by Jo Willow
“I could...rip your clothes off, haul you into the shower and do questionable and inappropriate things to your vulnerable naked body.”
Mitch pulled her into his arms and she yelped then giggled. He put his arms under her bottom and lifted her off the ground, holding her tightly against his body while he climbed the porch steps and went inside. He locked the door behind them and started down the hall.
“How inappropriate are we talking Beth?”
“So inappropriate, you’ll wonder where I get my ideas from.”
He carried her into the bedroom and started unbuttoning her blouse while she unbuttoned his jeans.
“Where do you get your ideas from baby?”
“I read Etta Mason’s books. They’re full of trashy ideas I’ve been dying to try.”
“Why is that name familiar?”
“Rae plays guitar in her husband’s band. Her real name is Katie.”
“Katie Parker is Etta Mason?”
“Everyone knows that Mitch, get with the program. Bend over so I can get your shirt off.”
“Aren’t you supposed to tear it from my body in a lust-filled frenzy?”
“It’s an expensive shirt Mitch, we can frenzy when we’re nekkid. Bend over.”
Mitch had his shirt half on and half off when his cell phone rang. Beth was laughing when she pulled his shirt the rest of the way off and he stood there naked, reaching for his phone.
“It’s Mitch.”
Beth was sliding the last of her clothing off when she saw his reaction and paused.
“Mitch, it’s Marla. Don’t hang up. I heard about your misfortune and I wanted to give you some good news. I sent photos of your work to some discerning collectors I know in Europe and they’re interested in the pieces.”
“What pieces?”
“You still have three pieces here in the gallery Mitch. Have you forgotten?”
“I had actually. That’s great news. Ship them over and I’ll drop by next week to pick up the check.”
“I’m afraid it’s not that easy. They want to meet the artist. I know it’s short notice and bad timing, but it’s a great opportunity for you to get your foot in the door with some very influential people. If they decide they like you as much as they like your work, you’ll make a fortune over there. Please tell me you’ll consider it. It’s London, Dublin and Paris. You’ll be gone ten days, two weeks at most, all expenses paid of course. What do you say?”
“I’ll need to talk to Beth about it. There’s a lot of things going on around here and it’s not fair to leave her to handle it all on her own. Can I get back to you?”
“Of course you can, but you’ll have to be on a flight Tuesday if you’re going. The client in Dublin is going abroad for a few months and he can only see you next week. It’s a fantastic opportunity Mitch. Call me as soon as you can.”
“I will. Goodbye.”
Mitch looked at Beth for the first time since he’d started his conversation with Marla. She was once again fully dressed and was bent over, tying her shoelace.
“Beth, what’s going on?”
“That was Marla?”
“Yes, but it was business. I forgot I had three pots in her gallery. She sent pictures of them to some contacts and they want to meet me. She’s asked me to fly to Europe next week.”
“Congratulations. Have a good time.”
Beth stood and pulled a scrunchie out of her pocket. She gathered her hair quickly into a ponytail and started for the bedroom door.
“Hold it. Stop.”
His voice did the trick and she froze with her hand on the doorknob. She turned her head slowly to look at him and he couldn’t read her expression.
“I told her I’d have to talk to you about it, you heard me.”
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity and you should go. I can handle things here, I’ve got David if I need advice. Have fun, discussion’s over.”
She started turning the doorknob again and once again, he stopped her.
“Wait a minute, what’s wrong? We were about to hit the shower together and just like that, you’re ready to go. What happened?”
Beth shook her head and put her hands on her hips.
“You really don’t know, do you?”
“Know what? What are you talking about?”
“Look at yourself Mitch.”
Mitch looked down and saw the evidence of a fading erection.
“Okay. I bet if you get naked again we’d be back in business in no time.”
Beth growled and threw the door open.
“I’ve got a better idea. Call Marla back.”
“What the hell are you talking about? I don’t want Marla, I want you.”
Beth turned on him, her hands clenched at her sides.
“Really? That’s interesting Mitch. You see, I was watching you while you were staring out the window the whole time you were on the phone. You weren’t even partially turned on. Halfway through your conversation, you were ready for action. I can’t even compete with her damned voice. I’m going home. Call her back, maybe she can help you finish.”
Beth turned and started for the back door, scooping up her purse and keys on the way. Mitch followed behind her, naked.
“Beth wait. You’re wrong. I must’ve been thinking about you. About us and what we were about to do. Marla means nothing to me, dammit you know that. You know how I feel about you.”
That stopped her. The back door was open and she turned to him with lifeless eyes. He took a step back and knew that in that moment he’d feel naked to her even if he was fully clothed. She was looking through him.
“I know how you feel about me Mitch. I just think you’re lying to yourself about how you feel about her. Go to Europe. You need time away from both of us. Come back with a clear head and then decide what’s best for you. No matter what, we’re still friends. I mean that. Goodbye.”
“Beth? Kiss me?”
His voice was soft and unsure and she needed the kiss almost as much as he did. She flung herself at him, put her hands in his hair and pulled him down for a kiss meant to unravel them both. He moaned and held her tightly, willing her to stay even though he knew she wouldn’t. Beth was kissing him goodbye and they both knew it. Even if only one of them was willing to accept it.
He pressed his forehead to hers but didn’t release her. His eyes were closed and his breathing was unsteady.
“I love you Mitch. I love you so much I’m willing to let you hurt me over and over again, but I can’t anymore. I can’t. I can’t go back to being the basket case I was when Brian left me. This is so much worse because I believed you loved me. You called me your girl and spoke of a future. I believed you. Then I saw the proof myself a little while ago and I saw the look on your face when you were kissing her. You want her. That’s okay, but I deserve better. I’ll always be your friend and I’ll always love you but I’ll never be anyone’s doormat again. Now turn me loose please. I need a bottle of wine and a good cry and I’d rather I was alone for both.”
His grip loosened and she slid to the floor.
“Beth don’t leave me, not like this. We can work this out, I know we can. Baby, I’m sorry.”
“I know and it’s okay. By the time you get back it’ll be like nothing ever happened. We’ll be back to being friends and neighbors, the barn will be rebuilt and the gallery will be clean and waiting. I need to go, I have to work tomorrow.”
Before he could break down her resistance further, she ran out the door and he watched her run through the pasture.
Mitch couldn’t help but feel like he was watching his sun set as he felt the warmth drain from his life. The darkness was creeping in slowly and he felt that too. He wondered how deeply into it he’d have to go before he craved the sunshine once more.
Chapter Six
They didn’t speak again and they both felt the void left by the other. Beth tossed and turned for two nights and cried herself back to sleep. Mitch wasn’t faring much better.<
br />
When Tuesday dawned and he was packing, he almost called Beth twice for advice. In the end he put the phone down, choosing to allow her to grieve in peace.
In their second conversation, Marla had admitted that she’d be traveling with him. Oddly, he trusted Beth above anyone else. If she said he didn’t know how he felt, then he believed her. If something developed between Marla and himself, he would not put Beth through this pain again.
He and Marla caught a flight out of Atlanta and by that evening, they were having dinner together in London. His first meeting was scheduled for the following morning.
The entire Tanner clan sat at the dining room table staring at the blood red urn prominently displayed in the center. Everyone knew the objective and they were all ready. Tim felt the need to get the ball rolling so he stood and cleared his throat.
“This is a one of kind piece made by a local artist that’s very near and dear to us all. We’re trying to build him a new barn so that he can produce more of these beautiful pieces. Who wants to open the bidding?”
Phil raised his hand and looked confused. Tim knew it was coming, so he smiled and paused.
“Phil? You want to bid?”
“I don’t know, probably. What is it again?”
“It’s an urn.”
“An urn. Isn’t that what they put dead people in?”
“Technically, I suppose that’s true, but not always.”
“What would I put in it?”
“Nothing. It’s a piece of art.”
“Art? It’s a pot.”
“No, it’s an urn. It’s decorative. You look at it.”
Phil was still confused and Ian was losing patience.
“A painting is decorative. Couldn’t he just paint us a picture?”
“He probably would if he could paint, but his medium is clay. Hence the urn.”
Ian looked at his friend and cocked his head.
“Phil, your idea of art is the graffiti on the side of the overpass out on the highway. This is real art. His stuff is in art galleries. He’s in Europe right now selling stuff like this. Just bid on the damned pot.”
Phil stuck his nose up slightly before he answered.
“It’s not a pot Ian, it’s an urn.”
“I swear to god Phil, I’m gonna buy it and stuff you in it if you don’t let us get on with this.”
Not to be deterred, Phil looked at Amber who smiled.
“I’ll bid ten thousand.”
Tim grinned and turned to the rest of the table.
“Ten thousand from the graffiti aficionado. Do I hear eleven?”
The back door opened and James and Rae arrived, each carrying a bundled blanket. James smiled at the gathering and looked embarrassed.
“Sorry we’re late. Olivia got fussy. At least I think it’s Olivia. Rae, which one am I holding?”
“You’ve got J.J., I’ve got Olivia.”
“Right. J.J. got fussy.”
“He got fussy because he was wet.”
“Why the hell was he wet?”
“He peed James. That’s what babies do. They pee and then they get fussy and cry.”
“Well he needs to stop that. He does that way too much if you ask me.”
“You do too, but nobody tells you to stop.”
Carie stifled a giggle and James looked around.
“It’s too quiet in here. Where are all the preschoolers?”
Kevin was still hanging onto his sanity by a thread, so he answered the question.
“Maggie and the Bishops have them out back in the pavillion. I think they’re plotting a takeover.”
James narrowed his eyes and cocked his head.
“Think they’ve got room for two more?”
Tim ran his hand through his hair as he watched his control of the situation slip through his fingers.
“Not without sedatives and hazard pay. Please sit down you two. We were just starting the bidding and the number out there is ten thousand.”
James’ eyes grew huge as he took his seat.
“Ten thousand? For a pot?”
A chorus of voices shouted in his direction.
“It’s an urn!”
“An urn? Is there a dead guy in it?”
Just as Phil was about to answer the question, Ian piped up.
“Not yet, but if Phil opens his mouth again except to bid, he’s volunteering.”
The group settled down and all eyes went to Tim.
“As I was saying, the bid is ten thousand dollars. Do I hear eleven?”
“Fifteen thousand.”
All eyes shot to James who shrugged.
“What? Y’all have been good to us and I owe Mitch big-time. Besides, he’s Rae Anne’s best friend. Fifteen thousand.”
Rae leaned over and kissed her husband.
Kevin’s voice rang strong and clear.
“Twenty thousand. It’ll look good on the piano.”
Carie grinned because she truly loved the urn and agreed.
Ian saw Phil ramping up and he interjected his bid decisively.
“Fifty thousand dollars. I agree it’ll look good on the piano.”
All eyes went to Ian. Nobody thought the bidding would go that steep and Phil voiced the opinion.
“Fifty thousand? Are you crazy? He’ll never believe that in a million years! What if one of the kids knocks it over? What if Maggie accidentally bumps it while she’s dusting? Fifty thousand Ian? Really?”
“Unless you’re bidding sixty, shut the hell up Phil. It’s the last pot in this collection from an up and coming artist. Every pot after this is from a new wheel, a new kiln and a new glazing technique. I can justify it if I have to.”
“Ian? It’s not a pot, it’s an urn.”
Ian’s jaw clenched and seeing the situation deteriorating rapidly, Tim raised both hands.
“Gentlemen, please. The bid stands at a very generous fifty thousand dollars. Since I’m the one that’s going to have to explain the price, I’m assuming that’s the final bid. Are we finished?”
No one said a word and Ian smiled broadly.
“Sold to Mr. Ian James for the princely sum of fifty thousand dollars. Congratulations Ian. You just bought a fine piece of art and a well stocked barn.”
Ian stood and picked up his prize. He lovingly carried it into the foyer and rested it on top of the baby grand, then stepped back and admired it. Rose slipped her arm around him and Carie reached up on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
“It’s beautiful Ian, thank-you. I’ll stare at it every time I play.”
“You’re more than welcome little sister. This family is full of talent and it should be admired and fostered. I’m dying to know how Tim’s gonna explain it to Mitch though.”
“He’s not. He’s gonna explain it to Beth and let her explain it to Mitch. I just heard them talking about it.”
Rae walked in patting Olivia on the back.
“Then he’s in for one hell of a surprise. Beth will be harder to fool than Mitch.”
They all looked at her and she nodded in affirmation.
Friday arrived along with a caravan of trucks carrying lumber and fixtures for the new barn. Beth and David stood in the backyard directing traffic and staring at the bare space where a charred mess stood two days before.
David had so many questions he didn’t know where to begin. Beth had changed in the last few days. At first he thought it was because she was missing her kids, but then he happened to be looking at her when Mitch’s name was mentioned. She flinched and then turned away quickly, pretending to be busy. Something was wrong and he wanted to help her.
“Beth, you know I like you an awful lot. You’re good people and I for one would be thrilled to have you in the family.”
“I doubt that’s ever gonna happen David, but thanks anyway. I like you too.”
“Last Sunday, I’d of bet your new barn that it was a given. I have to ask what happened. I understand if you don’t wanna talk about it, but you
’re still standing here helping Mitch get his life back together so I’m confused.”
“It’s not my barn, it’s his. He’s my friend David, I’ll always help him any way I can. Marla happened and I don’t know what else to say about that. She can help him in more ways than I can, so I understand.”
“Well I don’t. Who is this Marla person and why haven’t we heard anything about her if she’s so important to him?”
Beth turned to him for the first time and David saw the pain in her eyes and what this conversation was costing her. He felt like crap for dragging it up, but if he could help her with the problem, he intended to try.
“Marla owns the gallery his stuff is displayed in now. They have a long standing business relationship. It’s recently become more than that. She’s got the contacts and it was Marla that put him on a plane to Europe.”
“Did she go with him?”
“I don’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. I haven’t talked to him since last Sunday.”
She started to cry and David pulled her into his arms. He stroked her hair and patted her back. For the first time in awhile, he felt like killing someone.
“I caught them together in the gallery kissing and he swore it was her and not him. I told him it didn’t matter because he was single. Then last Saturday, she came over and they did stuff in the kitchen. He swore it would never happen again and he told me I was his girl. I believed him David, I did. But then she called and I knew he couldn’t help how he felt. I wanna be his friend, but I don’t know how much I’m supposed to take. If she’s over here and I come over like normal...”
“Hush sweetheart, it’s okay. You did the right thing by letting him go. Some men just have to dangle by a rope a few minutes before they realize they’re hanging themselves. Let me ask you something Beth. You said they did things in the kitchen last Saturday, but he told you that you were his girl. Mitch is an honest guy. Did he get rid of her after the kitchen incident.”
“He said he did. He got ugly with her and she stormed out. But then she called him, so who the hell knows?”
“She owns her own gallery? She’s got money?”