Not that anyone she’d told hadn’t been happy. Janet, Kevin, and she had rung and told Lucy last night and she’d been thrilled, too. Still, knowing Mitch was pulling for her didn’t hurt.
Luckily with the huge pile of work and all the comings and goings, she just had to focus and get it done until the landscaper came in a couple of hours later looking for Moose. She promptly sent the man and his boots back outside and headed upstairs to find the boss. She found him and Mitch both looking deliciously hot and sweaty and hauling a large bureau from one side of a bedroom to the other. She leaned on the doorframe and took a moment to enjoy the view.
“It’ll be better here,” Moose was saying.
“I’m just the muscle not your designer, buddy.”
“It does look better.” Two heads turned to look at her. “Not that I’m a designer, either.”
They lowered the large piece of furniture in place. “Landscaper is out front.”
“Awesome. We need a break anyway. Hey, Minnie, can you show Mitch where to get some ice water?”
“Sure,” she said as Moose passed her and headed down. “You guys have been working hard.”
“Yeah.” Mitch lifted the edge of his T-shirt to wipe his face, revealing a perfect set of abs. She tried not to stare but failed. Her mouth went dry. Seriously, the universe was messing with her big-time. “It’s all good. I think we’ve only got a couple more rooms to do. How’s the first day going?”
“What?” She’d lost focus, what was he even talking about?
“The first day, is it okay?”
“Oh, yeah, it’s fine. Come on, I’ll show you to the kitchen. Get you something to cool you off.” She might just throw some ice water over her own head for good measure.
“Lead on.”
She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination but he was hot on her heels as she headed along the corridor to the back stairway. She decided to fill the moment with chatter. It wasn’t so much a decision as her mouth taking over. “Yeah, well, it’s not too hard. I used to do the accounts for a small chain of hardware stores in Boston. We had about fifty staff and a lot of suppliers and it was just me and a part-timer for a lot of years, so this is pretty uncomplicated. Also, I’m used to working with a bunch of men . . .”
“A bunch of men, huh? We’re all the same I guess.”
“I don’t mean that. I just don’t take any crap. Actually, men are easier to work with than women for me, less drama maybe.”
“Maybe.”
“You don’t think so?” They reached the kitchen, and she went to the fridge and pulled out some bottled water.
“I’ve worked with some men who were absolute drama queens.” He opened the bottle and took a long sip. “So many male divas on the circuit.”
She had to laugh at the idea of the athletes being divas. She pictured them with tiaras and feather boas.
“I guess so. I haven’t worked with women much.” In fact, when she considered it, only at Sleazy Dan’s and maybe they weren’t a good cross section of the community. Maybe not the workplace women’s behavior should be assessed on. “What does a diva athlete look like?”
“They just melt down over every little thing. I mean, you have to be competitive and have drive. Athletes demand a lot of themselves, and they demand a lot of others as well. Sometimes most of the people in their lives are people they pay, so those people put up with a lot. Not all of them are able to switch that off.”
“Were you like that?”
“Sometimes, I’m sure I was.” He gave a shrug. “I certainly wasn’t known for it but there are a few cringe-worthy moments in my past.”
“Yeah, well, I think in the cringe-worthy moments competition I’m the winner.”
“So competitive, Minnie,” he teased.
“Ha! Do you miss all that, the competition, the support crew, the adoring fans?”
“I still have adoring fans.” Yeah, she bet he did. She might be his number one fan at this point. “But sure, some days I really miss it. It was a buzz, a rush, and that’s addictive. It’s hard to give up.”
Well, now that was something she could definitely relate to. “That makes sense.”
“Do you miss the alcohol?”
It was such an open question. She didn’t expect it, but somehow the way he asked it didn’t bother her.
“Not as much as you’d think, actually. I found rehab easier than I expected, some people did it much tougher than me. I mean, some people had years and years of their lives gone. And no one to come home to. I was lucky. I’m not saying it has been easy, but it could have been worse. I look at Kevin and my mother and I’m in awe of the fact they’ve completely changed their lives.”
“I’m in awe of you.” His voice was sweet and seductive. He was standing just a foot away. “I’d hug you but . . .”
“Actually, I could use a hug.” The truth was she missed human contact. She stepped forward into his embrace. His chest felt solid against her own soft curves. She breathed him in and sighed. Then before it felt too good, she stepped back again. “Thanks.”
“Anytime. If we’re going to be friends, surely hugs are okay.”
Chapter 11
He had a pretty good feeling hugs were a slippery slope to more, despite what he said, because letting the woman step out of his arms had taken some super human strength right then. As he held her in his arms, he had wanted to keep her there forever, he wanted to hold her safe and fight whatever demons were lurking within, but he knew he couldn’t. Letting go, it was the right thing to do. He couldn’t claim to be proud of her and sabotage her all within five minutes.
“Friends,” she repeated. “I’ve been thinking about that and I think that could work.”
“Of course, it can.” His voice sounded way more confident than he felt. He didn’t want friendship but for now it had to do.
“I better get back to it.”
“Yeah, I’ll go find Moose.” He smiled at her as she walked away. “Later.”
Two hours later, he was back at his condo where Cheryl was flopped out on the couch watching bad reality TV. She was still in her pajamas, which were ridiculously skimpy and no doubt intended to illicit a response from him other than annoyance.
“How’s the job and house hunting going?” he asked as he walked into the kitchen, which despite having a dishwasher was strewn with cups and plates and assorted mess. Mitch wouldn’t describe himself as especially particular, but he did like things clean if not neat. Life on the circuit had taught him routine and self-discipline and those qualities had carried into other areas of his life.
Cheryl sighed on the sofa. “It’s so hard. No one is hiring.”
He had a feeling no one meant two people. When they’d been together, she’d gotten a lot of work through his contacts and because of his name. She was actually quite good at her job but building a client base and following up took a level of commitment she’d seemed to lack even then. It meant he suspected that most of her leads and old contacts had gone cold.
“Well, I guess you better keep trying.”
“Why are you being so mean to me? You used to be so sweet.” Her exaggerated pout was ridiculous. And it made him feel ridiculous for all the times he’d fallen for it over the years.
“I used to be in love with you,” he replied. It was brutal but true. “Now, all things considered, I’m trying to help you as best I can and that means encouraging you to help yourself.”
“Well, you do owe me. I helped you earn most of what you’ve got.” She was standing now, hands on hips and fire in her eyes.
“Really, how do you figure that?” His own arms were crossed firmly across his chest. This would be good.
“I was your support person. I listened to you and took care of you and created a home for you.”
“You rarely came to races, you moved into a home I already had, you cheated on me, you barely worked . . .”
“How can you say that? Oh my god, why were you even with me?”
“You were fun and I liked that. Also, I didn’t know you were cheating.”
“You don’t think much of me.” The pout was back.
“Cheryl, you haven’t given me much reason to. You’re smart and you’re fun and you’re good at your job, but you’re not interested in doing anything that requires hard work. I’d love to see you prove me wrong, but so far, you’re not.”
She turned around and stormed into the spare room, slamming the door as loudly as she could. Mitch stared at the closed door. Nothing had changed. Well, that wasn’t true because Mitch had changed. He knew what he wanted now and it was to have a relationship with an adult, not someone who acted like a child. Maybe Minnie wasn’t perfect, but at least she was willing to admit that and she was trying to make changes and own her behavior, unlike Cheryl.
The phone rang, and he grabbed it “Yeah.”
“Oh, my brother is in a good mood.” While others did, Mitch never had any trouble recognizing which sister he was dealing with.
“Sorry, Harper, my bad.”
“Who has your knickers in a twist?”
“I’m very manly; I don’t wear knickers, sis.” He laughed. “Cheryl is here.”
“Why?” The question was screeched at such a pitch he probably didn’t need the phone line to hear her. He gave her the abridged version, leaving out the kissing of Minnie.
“Get her out of there, man. Do not have sex with your ex.”
“Don’t worry, that’s not a problem.” He had absolutely no interest in her. “I’m just being a good guy and helping her out for a few days. I’d want someone to do that for you.”
“Sure, and in my case, that would be you. She has a brother, maybe she should go to him.”
Mitch knew for a fact they weren’t close. Cheryl had always complained about how her family didn’t get her. Maybe the problem was they did.
“Good point. What’s up with you?”
“Nothing, I’m bored. I need a change of scene.” Harper was a graphic designer for a small ad agency in Portland. The truth was if the triplet bond wasn’t so intense she’d be in New York by now.
“You should come and visit me. Take some vacation. It’d be fun.”
“I could do that. Maybe.”
“I’ll buy you a ticket. Just give me to the weekend to get rid of Cheryl. I don’t think you two would make good roommates.”
His sister groaned down the phone. “I will definitely think about it. I’ll get back to you. And meanwhile, brother, promise me you will not cave where Cheryl is concerned!”
No fear of that, he thought as he hung the phone up and proceeded to clean up the mess that was left in his kitchen.
Even though she was exhausted from her day. Minnie headed over to her mother’s house to see the kids. She was carrying take-out Chinese food as she had prearranged with her mother. The kids had to eat, and if she brought dinner, they had to eat with her or not eat.
Her day had been good. The highlights had been, in no order, not messing up on the job, the hug from Mitch, and running into Janet that morning. She really hoped dinner with her kids wasn’t a lowlight. She let herself in the back door, and the screen slammed behind her.
“Egg rolls,” yelled Olly.
“Kung Pao chicken,” answered his sister Sophie, and they raced toward her to take the bags. That wasn’t a “good to see you” but at least they ran toward her.
“And hello to you two, too.” Her mother was rinsing some plates in the sink and smirked.
“Sorry. Hi,” Sophie said.
“Yeah, hi.” Olly had an explanation. “We never get Chinese except special occasions.”
“Well, this is kind of special, I started a new job today,” she told them, sliding her bag off her arm and hanging it over the back of a chair.
She was then peppered with questions, which she duly answered.
“Moose is cool,” Olly told her. As if having his endorsement raised her up in his esteem. She’d take what she could get.
“He is. How was Boston? Are you all fitted for your dresses?” They were all setting the table together, like a real family, she thought before checking herself. Enjoy the moment. Be present.
Olly screwed up his nose and informed her he had to wear a suit.
Sophie sighed and said her dress and Katie’s were amazing. “Where is Katie, by the way?”
“She got an extra shift at the parlor.”
Of course, she did. Her own mother just gave her a what-are-you-going-to-do shrug. What indeed?
“Is Kevin here? Shall we eat while it’s hot?”
“Coming,” he called from the next room where the television noise died suddenly.
And then they sat and ate and talked about their days and their weekends, and it felt good and normal and maybe, just maybe, like she was edging closer to a new life. Katie’s empty chair was the only thing marring that, but still, it was progress.
“I talked to Mitch about training today,” Sophie announced. “He said you thought I should try it.”
Her mother and Kevin looked at her as if they had something to say but she ignored that. “I think if he’s willing to work with you, then you should see if you want to do that, and how will you know without giving it a shot? If you don’t like the extra training, if it is too much, then you stop.”
“We don’t want to pressure her,” her mother said.
“Or limit her,” Minnie countered. She didn’t want to overstep, but she was entitled to an opinion. The truth was as a child she’d missed a lot of opportunities because her mother was checked out. If Sophie wanted to do this, then she should at least have a chance. “It’s up to you, Soph.”
Sophie looked between them. It was clear the grandparents had suggested it was a bad idea, but Minnie could tell she wanted to at least try.
“I think I should do a couple of sessions and see,” she said. “It can’t hurt, right?”
“No, and if it’s just a trial, you’re not committed long-term and neither is Mitch.”
“When did you and Mitch discuss this?” Her mother’s question was double-layered. She knew that at least.
“After you all left Friday, he stepped me through it a bit. I don’t know anything about athletics, after all. I figured I’d ask some questions.”
“Oh.” Her mother’s lips formed a line.
“The coach thinks I should do it,” Sophie said. “I want to do it, I just . . .”
“You just what, honey?” Kevin’s gentle voice spoke.
“I just don’t want to make more work for everyone. You know, extra meets and practices.”
That was it. She didn’t want to be trouble but she wanted to run.
“Not an issue,” Kevin declared.
“Absolutely not,” Minnie agreed. “We’ll all make it work.”
“When I was a kid, I wanted to swim but my folks couldn’t get me there. We had a farm and it was an hour into town,” Kevin explained. “So, I didn’t swim. I always regretted that. We want you to live a life with no regrets, Soph. And Mitch is a great guy, and I’ve seen him race, boy oh boy, I bet he can teach you a lot.”
And just like that, the whole mood turned. It was very clear to Minnie that Kevin was the hero in this family. She and her mother had a lot to learn from him.
After the kids went up to do their homework, she helped her mother clear. “You hanging out with that Mitch? You don’t think it’s a little soon for that?”
“Said the pot to the kettle.” Her mother turned and sighed.
“You think I don’t know that? So, learn from my mistakes, girl.”
“No, I am not hanging out with that Mitch in the way you are implying. He’s my neighbor, and so he’s given me a ride in the rain. We had a coffee so he could explain the training to me.”
“That’s not what the word around town is,” her mother informed her.
“Well, who do you believe, me or the word around town?” Her mother’s pursed lips answered the question for her.
; “Believe what you like, Mom. But just a heads-up, doubting me, accusing me is not exactly making me feel strong and confident. Maybe trusting me a little, celebrating that I’m trying and I’ve got a job might be more helpful. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
The screen banged behind her, and she stormed around the front of the house nearly slamming into Kevin who was coming the other way.
“Whoa, nelly. Hold your horses. What’s got you so riled up?” He put a hand on each shoulder to hold her in place.
“Nothing,” she growled at him.
“Oh yeah, do you usually have steam coming out of your ears over nothing?”
“I don’t like being accused of things I haven’t even done,” she answered through gritted teeth.
“No one does. But at this point, it comes with the territory.”
“Sure, but I would have thought my own mother would give me the benefit of the doubt.”
“She would if she didn’t feel like she was looking in a mirror and you were going to do everything wrong she has.”
“At this point, we’re not even close to that if you’d like to check with Lucy.” There was no point getting into this. “Regardless, how is that helping anyone?”
“It’s not,” he conceded. “Just give her some room to adjust. She’s new to mothering in the traditional sense. Even before you left, you two didn’t have a close relationship. Everyone’s on new ground here. Try and be patient.”
“I am. I’m giving everyone room and space and time and all I’m asking for is a chance to not be accused of doing things I haven’t done.”
“Fair enough. Now take a deep breath.” She did that, counting in for two, hold for two, and out for two as she’d been taught somewhere early in rehab. “I’ll drive you home.”
“I’d rather walk.”
“I have to get Katie anyway, come on we’ll get her first. You can show us the condo.”
“What if she doesn’t want to go?”
“Well, I guess she’ll have to wait in the car because I would like to see it.”
Any Way You Spin It: An Upper Crust Novel (The Upper Crust Series Book 7) Page 10