a difficult calculous equation.
“This revelation makes no sense. You blame yourself for her leaving?” Alan’s voice raised a notch with surprise.
“I do.”
“You’re wrong. I’m the guilty party. If I’d been the son she could be proud of, I’d be in her life today. Now I know why I’ve never heard from her—I’m impossible to love.”
Tim shook his head. “When your mother filed for divorce, I was so angry I swore not to fight her about it and promised all she asked for if she never contacted you again.”
“You did what?” People turned to stare. Alan’s voice vibrated around the room.
“I’m sorry, son.” Tim’s eyes welled with tears. “My obsessive behavior ran her off. She wanted to be part of your life but she couldn’t tolerate me any longer. She needed money to start a new life so she agreed to my terms. She neglected you to escape me. But I’ll give you the location and you can connect with her.”
“Not true.” Alan choked out the words.
“Yes, it is. Perhaps our marriage would have been different if I’d allowed her a career. She wanted to go to college and get a degree, but I didn’t allow that, either. I assumed I’d style her into what I expected. I was wrong to torment her and keep the two of you apart. If you can’t forgive me, I’ll understand. I’m exposing it now because I see you doing to Georgia what I did to your mother and our relationship. I’m confessing my wrong to you in hopes you won’t repeat the same mistakes.”
Tim stared at Allan’s blotched face and believed his must echo the same shade. Tears filled his son’s eyes, as they did his.
When Georgia returned to the table, Tim broke his gaze to glance at her. A deep frown etched her brow as she gaped from one man to the other.
“What happened? Did I miss something important?”
CHAPTER TEN
“I’m glad we’re finished. I really didn’t feel like yoga today and almost backed out of coming.” Georgia zipped her jeans while Jana stuffed workout clothes into her gym bag.
“Something wrong?
“Just remembering Tim’s birthday and the aftermath of the dinner.”
“Oh? What happened?”
Georgia shrugged. “Tim liked his presents—especially the initialed golf balls.”
“I knew he would. Men go crazy over golf paraphernalia. Surely the gifts caused no problem.” Jana gazed at Georgia with an expression plainly suggesting she give supplementary detail.
“We experienced a wonderful evening as we ate.” Georgia stared off into space and paused, and then regarded her friend. “Neither man made so much as a growl to each other as we left. I’m guessing they had words while I was in the ladies room.”
“How odd. Ken says Tim and Alan have always been close, especially since the mom cleared out.”
“I’ve asked Alan what occurred, but he refuses to say. In fact, he won’t talk at all.”
“My goodness. How weird. Your hubby is a wordy guy.”
“Yes. Usually, but since then, if I question him about a trivial matter such as his day, he ignores me and disappears from the room—won’t even look at me. He’s been that way all week. I don’t know what to do and can’t fathom why he’s angry with me.” Georgia slumped to a nearby bench, put her head into her hands, and sobbed.
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” Jana sat next to her and placed an arm around Georgia’s shaking shoulders.
When the weeping subsided, Georgia raised her chin. “Maybe I should take Savini’s job and spend most of my time in Italy.” With tears still dribbling down her cheeks, she turned to Jana. “Do you think Alan would miss me?”
* * *
Georgia stared at her computer screen until her vision blurred and she became lightheaded. How long since she’d eaten? Trouble with Alan robbed her of an appetite. Maybe lunch might help shake the nuances of a headache.
She picked up her purse and headed downstairs.
As she entered the lobby, she noted Giovanni walking toward her. “Hello, Georgia, glad I caught you. I was nearby and thought I’d check if you were available for lunch. We have a lot to kick around.” He stared down at her as though no other person in the world mattered.
“As a matter of fact, I’m headed out for a sandwich now.”
“Are you meeting someone? I’ll be delighted to take you and your companions anywhere you want to go.”
“No…n…no…no.” She heard the stammer in her voice. What must he envision? His attractiveness made her panicky. He especially appeared handsome in his posh, tailored navy suit, white shirt and purple tie. “I’ve no plans.”
“Good. Then it is settled. My driver and car are waiting.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and led her outside.
Once inside the limo, Georgia sank into the leather and sighed. “I love this car.” She winced. “I revealed that secret the last time I rode in here, didn’t I?”
Giovanni nodded. “If you go to work for me, I’ll provide you with one of your very own.”
Georgia’s grin spread across her face. “I’m considering the offer. Would you really throw in a limo to take me back and forth?”
“Yes, of course. Say the word, and a car plus the private jet is yours to use any time. The best news I’ve heard all day is that you might come to Savini.”
“I’m not accepting the job yet, but you’re making it difficult to turn the position down.”
“I’ll try harder today to convince you to accept my proposal. You possess an exceptional eye for design and marketing, and I need you. I’ll meet all requests and want you with me. You can choose a title in my company—whatever your heart desires is yours.”
Ugh! Why did heat rise to her face and publicize her discomfort? Georgia glanced out the window. “You’ve already given lots of enticements, and I’m pleased you feel strongly about my abilities. Where are we going to lunch?”
“We’ll go to the Italian place you like so much.” He gave instructions to the chauffeur, and the car pulled into traffic. “When you dine in Italy with me, you’ll dine on excellent cuisine, but for now, Cravelori’s will do.”