by Girard, Dara
“I’m glad he did,” Claudia said with a slight shudder. “Especially this one.”
Peter took the picture from her. It was of them in a jewelry store. “What’s so special about it?”
“This one looks like we’re buying an engagement ring. In the wrong hands this picture could get us into trouble.”
Peter looked at the photo with renewed interest. “Would that be so bad?”
“I’m going to blame that kind of talk on your jet lag.” She paused. “How long can you stay?”
“Just a few days, then I have some work to do back in Georgia.”
“Great.” She would accept whatever time he could give her. Don’t get serious, she heard Noreen say. She wouldn’t. Claudia knew that the more casual their affair was, the safer she was.
But during the next two months, she felt less and less casual about him. Peter would drive up for the weekend, and they filled the days going hiking, visiting a local art gallery which was featuring the art of Jacob Lawrence and riding their bikes around a lake near her apartment. One weekend they went in-line skating. Although Claudia enjoyed Peter’s visits, she still felt that there was more to him than he let her see. So she decided to turn the tables on him.
Chapter 19
Claudia checked the address again to make certain she was at the right place, then she looked at the heavy oak-paneled door of his town house. Surprising Peter might not be a good idea, but after driving for six and a half hours it wouldn’t make sense to turn back. The drive down had been a breeze. No construction, no accidents, which was amazing. And with the weather in the low nineties, Claudia had been able to really enjoy her convertible—and topped eighty miles per hour at times—though always on the lookout for the police.
But now she was here, and there was no going back. She took a deep breath then knocked. Peter took a while to answer and when he did, he didn’t look shocked—he looked thunderstruck.
“Claudia!”
“Yes.” She forced a smile. “Surprise!”
“That it is.” He glanced behind him. “Um…”
Her smile faltered. “Is this a bad time?”
“Hurry up, Peter,” a female voice called out to him. “I want you to stay hard.”
Peter briefly shut his eyes. “I’ll be right there.”
Claudia took a step back. “Obviously it is a bad time.”
Peter grabbed her hand. “You know me better than that. Come on.” He yanked her in then closed the door. “I’ve got my brother for the weekend.” He helped her remove her coat and took her suitcase. “Right now we’re doing crafts.”
Claudia followed him into the kitchen and saw three people sitting at the table with an assortment of colored paper, scissors and glue spread out everywhere. The young woman looked up and smiled. “Everyone, say hello to Peter’s guest.”
“Hello!”
Peter did the introductions. “This is Penelope. She’s an art instructor. And this is Trevor. And this is my brother, Thomas.”
“Trevor is my best friend,” Thomas said with a grin. He was a tall man with large hands and, like his brother, boyish features. “Do you know how to make lemon meringue rice pudding?”
“No,” Claudia said.
“Peter and I can show you.”
Claudia sent Peter a look and he mouthed “It’s okay” before he disappeared with her suitcase into another room. Claudia went over to the sink and washed her hands then stood next to Thomas. He walked over to a pantry and took out a flowered colored apron and put it on Claudia. By the time Peter returned his brother had all the ingredients laid out. “We need brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, low-fat milk, cooked rice, margarine, eggs, lemon peel.” He took a breath and then continued, “And lemon juice, sugar, vanilla and sliced almonds.”
Thomas held up a stained recipe card. “We’re using a recipe, and I’m reading it because I can read better than Peter.”
Claudia glanced at Peter, uncomfortable with Thomas’s remark, but Peter didn’t seem bothered by his bother’s comment. He looked proud.
“Yes. Thomas is a really good cook,” Peter said. “I’m just his assistant.”
Thomas continued with his instructions. “We have to mix everything together and then put it in the oven to cook,” he said then proceeded to carefully measure each ingredient, referring back periodically to the instructions. While waiting for the dessert to cook, Thomas and Trevor showed Claudia their other crafts. After baking in the oven, the dessert was ready for the final touches. Thomas proudly spooned the meringue over the center of the pudding and sprinkled it with almonds, then he baked the dish uncovered for another ten minutes before serving it.
“This is delicious!” Claudia said, licking her spoon in an unladylike fashion. “Thomas, I’ve never had anything so good.” Trevor, Pamela and Peter agreed. Thomas beamed. Claudia didn’t wait to be asked and offered to wash the dishes while Trevor and Thomas completed the craft they’d been doing earlier.
Before Trevor and Penelope left Peter instructed the two men to clean up and put everything in a large blue plastic bin.
Claudia picked up her handbag. “I guess I should be going, as well.”
“You mean you drove over six hours just to spend a couple of hours?” Claudia flushed. If only he knew what she had packed in her overnight bag. “No, I…” She looked in Thomas’s direction.
Peter rubbed his upper arm. “You don’t have to go. You won’t be in the way.”
“What else do you have planned?” She hadn’t considered that Peter might have company.
“The park or a movie,” Thomas shouted, not looking up from what he was doing.
Claudia still felt awkward and a little foolish for her impulsive decision to come.
Peter took her handbag. “You won’t be in the way. This is such a fabulous surprise and treat for us, and I want you to stay.”
Claudia looked at Thomas. “Do you mind if I stay?”
“Can we still go to the park?”
“Yes.”
“Then I don’t mind.”
“Great, let’s go.”
At the park, Thomas monopolized Claudia and showed her all his favorite places, including the jungle gym, which he’d grown too big to play on; an artificial pond where they sometimes went fishing; a wooden bridge and Japanese gazebo; the petting zoo with a handful of pigs, sheep, goats and a pony; and his favorite—the carousel. Although she didn’t want to, Thomas convinced Claudia to ride the carousel with him, at least two times, before they all sat at a picnic table eating large waffle ice-cream cones.
That night Peter tucked Thomas in bed then joined Claudia on the sofa, draping his arm over her shoulder.
“This was a great day. Thank you. You really made him happy.” He leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead.
“He’s fun to be with.”
“Yeah.”
“And he likes to talk about a lot of things.”
Peter nodded.
“He even told me his birth date.”
Peter focused on the TV. “Really?” He pushed a button on the remote.
“Yes, including the year he was born.”
Peter stilled.
“I was surprised. It was the exact same year you were born. It started me thinking. How could that be? You’re not twins and he looks older than you. So I figured you took his birthday because you wanted to emulate him. But that leaves me with one important question. How old are you?”
“You know how old I am.”
“I know how old your driver’s license says you are. Wait! Your brother and I are nearly the same age. So that means you’re younger than me?”
“Claudia.”
“By how much?”
“Let’s—”
She covered her mouth. “The bouncer was right all those years ago. You were underage!”
“It’s not like that.”
“You’ve always looked so young. It was staring me in the face, and I slept with you. Tell me the sex
was legal.”
“Yes, it was. I was over twenty.”
“By how much?”
“Enough.”
“How much?”
“A year.”
“You were twenty-one! Oh, my God, you’re still in your twenties?”
“I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of a four-year age difference.”
“Six.”
“What?”
“It’s really six.” Claudia looked away.
“You mean you’re—”
“Don’t say it. I’m just closer to mid-thirty than early thirty,” she said, unable to look at him.
“Why?”
“My mother wanted to put me in a certain program, so she fudged the numbers and never changed them back.”
He laughed.
“It’s not funny.” She lowered her head, embarrassed.
He nuzzled her neck. “I always knew I’d gotten myself a sexy older woman.”
Claudia shook her head in disbelief. “Even Noreen saw how young you are just from her brief encounter at my place.”
“I may look young, but I’m man enough for you, so let’s not make this an issue.” Peter pulled her closer and lifted her chin up.
“It’s the voice that makes you appear older.” She looked into his eyes.
He rested his head back. “Claudia.”
“All right, all right. I won’t mention it again. So what do you have planned for tomorrow?”
“Dinner at Stephano’s.”
“Great.” Claudia stifled a laugh. “Kids eat half price.”
Peter sent her a glance but didn’t reply. However, he got his revenge that night by proving he was all man, and she never teased him again.
That Saturday, Peter decided to treat Claudia and Thomas to a day trip on a private boat he rented. They drove out of town to a small lake, where he showed off his boating skills while she took pictures and Thomas watched the birds. In midmorning, Peter anchored the boat and they dined on a packed picnic basket that Peter had purchased from a local deli, which included one of Claudia’s favorite wines. After arriving home, they rested then went to a movie and later to Stephano’s for dinner.
“This has been one of the best weekends ever,” Thomas said as Peter helped his brother prepare for bed.
“I’m glad.”
After saying his prayers, Thomas got into bed. “I really, really like Claudia.”
Peter picked up the worn copy of Robinson Crusoe lying on the table beside his bed and handed it to him. Even when they were children, Peter had enjoyed listening to his brother read adventure tales. Those memories held special significance to him now. “I like her, too.” He nodded and opened the book. “Okay, what chapter are we on?”
Thomas set the book aside. “So are you going to marry her?”
Peter sighed. “The first girlfriend I introduce to you, and you already have us walking down the aisle?”
He nodded happily. “I really like her.”
Peter opened the book and flipped through its pages. “I know you do.”
“And she likes me.”
“Yes.” He handed the book to his brother and tapped the page. “I think we stopped here.”
“I don’t want her to go away.”
“She won’t go away.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Thomas closed the book. “She’ll make a pretty bride. Remember when Mom got married? Wasn’t she pretty, and Yvette?”
Peter nodded, remembering his stepsister’s wedding.
“Can I be your best man?”
“Only if you’ll read the next chapter,” Peter said, determined to change the topic.
Thomas grinned, opened the book and began to read.
That night Peter stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep. His brother made everything sound so simple. But it wasn’t. Claudia would have to give up a lot to be with him. He couldn’t leave Georgia. He needed to be close to his brother. Would she be willing to give up her life in North Carolina? It would be a risk for both of them, but she fit into his life. He liked how well she got on with Thomas. If he asked her to marry him, at least he’d know how she really felt about him.
The next morning Peter woke to the smell of cinnamon and sugar. He left his bedroom and found Thomas and Claudia preparing breakfast. Thomas gingerly put icing on a tray of hot cinnamon buns.
“Hmm, something smells good,” Peter said.
“We’re making breakfast,” Thomas replied.
Claudia patted him on the back. “He’s a great helper.”
Peter saw the pride on his brother’s face and then gazed at the woman who’d put it there, his heart buoyant. “Thanks for doing this.”
“I don’t mind.”
He bit his lip, gathering courage. He’d ask her now. He took her hand, although his trembled a little. “Claudia?”
“Yes?”
He swallowed. “Will you—”
“Aaggh!”
They jumped apart and turned.
Thomas held his arm. “I didn’t mean to,” he said, his eyes wide with fear. Hot sticky icing was all over the front of his apron and on his forearm.
Claudia quickly rushed over. “It’s okay, Thomas. Let me see.” Without realizing it, Claudia’s medical training kicked in. His skin was already a bright red and turning purple—she knew it was probably a second-or third-degree burn that would blister. “We need to take him to the nearest hospital.”
Chapter 20
Lloyd Warren stormed into the emergency room, only to find his son Thomas sitting on a hospital bed with his arm wrapped in a large bandage. He was a large man, whose athletic build his two sons had inherited, with white hair and a matching mustache.
He glared at Peter. “What happened?”
“It was just a kitchen accident.”
“What was he doing in the kitchen?”
“Cooking.”
“He doesn’t cook. Kitchens are dangerous.”
“He loves to cook. He’s not a kid.”
“He’s close enough. You should have been watching him.”
“I was. I turned my back for one second—”
Mr. Warren sent Claudia a cursory glance. “Are you sure you weren’t distracted?”
Peter’s jaw twitched. “It was an accident.”
“Should I even bother to introduce myself to her? I know by the next time I see you again, you’ll have another one.”
Claudia stepped forward. “My name is Claudia Madison. And Peter’s telling the truth. It happened so fast it couldn’t have been stopped.”
“This proves my point. Thomas is safer with me. I can watch him better than anyone.”
Claudia turned and saw Thomas watching them, tears forming in his eyes. “Couldn’t we talk about this another time?” she said. “You’re upsetting him.”
Mr. Warren ignored her and said to Peter, “You’re so irresponsible. You can’t even look after him for one weekend.”
“Don’t be mad at Peter,” Thomas begged. “It was my fault. All my fault.”
Mr. Warren softened his voice. “I’m not mad. Just worried about you. When the doctor comes, I’ll take you home.”
Peter tightened his hand into a fist. “Dad, I have another whole day—”
“You’ve had him long enough. You and Claire can go home.”
“Her name is Claudia,” Peter said through clenched teeth.
Mr. Warren lifted Thomas’s arm. “Does it hurt?”
Peter stared at the back of his father’s head for a long moment then stormed out.
Claudia touched Thomas’s knee. “It was wonderful meeting you.”
“You’re going away?”
“I have to go home, but I’ll see you again another time.”
“Don’t lie to him,” Mr. Warren demanded.
“I’m not lying.”
Just as he did with Peter, he ignored her and addressed his next question to Thomas. “Would you like some ice cre
am later?”
Claudia bit her tongue and started to walk away then stopped. She looked back at him. “There’s something pathetic about a man who won’t admit that he’s afraid.”
Mr. Warren spun around.
“I’m glad I got your attention.”
“I’m not afraid of anything.”
“When Peter told me about you, I’d expected a great, imposing figure, but all I see is just a scared little old man.”
“Old? Scared? I’ll let you know that I have a PhD and one hundred papers published in the best scientific journals.”
“I too have a college degree. Two, to be exact, and an M.D. But this isn’t a contest. I know you have a successful business and you’re a pillar in your community.”
He looked at her with renewed respect. “You’re not like Peter’s others.”
Claudia dismissed the comment. “Taking care of Thomas must be a lot of work.”
“I manage.”
“What happened today was an accident. It was no one’s fault.” Claudia braced herself for what she was about to say next. “It wasn’t your fault that the basement was moldy or that Peter had gone down there. Keeping Thomas as a child won’t take your fears away. It will only make them grow. He’s a wonderful cook and he loves doing it. There are a lot of opportunities out there. He could become a baker’s apprentice.”
“A baker’s apprentice? He could have been—”
Claudia’s voice was firm. “He’s wonderful as he is.”
Mr. Warren let his gaze fall, and his bottom lip trembled. “Do you know what it’s like to lose everything you’d ever hoped for?”
“Yes.”
He looked up, surprised, but he could tell from her expression that she was telling the truth.
“I learned that living in the past doesn’t make living in the present any easier. Mr. Warren, right now you have two wonderful sons.” She lightly touched his arm then left.
Moments later Claudia found Peter pacing in the waiting room. He stopped when he saw her. “What did he say to you? Is he still convinced that it’s my fault?” He shoved a hand in his pocket. “I wouldn’t be surprised. He’d blame me if Thomas stubbed his toe or if it snowed in July. He only points out what I do wrong. I can never please him. I’m sorry you even had to meet him.”