Secrets or Surrender

by Mary Tribbey

  Chapter 10

  Dave watched her drive away. He felt like screaming. All evening he tried to give her an opening to tell him about George. As long as George stood between them, he couldn't trust her. He knew he wanted her like no other woman in the world, He cursed at the thought of her driving home to George. More than anything, he wanted her to tell him about George and that George meant nothing to her. As he drove to his house, he decided he had to take action and find a way to get Joan to spend more time with him. Tomorrow after the game, he would suggest his proposition to her. Somehow he would get her to agree. The way his body reacted to her closeness, he didn't know how much longer he could stand being close to her without taking her into his arms and making love to her. The thought of her body lying next to him filled him with sweet torture. He found his bed especially big and lonely that night.

  The next day, Joan met Cindy in the box seats in the Coliseum. The noise of the crowd swirled around them as they tried to talk and keep Davey and Billy entertained. Cindy divided her attention between them, not even appearing to be frazzled by the effort. Cindy kept up a steady stream of chatter. Davey jumped up and down and yelled with the crowd each time the Rams made a good play. Even though he was little, he knew a lot about the game. Joan laughed when he explained the game to her. It wasn't because he told it incorrectly. It was just the way he bounced around as he pointed out his dad and the others. After Dave threw a long pass, Davey threw his arms around Joan. She found herself jumping up and down with Davey in her arms.

  Cindy looked at them and laughed, “Well, you've become a rabid fan in a very short time. Wait, I forgot. You have to cheer. After all, you’re a member of the team,” Cindy teased.

  “I guess you're right about that. I'm not sure I really understand what's happening, but I can’t help joining in with the crowd. Of course, with Davey’s tutoring, I should be a football expert in another game or two,” Joan laughed, giving Davey a quick squeeze.

  During halftime, one of the ushers delivered a large box to Joan. She watched as Davey pulled off the blue and silver ribbon and opened the box. She looked inside in time to see a dozen long stemmed yellow roses tucked down in the box; Joan saw a small folded note tucked in with the flowers. She quickly unfolded the note and read it silently. After a moment of silence, she turned and read it to Cindy. “Thanks again for giving me a chance to live and play football. Please meet me after the game. I have a problem, and I really need your help. Signed, Dave.”

  “Do you have any idea what kind of problem Dave has?” Cindy asked.

  Joan shook her head, “I haven't the slightest clue. I can’t imagine any way that I could help him with a problem.

  “Are you going to meet him?” Cindy asked.

  “I don't know what to do, Cindy; Dave scares me. He is just too attractive, and I can’t afford to get involved with anyone,” Joan answered.

  “I don’t know what kind of problem Dave has, but I know one thing; I wouldn't hesitate to find out. He's the kind of guy you can trust. I'd gladly help him in any way that I can. He's a special guy, but I can see by your expression that you already think he’s pretty special, too. What could it hurt to meet him and find out?” Cindy asked.

  “You're right, Cindy. He’s becoming too special to me,” Joan admitted with a slight blush. “I just don't know what to do. I'd like to help him, but I'm afraid of becoming too involved.”

  “What's so wrong with that? You are both single and obviously attracted to each other. It sounds like a perfect arrangement to me,” she continued.

  “It's a long sad story and not one I can talk about. Just trust me on this, Cindy. I can't let myself get involved with anyone, no matter how attractive he may be.”

  “Well, what do you think? Are you going to meet him?” Cindy prodded.

  “I feel like I at least owe him the courtesy of finding out what he needs. I’ve never turned away from a friend if I thought I could help. As you pointed out, what could it hurt to meet him and hear what he has to say?” Joan answered. Once the decision was made, Joan tried to settle back and enjoy the second half of the game, but disturbing thoughts kept running through her mind. She felt her heart beating faster as she remembered the emotions he had aroused in her with just one kiss last night. For a moment, she could almost feel his arms around her again. She was so lost in her thoughts, she jumped guiltily when Davey touched her arm and brought her back to the ballgame. By the time the game was over, all of them were tired and hoarse from cheering, but they were overjoyed by the team's victory. It was especially sweet, Cindy explained, because they beat their old rivals, the Cowboys, by two touchdowns. Dave played brilliantly again, and the rest of the team had followed his example. The cheering crowd had filed out by the time Cindy, Billy, Davey, and Joan headed down the tunnel towards the dressing room. This time there were no reporters hanging around. Joan breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the hallway was empty.

  After waiting a few more minutes, Lyle and Dave stepped into the hallway. Little Davey broke away and tackled his dad. Lyle scooped him up and gave him a big hug and kiss.

  “If you keep tackling that well, Davey, pretty soon you’ll be playing on the team with us,” Dave said.

  When Davey pounced on him, he carried him on his shoulders up to where the two women stood waiting. Lyle put his arm around Cindy and gave her a hug. Dave looked at Joan in the dim light of the tunnel area and smiled. It looked like there were tears in her eyes, but he wasn't sure.

  She carried the white florist box and smiled shyly at him. When he approached, Joan murmured, “Thanks for the beautiful flowers. I don’t know which are more beautiful: the red ones last week or the yellow ones this time.”

  “You're welcome. Did you know the color of the rose is supposed to express different things? I’m not sure exactly what they are saying, but I’m happy you like them. Thanks for agreeing to talk to me. I really appreciate it,” he added quietly.

  He handed Davey over to Lyle, and the six of them walked out of the tunnel together toward the team parking area. The traffic had pretty well dissipated by the time they got to their respective cars.

  “Call me tomorrow, Joan. I’d like to meet you and go shopping sometime. I like the sweater you have on. Maybe you could help me find something like that for me,” Cindy called.

  “I'll call you after I get off work. Congratulations on the great game, Lyle,” she paused, “and Dave. I don't want you to feel left out, Dave.” she added with a teasing smile. Dave looked at her with a puzzled look, and then he laughed as he remembered his complaint the night before.

  Dave and Joan were just getting into Dave’s car, when Cindy, Lyle, and the boys drove past. Lyle honked and Cindy and Davey both waved until they turned the corner out of the parking lot.

  Once they were alone, Joan began feeling a little uneasy. Dave opened the car door for Joan and waited while she slid across the seat. Joan realized her nervousness wasn't because she didn't trust Dave; it was because of the way her body reacted each time they were alone. She was scared because he had aroused longings and feelings in her she thought were long dead. He was a gentleman, but she wasn't sure if she could trust her own treacherous body.

  As if he could sense her uneasiness, Dave drove silently out of the parking area. For a few minutes, he concentrated on the remaining traffic. When he turned onto the freeway, he glanced at her and said softly, “Thanks again for coming. I was afraid you might not be free tonight,” he added.

  “I must admit you have aroused my curiosity. I didn't have any plans for tonight, except work on my bike path article. It is almost finished, but I have to turn it in by Tuesday.” she added.

  “I am too keyed up before a game to eat much. Right now, I'm starving. I hope you don't mind if we talk over dinner.” Dave said.

  “No, that sounds fine to me, but won’t you give me a hint of what the problem is about?” Joan asked.

&nb
sp; “Not until after we eat. I need a little time to relax from the excitement and tension of the game. Just be patient, I'll fill you in soon. Don't worry, it isn't anything earthshaking, but it is something I need your help with.”

  After driving about 20 minutes, Dave turned onto the Pacific Coast Highway heading towards Ventura. The sun was low in the sky, and the clouds drifted just above the horizon. Joan divided her attention between the things along the highway and the sky. She stole furtive glances at Dave’s profile as he drove along, but she quickly looked away because of the feelings his appearance aroused in her. Each time they approached a restaurant, Joan expected to feel Dave apply the brakes and turn into the parking lot. She looked at him in surprise when he turned right onto a private driveway.

  Dave said, “I thought we would have dinner at my place. I hope you don't mind, but I do want to talk about something important and private.”

  Joan stammered, “I guess it's all right, but wouldn't it be easier to eat at a restaurant?”

  “No,” he answered, “my housekeeper is a wonderful cook. She’s staying late today to fix our dinner. It won't be anything fancy, but I can guarantee it will be delicious. She makes it hard for me to maintain my weight, but I love the temptation.”

  Joan drew in a quick breath when they pulled up in front of a huge ranch style house. There was a lush lawn surrounded by tall Oleander bushes, while ferns filled in the courtyard leading up to the front door. As he opened the front door and Joan stepped inside, the first thing she noticed was the massive leather sofa and chairs clustered around a huge natural stone fireplace. Bookshelves filled up one wall. Even without feeling the warmth of the flames, Joan was struck by the cozy feeling of the room. Considering the spaciousness of the room, Joan was surprised at how homey and welcoming the place felt.

  When her gaze continued around the room, she noticed the other wall was nearly all windows. Outside she caught a glimpse of the ocean in the distance. She wandered over to the window and looked out. “What a marvelous view!” she exclaimed.

  Dave walked over beside her. “That’s the main reason I bought this house. I find it very relaxing to sit outside. You really can’t appreciate the view from here. Come on; let me give you a tour of my favorite spot.”

  Dave opened the glass door and led her outside. The sun had started slipping down below the horizon. The clouds were changing into brilliant streaks of orange and red stretching across the sky. The sky itself was a warm golden color that gradually changed to a pale blue. As she stood on the deck, leaning against the terrace railing, silence settled around them like a cozy cocoon. Dave walked up behind her and put his arm loosely around her body. He pulled her gently back against him. Joan relaxed and leaned back feeling the strength of his body sheltering hers. They stood silently as they watched nature put on its spectacular light show. As the sun slowly sank out of sight, the vivid colors drained away, and the sky began darkening as night approached. They lingered in companionable silence. Joan turned and slipped her arm round his waist and leaned her head against his shoulder. All tension seemed to have eased out of them as the sun slowly set. Joan became aware that it was now being replaced by a different kind of tension.

  At the sound of a woman's voice, both of them stepped apart. Turning towards the door, they saw a short red-haired woman in a colorful dress standing watching them.

  “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you, Dave. I just wanted to ask when you want dinner served. It's ready now, if you want it, but it will keep for a while if you want to wait,” she announced.

  “I think we are ready now. Is that all right with you, Joan?” Dave asked.

  “Fine. I shouldn't be hungry, but I am. After all, you did all the work today. I just watched the game,” Joan laughed.

  “Joan, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Jensen. She's been my housekeeper, cook, substitute mother, and loyal fan since I moved to Malibu. If this house looks good, it's all her doing. She does a marvelous job, and I couldn't get along without her,” Dave declared.

  “Now, Dave, stop your blarney or you’ll make me blush,” Mrs. Jensen chided.

  “Mrs. Jensen, this is Joan Marshall, the woman I told you about who saved my life the other night,” Dave said.

  “I can't tell you how thankful I am that you were there. Dave is like a son to me. He's quite a guy. I don't know what we would have done without him around. What he does on the football field is remarkable, but few people know what a special young man he is off the field. I'm so happy to meet you in person. Dave’s told me how talented and beautiful you are, but I thought maybe he was exaggerating. It looks to me like he was just being truthful,” Mrs. Jensen added quickly.

  “Thanks for everything. I'm happy to meet you, too. I hope you didn't go to any trouble fixing dinner for us,” Joan said as she shook Mrs. Jensen’s hand.

  “Don't think anything about that. I like to cook and Dave loves to eat, so we get along very well. I didn't mind staying a little later tonight. That was quite a game you played today, Dave. I don't think I've ever seen you play better than you have the last two weeks. If you're ready to eat, why don't you go sit down at the table? It’s all set. When you are seated, I’ll serve the food.”

  Dave escorted Joan to the table just inside the dining room overlooking the southern end of the terrace. He pulled her chair out and seated her before going around to sit across from her. Mrs. Jensen served a small seafood salad and poured a glass of wine for each of them. After they finished the salad, she brought in two sizzling steaks. Each plate also contained a baked potato, green beans with slivered almonds, and fresh homemade dinner rolls. As they ate, they talked about the game and about Lyle, Cindy, and the boys. Dave recounted stories about their days together in college. Joan listened intently as she ate. The food was excellent, and it seemed so natural and comfortable sitting at the table with Dave. Mrs. Jensen removed the plates and brought in slices of homemade cheesecake and hot coffee. Joan groaned as she looked at the delicious looking dessert.

  “You said this would be a simple meal, but this is a feast. That cheesecake looks delicious and is a favorite of mine, but I am stuffed. I can't eat another mouthful,” Joan moaned.

  “I’ll just leave it here. If you get hungry later, you might enjoy having it then.” she suggested

  “That sounds like a good plan,” Dave added. “This meal was another culinary masterpiece, Mrs. Jensen.”

  Mrs. Jensen flushed at his words of praise. She gathered up the dishes and disappeared back into the kitchen. Joan could hear her bustling around. After a few minutes, she came out with her purse on her arm. “Well, Dave, everything is cleaned up. I'll see you tomorrow. Just leave the other dishes, and I’ll wash them when I come in the morning. It was a real pleasure meeting you, Joan; I hope to see you again soon. Thanks again for saving my favorite boss,” she said, extending her hand to Joan. Joan squeezed her hand and repeated her praise of the dinner. They watched Mrs. Jensen walk out the front door. When the door closed, a silence momentarily settled over the room.