And then there’s Alex. Oh, Alex, why did you have to stand by passively while your Mamá treated me like dirt? That was the meanest and most unfair reception I’ve had from anyone, let alone a date’s mom.
So what do I do now? I don’t want to lose Harrison’s friendship, but I can’t lead him on either. I don’t want to give up on Alex just yet…
Desperate times like these call for one person—Mom. I turn on the ignition and head to her house, needing to talk to the voice of reason.
Shoot, Aunt Peggy’s car is in Mom’s driveway. As much as I love Aunt Peggy, who is also my godmother, I want to talk to Mom in private. I ring the doorbell and the door is instantly flung open.
“Frankie!” Aunt Peggy exclaims, folding me in her arms for a tight squeeze. “How’s my favorite niece?” Understandable—I’m her only niece and she’s like a second mom to me. “Uncle Bill and I never get to see you anymore.”
“I know and I’m sorry. I’ve been so swamped at work, I haven’t had a chance to come by and visit,” I say, giving her a wobbly smile.
“You don’t have to look so stricken, honey. We understand. We miss you, that’s all,” she says fondly, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear as she used to when I was a kid.
“Frankie, what’s wrong?” Mom says the minute she sees my face.
“Nothing.” I paste a smile on my face, even if it probably looks fake to Mom and Aunt Peggy’s knowing eyes.
Aunt Peggy reaches into her handbag for her car keys. “I wish I could stay and chat with you, but your Uncle Bill is meeting me at Spris and I’m already late.” She pulls me in for another hug and the moment her soft arms surround me, a lump forms in my throat. I wouldn’t mind her staying and hearing me out. I need all the advice I can get.
I swallow hard and say brightly, “Why don’t we have lunch next week? My treat.”
Aunt Peggy chuckles. “I’d love that, but it’s my treat. I insist.”
When she leaves, Mom lays a gentle hand on my cheek. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
I look around. “Where’s Dad?”
“In his office, asleep in his reading chair.”
I smile at the image of my scholarly dad, nodding over a science textbook.
“What smells so good?” My nostrils twitch at the sweet scent wafting from the kitchen.
“Your favorite,” Mom says, looking pleased.
“Lemon blueberry muffins?” I follow the delicious smell until I reach the kitchen counter where I spot the muffins atop a white porcelain cake stand. “Mmm, these look yummy.”
Mom smiles. “I made a double batch because Peggy was coming over. You can take a dozen home with you.”
Mom is the middle child of three. Uncle Wayne is the oldest and bossiest, even though he means well, and Aunt Peggy is the carefree youngest sister with a large appetite for fun—and sweets. And Mom’s the middle child, a born nurturer and peacemaker.
I bite into a moist muffin and am transported to when Mom would bake a batch of these muffins for after-school treats. “That’s the best news I’ve had all day.”
“Really? Tell me about it,” Mom says, sinking into a kitchen chair.
Half an hour later, after two lemon blueberry muffins downed with peach iced tea, I feel better. Sitting with Mom at the glass-topped bamboo table in her eat-in kitchen has soothed my ragged nerves. I’ve spilled my guts about Alex and Harrison, referring to them as Dr. Escobar and Dr. Taylor and she’s listened patiently, nodding and shaking her head.
Her almond-shaped brown eyes, so like mine, search my face. “So, what’s the real problem?”
“What do you mean, Mom? I just told you my dilemma.”
“Let me get this straight. You have two men, doctors no less, fighting over you.” She quirks an eyebrow at me. “Hello, you call this a dilemma? I call this every girl’s dream. Revel in it, sweetie. Enjoy, whoop it up!”
Huh? Weird. “Where’s my mom? Have you seen her?”
“Very funny. I mean it.” She shakes her head. “You’re my only child and sometimes I wonder if I’ve overprotected you.”
“You did your best.”
Mom chuckles. “Gee, thanks. Come on, Frankie. Give them both a chance. Have fun.”
“Both? I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I feel like I need a break from all that testosterone. I wish I could curl up in my bed with Romeo, eat more lemon blueberry muffins and read a romance novel.”
“You can’t run away, Frankie. You have to face the music, or in this case, the boys.”
I look down at the paper napkin in my hand and mull it over. “They’re men, not boys.”
When I meet Mom’s gaze, I’m struck by how strong she looks. You’d never know that she has heart disease and almost died of a heart attack.
“Glad to hear it,” she says firmly. “Now, shoulders back, chin up and get to work. Don’t you need to get Dr. Escobar on board with the heart campaign?”
“Yes, but what about his mother, La Dragona? I think that means dragon lady in Spanish—or a drag.” I shrug. “Either works. She’s as fierce as a dragon.”
“Dragons are meant to be slayed,” Mom says with fire in her eyes. “Kill his mom with kindness. She’s suffering from back pain. Pain makes people act mean sometimes. Maybe next time she’ll be nicer. If not, then it’s a red flag and you’ll have to decide if he’s worth it.”
“True…but he acted like such a wuss around her.”
“I wasn’t there so I can’t give you an opinion on that, but Alex did the noble thing by taking care of his mother. Don’t you think he would have preferred to go on that date with you?”
“I guess.” Hey, I’m liking the sound of that. “The problem is I’ve put him on a pedestal and I probably shouldn’t have. Dr. Escobar was…is my hero. He’s larger than life and I feel let down.”
“Pfft. He’s a mortal man with flaws. Remember that. Nobody deserves to be on a pedestal, not even Dad, and you know how much I love him.”
I sigh. “And then there’s Harrison and he is so hot.”
“Is that Dr. Taylor? Romeo’s vet you mentioned earlier?”
“Yes. I’ve been trying to keep things platonic between us, but when he kissed me today, it was like kapow! I forgot all the reasons why he isn’t a good match for me.” An electrifying thrill pulses through me at the memory of his kisses and how I practically melted in a puddle of lust.
Mom gives me a curious look. “Who says he’s not a good match for you?”
“Me. Anyway, I ran out of his apartment and here I am—confused about my feelings for him.”
“How will you sort it out if you run away from him? Harrison might be the one.”
I remain silent. I don’t want Mom to know the reason I want to marry a real doctor—she’d only feel guilty that I have health concerns because of her heart attack
“I need to take a break from Harrison for a while. We can’t be friends with all that chemistry exploding between us.”
Mom goes from looking confused to mystified. “Exploding chemistry? That’s wonderful! Why run from it?”
“Because I’m lusting after two men at the same time,” I admit, feeling like a moron.
Mom gives a hoot of laughter. “You’re too much, Frankie. You haven’t had a date in a long time and now two eligible bachelors like you. What’s wrong with that?”
I make a wry face. “It’s complicated. I mean…I’ve never dated two guys at once. It doesn’t feel natural.”
“Nonsense. Cast your sail to the wind and see where it takes you,” Mom says, stretching her arms. “Enjoy all that male attention. Take your time to get to know each guy. You shouldn’t make a decision based on a few dates.”
“You’re right. I feel as if I know Harrison better than Alex. I haven’t had enough time with Alex. Maybe if I get to know him better, he’ll redeem himself. I’ll give it a try.” I lean over and give her a big hug. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Anytime.” Her caramel eyes glow as she gives me a
giddy smile.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“I have exciting news to share.”
“What?” I haven’t seen Mom look this keyed up in a long time.
“Dad and I are leaving for the Seychelles Islands this Saturday. The commission finally came through for him to study the Aldabra giant tortoise.”
“You’re going all the way over there in less than a week?” I’m surprised and a little hurt Mom didn’t tell me sooner.
She nods happily. “Yes, we’re all set to go.”
“Wow, I bet Dad is excited.” I don’t want her to know that I’m privately freaking out that they’re traveling to a remote island with limited medical facilities.
“We’re both excited. You know how we love to travel to exotic places.”
Worry sets in. The Seychelles are off the coast of Africa—is she well enough to travel that far? As soon as I get home I’m going to Google everything I can about the Seychelles and see if there’s adequate medical attention should she need it.
“What’s wrong? You look concerned, Frankie,” Mom says.
I force the corners of my mouth upwards, but only manage a semi-smile. “Isn’t it a tad soon for you to take that type of trip?” I ask gently.
“No, I don’t think so. They have good hospitals and doctors there and we’ll have the best transportation at our disposal. I’m more concerned about having to miss your Bowled Over event. I know how hard you’ve worked putting it together.”
I wave a casual hand as if it doesn’t matter. “Don’t worry about that. Dad wants you to be with him. Going to the Seychelles is more exciting,” I say, trying to muster enthusiasm for her sake. “How long will you be gone?”
“Around three weeks, maybe longer.”
“Wow, three weeks…I’ll miss you.” I feel another pang of apprehension. “But what about diseases…bugs…”
“There’s no risk of contracting malaria, yellow fever or other tropical diseases in The Seychelles.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Now stop worrying, because I’m not. My heart attack taught me that you need to enjoy life and take a bite of the apple before it goes rotten. Remember that. Take a bite of the apple,” she repeats.
“What’s this about an apple, Siren?” I hear Dad ask as he enters the kitchen. Dad’s short-sleeved shirt is wrinkled and half out of his pants and his salt-and-pepper hair looks scruffy from his nap. He kisses me on the cheek. “Hey, Guppy. When did you get here?”
“A little while ago.” I throw my arms around Dad’s wiry frame and hug him. “Congratulations on getting the grant to the Seychelles, Dad. Make sure Mom stays out of trouble, and be sure to take lots of pictures.”
“Frankie!” Mom exclaims, blushing. “When have I ever gotten into trouble? That’s Aunt Peggy’s specialty, not mine.”
Dad gives me a fond smile. “Stay out of shark-infested waters while we’re gone, Guppy.”
Gulp. If he only knew.
Romeo: Awright! Francesca is home and we’re cuddled up in bed watching TV. She was so distracted when she got back, she fed me a whole muffin while she talked to Chloe on the phone. Yummers. Grandma Lake makes the best lemon blueberry muffins. That’s one good thing about our move down here—I got some nice grandparents.
Uh oh, Francesca just fell asleep and she’s moaning and talking gibberish. Looks like we’re in for a loooong night…
Chapter Twelve
“Aaaaaah!” I yell and flail my arms, frightening Romeo as I bolt up in bed. He barks and then frantically licks my hand.
I squeeze my eyes and relive the recent nightmare, this one worse than all the others combined. I was strolling at a shopping mall, holding Alex’s arm while he pushed a baby stroller. People were peeking at the baby and recoiling with horror. Worried, I pushed down the stroller hood and looked at my baby girl. I shrieked and nearly fainted when I saw her wearing a purple dragon kimono and brandishing a tiny black cane like a sword. And that face! Gawd, instead of an apple-cheeked version of me and Alex, my baby daughter had La Dragona’s haughty face with mean black eyes and a fire-spewing beaked mouth.
I take deep breaths as I pet Romeo and assure him I’m all right. Good thing I’m awake now and it was only a nightmare. The alarm clock on the nightstand says it’s six a.m. Might as well exercise to exorcise that little demon child from my memory.
I throw on jogging shorts and a T-shirt, and I lace up my running shoes. Romeo has already leaped off the bed and is circling the kitchen. I can hear him nudging his feeding bowl a few times so I get the hint.
After I feed him, we leave with him on a leash and me carrying the doggy stroller I used to take for outings in Central Park. That way I can pop Romeo in when he gets tired of our power walk.
It’s turning out to be a great morning. I got to work early and the first thing I did was post a sticker on my computer flat screen that reads: Take a bite of the apple. Mom’s words yesterday have lingered in my mind ever since, and I have decided to turn over a new leaf. I will be less cautious about everything and take a risk or two. I’d say my jog this morning without an attack dog qualified as a risk.
I’m in the middle of editing tonight’s segment on the benefits of Vitamin D, when Vinny bursts into my cubicle looking excited (as usual).
“Someone just delivered a gift for you. I wonder what it is?” he says, shaking the small aqua bag before he hands it to me.
It’s from Tiffany’s—a girl’s best friend. “Ooh, I wonder who sent it?”
Vinny grins. “The courier mentioned ham.”
My excitement plummets. I hope it’s not Dr. Hamme.
“Check inside. There must be a card.” Vinny hands it to me and hovers over my desk, salivating with curiosity.
“Back off, Vinn, a girl needs a little privacy.” I roll my chair away from him and lean back as I open the bag with trepidation. Inside is a small rectangular Tiffany’s box and a gift card.
I’m going to have to return it. I don’t want Devon getting any ideas.
I open the card and silently read: Third time’s the charm… Dinner tonight? Call me… Alex.
“Vinny, I’m going to kill you! It’s not from…”
He cracks up. “I know, I just wanted to have a little fun. You should have seen your face. Who sent it?” nosy Vinny wants to know.
Smiling slyly, I say, “An admirer.”
“Open the box already,” Vinny commands.
I take my time opening it, prolonging the pleasure, and driving Vinny nuts with curiosity. When I see the silver Tiffany toggle bracelet, I give a happy sigh.
“It’s so pretty. I love it.” I put it on, turning my wrist from side to side to admire it. How sweet of Alex. I probably shouldn’t read too much into this, but there’s a heart pendant on the bracelet…
“Eh, it’s not gold, but it looks nice on you,” Vinny says grudgingly.
“Thanks. You almost gave me a heart attack when you said the courier mentioned ham.”
We laugh and then I give him a meaningful smile. “I have to make a private phone call, so…”
“Adieu, cherie,” he says, getting my drift.
Once Vinny’s gone, I dial Alex’s number and hold my breath, hoping he can take the call. A few seconds later, a not too happy Monique puts me through to him.
“Francesca,” Alex says in his sexy Cuban accent.
“Hola, Alex. Thanks for the beautiful bracelet. I’m wearing it now,” I say, twirling my wrist to admire how it glistens.
“You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do after the past two nights.” He sounds pleased. “Are we on for tonight?”
I hesitate. Alex needs to be put to the Romeo test before our relationship advances, especially after the last two disappointments. “How would you like to come over for dinner?” I ask, making a snap decision and taking my second risk today.
“Sounds great. What time?”
“Sevenish?”
“Perfecto.”
“
What’s your favorite kind of food? Are you allergic to anything?”
Alex chuckles. “No allergies. Make anything you like.”
“Oh…okay.” I wish he’d told me what his favorites are. “I think I’ll make salmon.” Sounds healthy enough.
“Love it.”
“Good. How is your mother feeling?” I ask to be polite.
“A little better. She’s being a good patient, resting and taking her medicines. Her maid came early this morning and my sisters are returning from their trip this afternoon, so all bases are covered.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“I have a patient waiting. We can talk tonight. I’m looking forward to it, linda.” His voice sounds husky and seductive.
“Me too. Ciao.” I picture his tall, broad-shouldered build in a white physician’s coat with a stethoscope draped around his neck. Drool…very doctorly and very appealing.
I can hardly wait till I have Alex all to myself tonight with no interruptions.
Calm down. Concentrate on your report about Vitamin D. The benefits are amazing, especially for women. I think I’ll pick up a bottle on my way home.
A dose of Dr. Heart is more potent than Vitamin D could ever be…but I want to get out of here early and primp for our date tonight, so I go back to my report.
Romeo: I’m bored and lonely. I’ve been thinking about my little creampuff Principessa all day and now I’m horny. How come Francesca can see three men in one month and I have nada?
After our early jog, Francesca and I rode up the elevator this morning and we ran in to an old lady and her teacup pug who live on the third floor. Francesca tried to get me interested by oohing and aahing over Divina, the little stuck-up pug.
Get real, lady, she’s no match for my beloved Principessa.
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