by Tara Brent
“You going to be a pain in the ass?” I ask him, ready to wrestle him to the ground should he keep on being so annoying. Wrestling is something we three brothers often did as kids, and it stayed with us. Even as adults we settle some difference in the wrestling ring. It’s not as barbaric or even a testosterone-laden activity as it sounds. We keep our friendly competitive ways to sort out certain disputes and bets. Although, we don’t get to do it much these days. Ethan's a respectable married man and Nico lives thousands of miles away.
“You can’t touch me, bro,” Nico says, guessing my intentions to his prying into my personal life. “It’ll wake up Lilly and then you’ll be in deep shit.”
We laugh at each other, knowing we’re at an impasse.
“So, how come you haven’t got hitched yet, then?” I ask him, turning the table.
“I work too hard to settle down into a long term relationship. Besides, I couldn’t marry one of the dainty women you spend your time dating. They couldn’t keep up all that glamor with my lifestyle. She’d have to be a true country girl who doesn't mind getting her fingernails dirty.”
“Well, marriage isn’t for me either,” I tell him. “I can’t be tied down to one woman for the rest of my life. That’s why I like to play the field and not stay with anyone in particular.”
Despite my blasé attitude to my love life, it doesn't actually fit into how I feel since Tiffany came back into my life
“Well, I propose we have ourselves some fun while I’m here,” Nico suggests. “I’m in need of a good lay.”
“I'll drink to that,” I say, raising my bottle of beer.
Chapter 12
An Invitation
When I return to work on Monday morning for my day shifts, there's a card waiting for me, from Mia Luca. It’s not unusual to get thank you cards from patients but this particular patient is connected to Calvin. For this reason, I’m a little taken aback. Until the blind date, I didn’t even know of her connections with Calvin. Anything to do with Calvin makes me nervous.
I fell for Calvin almost from the minute we met. Not only was he handsome and hot, but he was so unassuming. We were both about to finish our studies when we started dating. It was almost time for the final farewell graduation ball. For me, Calvin was the man I fell in love with instantly. Once I realized he didn’t feel the same way about me, I let him go. He was so keen to further his career and I knew he was clever with technology. This was a man who was not ready to have a permanent woman in his life.
It wasn’t until a few weeks after we had parted ways that I began to suspect I was pregnant. After that, my life spiraled downwards as far as my career path was concerned. I too was expecting to go places with my career but my son, Callum, changed all that. He was worth it and I don’t regret the decision, but I felt at the time there was no point informing his father. Calvin did not seem like the type to take on responsibilities and settle down. In a way, I thought I was doing him a favor. Of course, never having been a mother before, I didn’t look upon it from Callum’s point of view. I knew I would love my child and so would the rest of my family, so it seemed the right thing to do at the time.
Now, of course, I can see it was irresponsible of me. Panic sets in at the thought of Calvin finding out and wanting to be a part of Callum’s life, but not wanting to be a part of mine. He may be furious with me over my decision to keep him out of Callum's life, and who could blame him? Could he seek revenge by trying to take him away from me? I don’t think he would as he was never that sort of guy, but that niggling doubt still eats away at me. Yes, I do still love him and my date the other night proved that to me. I want nothing more than to have him back in my life once again. If only I could be sure that he would love me enough to stay with me, but I can’t.
I opened my card with trepidation. Was Mia angry at me for spurning Calvin? It turns out I needn’t have worried. Instead, what I've received is an invitation to a charity auction event, along with a private note which says -
Hi Tiffany, thanks for all you did for my husband and I and our baby, Lilly. Please come along to my charity auction. You don’t need to bid on anything so don’t worry about that side of things. It will be a great party and a way to share our thanks for bringing our daughter safely into the world. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll book you a place with a guest ticket and assume you’re coming along. Please do your best to attend. I would love to see you again. Thanks, Mia L
One thing for sure, I know that Ali will want to go. I don’t think Calvin will be there as I believe he's left San Francisco. Otherwise, I would have heard from him. After all, I did present him with a bombshell about my faux marriage, which I very much regret now. Ah well, water under the bridge, as they say. I'll take up this kind offer, it'll be interesting to watch all those wealthy folk bidding away their money. Plus, this time I’ll make sure I eat some of Mia’s famous food. The last time I went to her restaurant I couldn’t eat a thing. It was all down to my nerves at the shock of meeting Calvin again. It will be nice to see Mia and Ethan again, so that’s my decision made.
What a great excuse for a shopping trip, as we'll both need new dresses. Quickly I text the message to Ali who sends me an instant reply that she is so excited. Finally, a night out where I can relax without any male company, and enjoy being myself.
Alcatraz
I need to do something to take my mind off Tiffany, so today I’m giving my brother, Nico, the grand tour of San Francisco. It’s taken me all morning to get him out of his cowboy clothes and into something more suitable. I didn’t think I could until I told him that his cowboy style might be seen as a gay status in San Francisco, and that did it. Still, he insists on wearing his Stetson, with his long hair tied back in a tail. I can cope with that, as he now looks presentable for a day in the city.
My idea was to take him to some of the great places here in San Francisco
. There are a few popular places such as Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown, but he was having none of that. Where does he want to go more than anywhere else? To Alcatraz Island, that’s where. Of all the places we can visit in the bay area, my brother wants to tour a prison. He doesn’t’ even want a private tour, which I could easily arrange. Instead, he simply wants to go in with the general public. Money never went to his head, that’s for sure.
To be fair, we're very much the same in that regard. I much prefer mingling with the general public too. Our father kept us boys in our place. No favoritism, and no luxuries. He expected us to pay our way. There’s something liberating about not having to act the rich man. I suppose it's easy for me to say when I’ve got plenty of money, but I don’t feel guilty because I know that I worked hard for it.
Seeing as Nico is the guest, I agree to his destination for the day. Now we're on our way to one of the world’s most infamous jails. I wish I could talk him out of the headgear, but the guy says he feels naked without his cowboy hat on his head.
It’s not all bad news. We get to Alcatraz via Fisherman's Wharf so he’ll get to see that. It’s my intention to broaden his horizons from the dusty plains of Texas. I manage to persuade him to visit Muir woods first, which is an ancient redwood forest. He’s very impressed with that. Who wouldn’t be? Some of those trees are over a thousand years old and over 260ft high!
Then we drive back to Fisherman’s Wharf to catch a ferry from Pier 33. As we cross the bay to walk around the cells of Alcatraz, the thought of Tiffany unexpectedly pops up in my mind. Smiling to myself, I turn my attentions back to approaching island.
The rock is a daunting visit which, so we're informed, is better viewed at night. I’d never had any urge to visit the place before this. Thanks to my brother, I’m now educated in the likes of Al Capone and what went on in the solitary confinement cells. Those pale green cell doors with light pink walks are enough to make anyone shudder.
It felt odd to be doing something so normal, and Nico wanted to go back for a nighttime tour. For me though, once was enough. Mia offered to take him ther
e one night before he returns to Texas in a few weeks.
“Calvin can’t take the pace, Nico laughs, making fun of me.”He’s more of a cocktails and cigars kinda guy. When you’re a real cowboy, you’re a bit more toughened to scary bumps in the night.”
I let him have his moment because I’m pleased to be spending time with him. I ought to wrestle him to the ground for the insult, but he’s bigger than me, and no doubt stronger.
As I sit listening to my family’s laughter, at my expense, Tiffany pops into my head once again. Nope. I'd decided not to bother her anymore but I feel a sadness that we’ll never get to know each other again. That woman sure does have me hooked. It’s time to let her go and that’s what I must do. I say nothing to anyone, they don’t want me harping on about my failed love life.
“You okay, bro?” Ethan’s voice cuts into my thoughts. “Redhead blues?”
I nod back to him. He understands his little brother well enough.
Chapter 13
Ali’s New Friend
I thought I'd dressed to kill but I can’t compete with the rich and wealthy who are here at the charity auction. Some of these outfits must cost more than I earn in a year's salary. Looking around the crowd we spot a few famous faces, but Ali and I don't show our excitement. We know that if we started getting starstruck at our age, we’d make utter fools of ourselves.
Ali’s dress is far more glamorous and daring than mine. She has a slit up the side that shows the whole top of her thigh on one side. She's always was a bit of an exhibitionist and I love her daring attitude. Not that she looks out of place here. In fact, her dress looks a little tame compared to some of these glamor girls. She's all silvery and glittery telling the world a bold statement about her personality.
My dress is a little more reserved. I'm in a dark green color that highlights my red hair, with lots of lace and some sequin shimmers. I love any excuse to wear lace. I did go a little daring with a fairly low neckline and slim shoulder bands. So I'm showing off enough bare skin to look and feel sexy. A thick high waistband sets off my figure, and although the lace goes to my ankles, from my knees downwards it’s transparent. My long A-line shaped dress is what the saleswoman called an illusion design. Anyway, we both look stunning.
The event is huge with the paparazzi everywhere. Flashes keep dancing from the cameras so it's a little disorientating if you stand in the crowd. I’d never thought of Mia as wealthy. She and Ethan are as down to earth as newbie parents. Yet, I should have known because she is a famous top chef, therefore it’s no surprise that she’s surrounded by wealthy people.
Though I feel a little out of place, Ali is loving it. We haven’t gone through to the auction as the booklet put me off with such high prices. No wonder Mia wrote that I didn't have to bid, thank goodness. There’s not a thing in there I could afford, even at the starting price let alone after bidding. It stands to reason that I won't be lingering in that room. Ali though is very curious, so after the sit-down meal, she sneaks off to have a listen to the biddings. As I said, it's not for me so I stay to chat with the people at our table.
We seem to be sitting with local business owners and I’m chatting with an elderly lady who tells me her husband will bid on one thing only. She laughs as she informs me that it’s all they could afford after buying their tickets for the event. Of course, I don’t tell her that we got ours for free, not after she shocks me with the price they paid. I’m presently moving among the rich and famous on this very strange night.
“I’d like you to meet my very handsome cowboy friend,” I hear Ali’s voice from behind me.
As I turn around in my chair, she's standing next to a large man with a huge white stetson. He’s outrageously handsome, how does Ali always find the best looking guys? There's something familiar about his features but I can’t quite put my finger on it. He grins back at me and offers out a large hand. I go to shake it but he turns my hand around and brushes his lips over the back of it.
“Isn’t he gorgeous?” Ali giggles at me. “His name is Nico and he insists on taking me out on a date with him and his brother.”
“I’m not in town for long," he informs me as he looks entranced with Ali. "I have to meet this beautiful girl again. She tells me that she’ll agree to meet me if I find a date for her best friend, being you. So please, will you agree to come with her on a date with my brother?”
Despite my memory of how my last blind date turned out, I had my doubts and wanted to wriggle out of it. This guy is so charming how can I refuse? “When you put it in such a gentlemanly way, how can I resist?” I smile back as I take my hand away from his very sexy lips.
I can see why Ali likes him. He’s a keeper that’s for sure. Why don’t I ever meet the best ones?
“I’d like to invite you to come and join us so you can meet my brother,” he offers. I know he'll be delighted to meet you, he loves redheads. Though he’s not as good looking as me.”
I ignore his flippant remarks as he offers his other arm to me. Excusing myself from the table, I hook my arm in his and off we go. He strolls away with me in one arm and Ali in the other, looking very pleased with himself. I have to admit, Ali has done well with this catch. Now, what does his brother look like?
We arrive at a group of people standing at the back of the auction room, watching the bidding process.
“I’d like to introduce my brother to you, Tiffany, this is Calvin,” Nico says to me.
As I turn around there stands my Calvin. He looks almost as shocked as I am.
“Oh, it’s you?” Is all I manage to say, standing there dumbfounded.
“It seems we have another date,” he smiles at me knowingly. “I doubt your husband will be very pleased.”
Luckily Nico had moved away and was introducing Ali to some other people. I was relieved that he didn’t overhear Calvin’s words. It's time I told him the truth.
“Look, I may have over-exaggerated to you,” I stutter. “I’m not exactly married.”
“Oh, your fiancé then, I doubt he’ll like you dating other people?” He says to me.
“So, surely you're not bidding are you?” I ask, attempting to change the topic of conversation.
“I could ask you the same?” He replies.
“I wouldn’t have thought an event like this would be up your street?” I reply, unsure of myself.
“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me,” he snaps back. “Do you want to explain to me how I’m going to inform my brother he can’t have his date with your friend? He’s going to be very disappointed.”
“I’m okay with the date if you are?” I reply. “Ali will never forgive me if I let her down. Oh, and...I...don’t have a fiancé either.”
“Forgive my confusion but I thought when you told me to f-off, it was because I was stalking a married woman?” He says, looking very confused.
“No, I lied,” I admit, hoping that no one else joins in on our personal conversation. Right now, I am so embarrassed. If it were not for Ali, I would run away, as I did last time.
Reunited
I’m completely stunned when Tiffany tells me she was lying about being married. To be honest, I can’t decide if I’m furious or relieved. Both, I suppose. More than anything though, I’m confused why she felt the need to say such a thing. Okay, so I was making a nuisance of myself, as I don’t easily take no for an answer. Still, that’s no reason for such an outright lie. Then again if her intentions were to get rid of me, then it did do the trick. Yet, she’s back in my life like a boomerang that keeps returning.
Tiffany has this habit of always turning up again. The recent loss of my father has unbalanced my emotions, and now this! I'd been preparing myself to decline Nico's arrangement politely. When it comes to this redhead though, I cannot say no.
I can see from her face that she’s waiting for me to reply to her guilty admission. I should be angry, but I don't want to respond in a negative manner. Instead, I play it cool.
“Look, I’m
sorry if I pushed you that far,” I take the blame because I do feel partly responsible. “Nico's visiting the city so I don't want to disappoint him."
“I see,” she says with a guilty look on her face. “I know I shouldn’t have told you that lie. If I'm honest, I thought your attempts at chasing me were rather sweet. If you're happy to go on this date, then so am I. Besides, my friend has a hungry look in her eyes when she looks at your brother. I can't let her down either.”
“Don’t worry about Nico, he’s a big boy and can look after himself.” I laugh back. I’m starting to feel a little happier for the first time since my father died, and it's all because Tiffany has shown up again.
“Ha, famous last words” she quips back with a smile.
“Nico doesn’t meet many available women in his line of work, so he’ll relish in her attentions,” I reply.
“Is he a real cowboy?”
“You could say that. He’s got Italian blood flowing through his veins too, so he’s an odd mixture,” I joke to keep the conversation light.
“You up for this foursome thing?” She asks again.
“If you think you can bear to be in my company, then I can force myself," I say. Best not to let on how joyous I am about spending more time with her.
“Let’s do it then. In aid of the two lovebirds over there if nothing else.” She nods over to where my brother Nico is smooching with her friend.
“I’m guessing the lady draped over Nico is a friend of yours?” I ask, realizing I don’t know Nico’s date’s name.
“Ali and I go way back as far as kindergarten. She’s a great person, I can vouch for that,” she laughs.
We spend the rest of the evening together but I stay clear of asking her any personal questions. We dance, we laugh and I'm completely enamored by her. She has changed now that she's a mother, and I know nothing about her adult life, other than she has a friend she calls Ali.