“Eli and I figured we knew each other well enough,” Danny said, and we smiled at each other. Then he turned me into his arms. “I love you,” he said, and he tenderly kissed me.
As if on cue, Ali appeared, drinks in hand, ending our kiss.
“Danny, Elizabeth, I’ve brought your drinks.” Plastic smile turned to maximum, Ali handed Danny a bottle of Corona beer with a lime in it, and for me a colorful concoction.
“Thanks, Ali,” Danny said.
“What’s in this?” I asked, glad she’d gotten over her earlier snit.
“Rum and fruit juice. My secret recipe.”
I took a sip of the cold, fruity beverage. “This is good,” I exclaimed. Then I took a larger sip. Ali walked away. I was thirsty and quickly drank about half.
“Danny, you should try this. It’s really good.” I held up my cup, and he sipped.
“Do you know what’s in this?” he asked as I gulped more punch.
“Ali said rum and fruit juice,” I answered, slurring a little.
“Try rum, fruit liqueurs and minimal fruit juice.”
I was confused. I felt buzzed.
“There’s less fruit in your drink than in this.” Danny indicated the lime in his beer.
Well, it tastes good,” I laughed, and I finished it off. Danny rolled his eyes.
“There goes my designated driver,” he groaned.
I leaned into Danny. His shoulder supported my tipsy weight.
“I feel great,” I slurred while smiling dreamily up at him.
“I’m sure you do, baby.” Danny smiled with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Elizabeth never got drunk when we were at Archer. Does she do this often now?” Emma asked Danny.
“Only when I have a special evening planned,” Danny answered.
“You have something special planned?” I gushed.
“We were going to the beach,” Danny reminded me.
I sighed. “I love the beach. Let’s dance.” I grabbed Danny’s hand to lead him to the pool deck where everyone was dancing.
“Later, ladies” he said to Steff and Emma and bowed.
Danny’s strong grip kept me from falling as I stumbled to the patio. I kept my hands clasped around his neck and his hands held my hips while we danced. My legs felt like Jell-O as I tried to keep up with the fast-moving music.
“This is awesome!” I exclaimed and I gave Danny a very affectionate kiss.
“You are a most delightful drunk, Elizabeth.” Danny smirked.
“Danny!” A man’s voice called.
Danny abruptly broke apart from me and I teetered for a moment before regaining my equilibrium.
“Bobby! Hey, how are you?”
Danny embraced his friend, clapping his shoulders.
“Jason!” he greeted the second guy. “I can’t believe how long it’s been.” Danny and Jason embraced. “Where’s Zac?” Danny asked, referring to the fourth member of their tight-knit group who had met in Kindergarten at Crossroads School
“He’s in Europe with Gibby,” Bobby answered.
“Damn! We leave for Aspen on Tuesday. I wanted to catch up with him.”
“We?” Bobby asked.
“You remember, Elizabeth Jacobs.”
Jason and Bobby gave me the once over and exchanged curious glances.
“No,” Jason answered while Bobby nodded his agreement.
“You don’t?” Danny was surprised.
“Danny and I are going to Aspen,” I giggled.
“Is she related to that Leelee Jacobs who used to hang around you?” Bobby asked. I giggled at his ignorance.
Before Danny could answer, Jason added, “She was that kid who followed you around like a poodle. Even looked like one with all that frizzy hair.”
“I remember,” Bobby exclaimed. “Skinny little thing with glasses.”
“Shame she didn’t look like her mother,” Jason added.
“Miranda Jordan. Now that’s one hot babe,” Bobby smirked.
I crinkled my face in confusion. Mom was not a hot babe! She was Mom. I wanted to protest, but my mouth felt glued shut.
“I’ll let her know she’s the object of your wet dreams,” Danny laughed. “Miranda will love that.”
Danny wrapped his arms around me from behind. This was so weird, and he knew it. “Uh, guys, Leelee Jacobs has grown up since you last saw her. And she’s called Elizabeth now.”
I giggled at Danny’s cryptic response as he pointed at me.
Their jaws dropped. Jason was speechless.
“But she’s beautiful!” Bobby stammered.
“And she’s mine,” Danny gloated. “So put your tongues back in your mouths. We’ll catch you later. My lady wants to dance.”
I smiled as Danny led me back to the pool deck.
“I hate when people call me Leelee,” I complained. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and Danny kissed my forehead.
“I’m really hot,” I whispered.
“I know,” he smiled. I giggled at the double entendre.
“I mean I’m thirsty.”
“That wasn’t so obvious, baby. I’ll get you a drink.”
Danny took my hand and led me off the dance floor. Ali approached carrying drinks on a small tray. “Want one?” she asked. Danny reached for a Corona while I took the last cup of punch and quickly gulped down half.
“No more, Elizabeth,” Danny said sternly and he grabbed the cup.
“This punch is so good,” I exclaimed.
“What’s the matter, Dan?” Ali said emphasizing the diminutive name. “Can’t Elizabeth have a drink?”
“Cut the crap, Ali,” Danny replied.
“You and Leelee, who’d have thought? My sources were wrong then.”
“What sources?” Danny asked.
“I have friends at Donnelly,” she snapped.
“You have friends?” I giggled.
Danny gripped my shoulder. Ali snarled.
Ignoring me she sneered, “Everyone assumed she was one of your flings.”
Ali’s venom sobered me.
“Ali, you don’t know squat.” Danny said angrily. He protectively reached for my hand. “Is that why you didn’t invite Elizabeth? You wanted on that list?”
“No,” Ali quivered. “I thought you’d see what you were missing and…”
Danny’s eyes were on fire, incensed. I hoped this wouldn’t come to blows.
“I’m not missing anything.” Then Danny smiled at me. “Let’s go, baby.”
“Curfew for Leelee?” Ali couldn’t resist hurling one more barb.
“Elizabeth and I have better things to do than listen to your tirade, Ali.” Then Danny looked directly into Ali’s eyes. “We’re off to my house in Malibu for the night.
CHAPTER 40 - ELIZABETH
A gloriously sunny day greeted us as I woke entwined in Danny’s arms. We cherished every moment, luxuriating in the privacy.
After a short, barefoot walk on the cold sand, we warmed up in the hot tub. A languorous soapy shower after making love on the chaise, and we were ready for the drive home.
“Elizabeth, Daniel, in here,” Mom called from the sitting room as we entered the house.
The casual sitting room was decorated in overstuffed sofas and chairs of peach, cream and pale green fabrics. It was a comfortable room to cozy up in to read and that was how we found Mom. She was seated on the sofa, her feet curled under, with a screenplay on her lap.
Mom set the script on the table. Danny and I slowly sat down on the love seat across from her. Taking my hand, Danny set it on his thigh and held it with both of his.
“Randi,” Danny began, “I take complete responsibility for last night. Elizabeth didn’t know my plans. Please don’t be angry.”
Danny’s sensitivity warmed me and I smiled proudly.
Mom’s lips upturned, almost laughing. “Daniel, I’m not angry.” Mom even smiled.
Danny and I sat a little further back, the tension vanquished.
“It may be hard for you to believe, but I was once young and in love.”
I blushed. Danny smirked.
“It’s hard coming to terms with my little girl being a woman in love with a terrific young man. I’m trying my best,” she explained.
“We know, Randi,” Danny said “We appreciate it.”
Mom uncurled her legs. I rose, and she welcomed me into her arms.
“I love you Mom,” I said, and we kissed each other’s cheeks.
“All I want is for you to be happy, Elizabeth.”
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” I assured her.
Soon Mom left for the kitchen. When she wasn’t working, Mom loved to roll up her sleeves and whip up elaborate dishes. Her favorite times were holidays, and tonight was the first night of Chanukah featuring Mom’s special potato latkes.
When we were all in town, the Newmans always celebrated with the Jacobs. Ellen would supply dessert, probably baked by Graciela. Ellen’s kitchen had been featured in magazines, but she could barely boil water.
Meanwhile, I stretched out on the loveseat, resting my head on a pale green pillow placed against the armrest. My feet rested on Danny’s lap and I yawned.
“Am I keeping you up?” he asked as he typed a text message on his phone.
I yawned again and stretched my arms like a cat. “It must be the rum. Or you. I’m so sleepy,” I purred. Then I closed my eyes.
“Why don’t we go upstairs?” Danny asked, “I can text anywhere.”
It took every effort I could muster to right myself and stand. I leaned against Danny, and he helped me up the stairs. My head felt so heavy, my legs so wobbly.
At the landing, Danny picked me up and carried me down the hall to my room where he placed me on the bed. Danny lovingly covered me with the pink cotton blanket. Then he kicked off his shoes and sat down beside me.
The last thing I remembered was Danny leaning against a pillow propped against the headboard. He had been about to send a text message.
In my dream I heard knocking and then it stopped. It was so cozy under the soft blanket with Danny’s warm, familiar hand resting on my hip. I heard knocking again. It wasn’t a dream.
“So he fell asleep too,” I thought. Danny’s phone was on the bed, not far from his other hand. He must have dropped it as he fell asleep.
I fought to become more fully awake. The door opened. Dad! He smiled as he noticed me with half-opened heavy eyelids, and Danny cuddled up beside me. Dad tried to stifle a laugh.
“Hey, sleepy-heads,” he said in a soft voice. “Dinner’s about ready.”
Danny stirred.
“Dad, is it really that late?” I asked.
“Yes. You’re still jet-lagged. Mom says you’ve been out for a while.”
“Mike?” Danny yawned as he tried raising his head, not comprehending where he was.
“Kids, you have fifteen minutes.” Dad smiled warmly. “You’re both adorable,” he added with a chuckle. Then Dad closed the door, and left.
I loved holidays at home! Celebrating with the Newmans made it even better.
Grandma Margie was also coming to dinner! It was an easy drive from Sherman Oaks for Mom’s mother to make, and I couldn’t wait.
“Grandma!” I exclaimed when she entered the sitting room. We were gathered for informal cocktails. After last night, I was content to nurse a Diet Coke.
I ran over and hugged her. For Grandma, dressing for the holiday meant a flowing figure obscuring caftan over leggings.Tall like Mom, she could carry it off. As always, Grandma wore Birkenstocks and colorful chunky beads adorned her neck. I loved Grandma Margie!
“How’s your new boyfriend?” she asked.
“Mom told you?” As the only child of a single mother, Mom and Grandma were very close. I didn’t think their closeness extended to my love life, though.
“No, you did. I took one look at you and I thought, Elizabeth’s in love, she’s glowing. He must be someone wonderful.”
“He is, Grandma.” I nodded for Danny to join me. Once he was by my side I said, “You’ve met Danny Newman.”
“Steve and Ellen’s Danny Newman?”
“Guilty,” Danny answered, and he wrapped his arms around me.
“I haven’t seen you since the bat mitzvah,” Grandma said in wonder. “You’re taller. And you’re in love with my Elizabeth. Lucky boy.”
“I certainly am.” Danny’s chin rested on my shoulder.
“You’d better take good care of her.”
“Of course he does. Danny treats me like a princess.”
“A very high maintenance princess,” Danny added with a wry smile.
“Elizabeth,” Grandma warned, “I hope you’re taking birth control pills.”
“Grandma!” I was mortified. It was awkward enough coming from Grandma made even more so by Danny having his arms around me.
“I don’t want you ending up like me.”
“Don’t worry, Grandma,” I stammered. “It’s taken care of.”
“Margie!” Dad called from across the room. Thank you Daddy.
“Looks like Michael wants me.” Grandma kissed us and sought out Dad.
Danny laughed at my discomfort.
“What did Margie mean, she didn’t want you ending up like her?”
“Grandma never graduated from high school.”
“Then you can’t be like her. You’re in college.”
“That’s not exactly what she meant,” I said with urgency.
I pulled Danny out of the room to the foyer in search of privacy. Danny stood close, and I leaned against the wall. Our voices wouldn’t carry
“Danny, Grandma’s only fifty-six years old. Didn’t you know that?”
“Margie’s only fifty-six! No wonder she looks so great,” Danny answered. Grandma’s face was unlined and her thick brown hair had no gray. “Wait,” he continued, puzzled, “Isn’t Randi in her forties?”
“No. Mom turns forty in April.”
“Your grandmother was sixteen when Randi was born!” Danny exclaimed, his voice getting louder.
“Shhh. Keep your voice down,” I cautioned.
“I thought Margie looked young for a grandmother, but I never thought she was that young. Some of our friends have mothers older than that.”
“I know. It’s embarrassing.”
“It shouldn’t be.”
“Mom’s never said anything, but I don’t think there ever was a Grandpa Margie. I think Grandma had too much fun at a rock festival. She has tickets framed and hanging in her den. They’re dated July. Mom was born the following April. Do the math.”
Danny counted nine months on his fingers.
“Okay, it adds up,” he admitted. “ I always heard your grandfather deserted them when your mother was a toddler.”
“That’s just a story; the official Miranda Jordan biography. It sounds better than Grandma spent the weekend wasted when she was fifteen, got knocked up and out popped little Miranda.”
“So that’s why Randi’s so strict.” Danny tried hard and failed at muffling his laughter. I smacked his arm.
“It’s not funny! Supposedly ‘Grandpa’ was a very attractive redhead from Greenwich, Connecticut, although that part could be a stretch. Grandma was wasted.”
Danny hugged me, burying his face in my shoulder to muffle the sound of his laughter. Then he twirled a lock of my auburn hair around his finger.
“So that’s where this comes from, mystery grandpa,” he choked.
“Daniel, this is not funny,” I scolded while maintaining hushed tones.
“I’m sorry, Eli. If it wasn’t that Randi has always been so proper,” Danny said before pressing his lips against mine for a playful kiss. Then he ran his finger down my cheekbone and I shivered.
“You’re impossible,” I sighed.
“At least I’ve met all my grandparents,” Danny laughed
“It’s one of the reasons why I’m glad it’s you I love.”
“The New
man pedigree?”
“You do not have a pedigree. But you do know who all your relatives are and none of them are mine. I always wanted to go to an east coast college, but once Donnelly accepted me I worried that I’d fall in love with a redheaded boy from Connecticut. He could be my half-uncle.”
Danny let out a loud whoop. My hand flew up to cover his mouth. Danny was consumed with laughter. He pushed my hand away and hugged me tightly to control his shaking.
“You’re half-uncle? Eli, I love the way you always make me laugh,” Danny choked and wiped tears from his eyes. I frowned.
“Daniel, this is not funny. I revealed my vulnerabilities to you. You are not supposed to laugh,” I sniffled.
“Oh, babe, I’m sorry. You have to see the irony in this. Everyone thinks you and I together is incestuous and all this time you were worried about the real thing.”
“It’s not funny!”
“I’m sorry. You’re right.” Danny fought to regain his composure. “But you can stop worrying. Nobody in my family ever had red hair. You’re safe, honey. Can we kiss and make-up? I love you, even with your checkered past.”
“I do not have a checkered past!” I seethed.
Danny’s strong hands circled my waist and pressed me against the wall. His hypnotic sapphire eyes stared into my soul.
“I’m serious, Elizabeth. I love you. You will never become like your grandmother. I would never desert you. If you got pregnant, and you didn’t want an abortion, I would proudly stand by you. That baby would be mine too.”
“You really feel that way?”
“Of course I do. I love you, baby.”
“It won’t happen until I’m at least twenty-five.”
Danny dropped his hands, relieved.
“Good, because I won’t be ready until then either so keep taking those pills. Why didn’t Margie abort your mother?”
“Grandma’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors. Her parents are orthodox. They disowned Grandma and even sat Shiva.”
“Incredible. Margie looks like an old hippie. I never pegged her as religious. I guess I can understand why Margie couldn’t get an abortion.”
“That’s why Mom became a model. Stage mother was one of the only things a teenaged mother without a high school diploma could do to make money legally. Mom has supported Grandma since she was an infant. She still does.”
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