Celia's Knight (California Love Trilogy Book 3)

by Samantha Lovern

  “That’s a great idea on her staying at your place. She could let the dogs run loose and I could get her a kennel for them at night.”

  “Sure thing. You could open up your guesthouse out back and stay there if you needed to. That way you wouldn’t be in the house with Celia.”

  “I’d not thought about that. I more than likely won’t. I’d hate to be that close to Celia for Randi’s sake.”

  “Then stay in the house we’re renovating. I know you hate hotels because of the publicity.”

  “Oh, no, a hotel wouldn’t be an option. I’ll think about it. I’m hoping that my visit will calm things down but thanks for the offer. I’m sure you didn’t call to help me with my living arrangements. Do you need something for Celia?”

  “There are some bills coming in and I wondered what you wanted me to do with them.”

  “I’ll need to deal with the mail. Emma is taking time off to take care of one of her kids. I’ll drop by soon and get the mail, my checkbook and some other things I need. What time does Celia normally sleep?”

  “That’s a good question, now and then. I could arrange to have her eating out by the pool and just shoot you a text.”

  “That would be great, and thanks man for doing all of this. I never meant to set you up for being her babysitter. If you need a nurse or someone to clean, let me know.”

  “Thanks, so far we’re good. Her mother is doing what needs to be done, washing, etc. Not sure about the rest of the house and the room Roger’s staying in. He seems like he’d be the messy type.”

  “He’s never stayed with us so not sure. I can deal with the aftermath when he’s gone. How is Celia doing? Is she in a lot of pain? Does she curse me every other breath?”

  Mike laughed but felt a pang inside. It was jealousy but he hated to admit it. A part of him wanted to tell Martin to get over himself, that Celia would be fine. He knew his friend meant well or else he wouldn’t be taking care of Celia and her family. “She’s moving on and doesn’t talk much about you anymore.”

  There was a bit of silence and Martin spoke. “This is a bit strange isn’t it? I get the feeling there could be something going on between you and Celia, and I hate this. I don’t want to become Dear Abby. I did a movie a few years back where two friends fell for the same girl. It wasn’t pretty.”

  Mike wasn’t sure what to say and he supposed his few seconds of silence told more than he cared to. “I’m fine. I’m just helping out. She’s in a bad spot and needs a friend.” This time the silence was on Martin’s end, and about the time Mike was wondering what his friend would think if he did date Celia, Martin spoke.

  “Unlike the movie, I’ve moved on. I don’t think I was ever in love with Celia. I love her and care for her but not like that. She can be a sweet person when she wants. We were just not made for each other, so if you want to date her, or are thinking about it. Go for it. I won’t . . .”

  “Burn my house down?”

  “So you saw the movie?” Martin laughed.

  “I’ve seen most of your movies, even the duds.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Not all of them were duds.”

  “Good thing, or I’d be out of a job. But I know what you’re saying.”

  There was more awkward silence and Martin broke in quickly. “I should go before my flowers wilt and I lose my nerve. When you get Celia out by the pool, text me. If I’m handy, I’ll run over and grab what I need.”

  The called ended and Mike started to put his phone away. Instead he dialed one of his favorite restaurants and ordered enough for two. A smile came to his lips as he also made reservations for two. It would be good for Vicky and Roger to get out of the house.

  He hadn’t needed Martin’s blessing to date Celia, but if he was going to see if this small connection he felt was going anywhere, now was the perfect time to do so. Putting the car back into drive he headed to the mansion. The thought popped into his mind as he parked.

  This was a nice home and it was closer to town then his home. It had all the room a person could ever want, and more. Maybe he’d have to see what kind of a deal Martin would offer him. But, then again, maybe he was about to step into someone else’s dream . . .

  He’d have to be careful or he would end up doing the same thing Martin had done.

  Chapter 49

  Dinner for Two

  Celia didn’t know what to think when Roger came into her bedroom, kissed her on the cheek and said that he and their mother was going out to dinner. They had reservations at Anthony’s and Mike would be staying with her for the evening. She had her mother help her in and out of the bathroom before they left and now she sat looking at the mirror.

  For the first time it dawned on her how she’d let herself go. She’d been combing her hair, well her mother had, but she wore no makeup. The shirt she was wearing looked old and she was wearing sweatpants. Ugh!

  There was nothing she could do about the sweatpants but she could put on some makeup and a fresh shirt. She rolled over to the closet and rummaged through the few things Roger had brought from her apartment. She found a shirt and changed.

  She rolled around to the bed and used the pinchers, as she called them, to pick up her purse out of the floor. She rummaged through it finding her emergency stash of beauty products.

  Once back at the mirror, she began working on her face. She was too tired to do foundation, but when she finished, she wouldn’t be ashamed to speak to Mike. She and Mike didn’t have any trouble finding things to talk about but she did want to pick his brain more about this new job she hopefully was getting.

  Her mind rushed to the terrible thing she was supposed to think of for Mike to do. She could take him to a craft fair, or a museum. Then again, maybe they could go to a painting class. She looked at the wheelchair and shook her head. By the time she would be out of this mess it wouldn’t matter. He would be tired of her or would have just plain lost interest in taking her camping.

  A tap on the door brought her out of her thoughts, “I hope you’re hungry. The food’s ready. We’re having a picnic out by the pool. I want to break you into camping slowly so not to shock your system all at once.”

  Celia smiled and pulled the door open to find Mike standing there grinning from ear to ear. She was taken aback at how nice he looked. She was sure he hadn’t worn that crisp white shirt to work but the black jeans, maybe. Did he consider this a date?

  “You look nice,” he said. She knew this was a lie but accepted the compliment thinking that it was the first one she’d heard in ages.

  “Thanks, you clean up pretty good, too.”

  He shrugged. “I’m trying to butter you up so you’ll take it easy on me with our little bet. Have you chosen a punishment?”

  Celia wheeled past him. “No. I’m still working on something terrible.” She moved her hands when she felt the weight of his hands on the chair and he began to push her around the house.

  “I’m not surprised, but I think it will be a mistake if you don’t go camping. There’s nothing like getting away from all the noise and busyness that life can bring. I always warn my family when I go that my phone will only be on in the morning for an hour and right before I go to bed.”

  “You mean everyone doesn’t sit around the campfire texting?”

  “Not with me they don’t. All I want to hear are the sounds of nature, the chirping of birds and crickets and the night calls of all the other wildlife. No beeping or clicking or ringing.”

  “I don’t mind hearing them, and listening to them. I just don’t want to . . .” Celia didn’t mean to but she stopped at the sight of the table. There were flowers, candles, fine china and covered dishes just as there would be at one of the most upscale restaurants.

  “You don’t want to what?” Mike teased, as he pushed her to the table.

  “When did you do all of this? And it must have cost a fortune?”

  “Not too much. These guys are one of our best customers.”

  “It’s nice,
unexpected, but nice. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. I overheard you and Roger talking the other night. I know you like burgers but I heard you say you also like Chicken Parmesan, so I ordered that for you and steak and a baked potato for me.”

  She watched as he took off the dish covers. He then placed a cloth napkin in her lap and a salad in front of her and they began to eat. A few minutes later, he served sparkling water and she smiled. “Where’s the champagne, and what are we celebrating?”

  “I knew I forgot something,” he said, acting a bit miffed with himself. “I’ll make it up to you. We’ll do that when the cast comes off.”

  Celia stopped before taking her next bite and looked at Mike. He was busy cutting his steak. She thought about his statement and wondered if he would still be in the picture by then. Did she want him there? Before he caught her staring she went back to her meal. “This is delicious. And, thanks for treating Roger and Mom, too.”

  “No problem. Your mom’s working hard and she deserves a break. And, Roger, well, I’m not too sure. Is he helping? I know he keeps saying he is.”

  “He picked up some of my things and gave me a lecture. Does that count?”

  “Did it help?”

  “I think so. I’ve learned some crazy things about my family the last few days. Some of it I didn’t need to learn right now; not while I’m in the middle of a crisis of my own.”

  “Is it something you’d like to share? Sometimes it helps to talk things over. If not, I understand. We can talk about the weather or just sit and eat.”

  Celia wasn’t sure if she should delve into her mother’s love life, but she did need to talk to someone. She sure didn’t want to talk to Roger about it. After they sat silent a bit she spoke, “My mother told me the other day that she didn’t marry the man she loved. She didn’t tell me what happened, but she wasn’t in love with Dad, and it showed at times. I just thought she didn’t like being a wife.”

  “Wow, that is a shocker. How do you feel about it?”

  “Confused. I wonder if I was settling for Martin because I felt that’s what she did. I knew my parents didn’t seem to be ‘in love’ but they were considerate of each other. Dad provided for us. We didn’t live like this, or even close, but we did okay.”

  “Did you feel loved?”

  “Oh, yes. I was Daddy’s little girl. And, knowing what I do now, I feel he was cheated but I also feel sorry for mom. I think it explains why I feel the way I do about marriage, but it also has torn down everything that I thought was real. I’ll figure it out in time. Were your parents normal?”

  “That’s a hard question, but pretty much. They were in love and always seemed to be. And, the way you feel about your parents, I have my issues. I compare every relationship with them. It’s hard trying to live up to perfect. I nitpick. I wonder if I’ll ever find someone who wants me for me, for who I can be instead of what they think I am.”

  “That’s deep coming from a redneck.”

  “I’m not a redneck.”

  “You camp. You eat out of cans, sleep on the ground and kill animals with your bare hands.”

  Mike laughed and Celia laughed, too. “I just added that last one for fun. It sounded like it fit with the others.”

  “I don’t kill many wild animals. I do like to eat fish but not always. I would have never considered myself a redneck.”

  “I’ve been watching videos on camping,” Celia said with a shrug. “It seems most who do that kind of thing are rednecks. I didn’t see one video from a person with a city accent.”

  “Since you’re watching videos, does this mean you’re looking forward to camping? Or, are you just trying to see what you’re getting yourself into?”

  Celia pointed her fork at Mike. “I’ve never been camping. Roger likes to fish, but not Dad. Also, I’ve seen Martin prepare to go but he never explained what he did and what made it fun. I was just curious why a man like you would find something like that interesting. I’m still not sure but at least I know now what to expect.”

  Chapter 50

  Jenson Motors

  Mike smiled. She was thinking about going and watching videos. “And, what was that crack? What do you mean, a man like me?”

  Celia looked up as if she wasn’t sure what to say. “Well, not that I’m saying people who camp are not as smart as others but it seems like a kind of simple minded thing to do. I never did understand the draw. I mean, it has to be like watching grass grow!”

  “You are so wrong, and you should see the gadgets and toys they come up for us simple minded campers.” He smiled so she could know he was teasing.

  “I didn’t say you were simple. As a matter of fact, I said the opposite. I didn’t see why you would be interested, or Martin either. There are so many more things a person could do with their time.”

  “Like what? Read a book, go shopping?”

  “Now you’re insulting me.”

  “No, but if those are things you like to do, you can do them while camping. You’re just going to have to go with me to see what you’re missing out on.”

  “When? Four months from now? Look at me. I can’t even walk by myself and you’re wanting me to climb mountains and play in the dirt.”

  “I can wait. Besides I have to survive your side of the bet first. Have you come up with anything yet?”

  “No, I’m still thinking. It will need to be something I can do in this chair.”

  “You keep putting a time limit on this. We can wait until you’re out of the chair before we settle this bet.”

  “How long do you plan on babysitting me?

  “I don’t look at this as babysitting.”

  “Then what is it?” she asked. Mike glanced up quickly. She was looking at him. Her eyes were compelling him to say something, to explain why he was paying attention to her. He knew she’d just quit dating his best friend, and that the news her mother had given her had been a huge blow, so what did he say?

  “Do you want the whole truth or the candy coated version?”

  “The truth.”

  Mike nodded and put his fork down. “The truth is I felt guilty because of what Martin did to you. I felt I had a part in the breakup because I never thought the two of you were right for each other. And I told him as much a few times.”

  “Did you tell Martin to sleep with that woman?”

  “No. I think what he did was wrong, but in his defense, Martin told me that he hadn’t slept with Randi, and I believe him.”

  “It doesn’t matter. He dated her while he was in a relationship with me,” Celia let out a deep sigh, “but at this point I don’t care. I’m trying to forget and move on. And on that note I’ll ask, what was the candy coated version?”

  Mike laughed. “I didn’t have one. I’m too honest for my own good, and I figured you’d want the truth.”

  “You’re right. I did. But if that’s what started all of this,” she asked, motioning between the two of them, “why are you still here? Do you still feel guilty?”

  Mike knew that sooner or later they would come to this moment. A time where he had to make up his mind what he was really doing here. Why he was taking care of Celia, and sending her family out to dinner so he could be alone with her? True, it was Martin’s idea but he had acted on it and was glad to do so. “I’m not sure what to say. I guess I wanted to see where things might go?”

  Celia tilted her head. “Okay. If we’re putting all of our cards on the table, when I first started talking to you it was to get Martin’s attention. I was hoping I could make him jealous. I was so angry with him and you were his best friend. I wanted to get back at him. Then we started working on the house and talking and now this,” she ended, with a slight shrug.

  Mike put her on the spot and asked, “And now? Do you still just want to make Martin jealous?”

  She didn’t answer quickly and he could see a side of her that was shy. “No, not anymore. There’s times when I’d still like to beat him, curse him out. I’d lik
e for him to be embarrassed and hurt as he did me. I assume that will pass in time.”

  “It will. But it might take a while.”

  “Well, I’m ready to be over him, and move on. I don’t want to spend my days trying to figure out how to get back at him. I want to do something positive with my life.”

  “Good. Admitting that is a good step. Forgiving him will be the next, and it’s not for him, it’s for you.”

  “That one will be harder. But I’m trying. I don’t want to live to get back at someone. I want to live to live.”

  “Great statement. I think you’re on the right path. And now, I have one more card to put on the table.”

  “You do? What’s left?”

  “One thing.” Mike reached into his back pocket, took out his wallet and handed a card to Celia.

  She took it and held it out to let some of what was left of the evening light reflect off the card. “This is from the place where you work. Jenson Motors.”

  “Yes, but it’s more than just the place where I work. Jenson is my mother’s maiden name.”

  Her brows rose and she gave him a quizzical look. “Your mother owns the dealership?”

  “They left the dealership in her name, but Dad ran it for years until they turned it over to me.”

  “Well, that’s good. Your family owns a car dealership.”

  Mike replied, a little apprehensive of what he was doing, “Well, we really own . . . five.” He went back to eating his steak, wondering to himself if he’d just made a mistake.

  “No wonder you were assured that I would get a job. This is great. Why didn’t you mention it before?”

  He tried to hide any kind of expression as he cut his steak. “I don’t tell most people what I do for a living. Everyone either wants me to give them the deal of a lifetime, or they want me to let them go joyriding in the car of their choice.”