Invitation to Love

by Lee, Groovy

  It felt as if they were being deposited in a foreign country when the elevator doors slid open and they stepped out to strange surroundings.

  A few people smiled politely as they exited the elevators across from them and proceeded on their way. The gold and black logo of Michael’s company was proudly etched into the marble floor along their path. To the left, behind the plate-glass doors, were draftsmen busy at their desks working to meet the latest deadline. The pert red-headed receptionist greeted them with an eager smile as she hurried from behind her station toward them.

  “Hi. You must be Mrs. Vande-xx,” she crooned.

  “Yes.” Taryn felt a little at ease now that help had arrived.

  “I was told to recognize you by the twins. He’s not in his office at the moment, but I’ll take you in.”

  Taryn followed her through the pristine office. Remi and Rachel slipped from her hold, and hop-scotched on each giant V they came to. When they arrived at the double doors that opened to Michael’s office, she stood back for them to enter.

  “Wow,” Remi and Rachel said as they tipped into the room.

  A black lacquered desk, neatly organized with a large calendar that also protected it from scuffs and spills, stood against one side; Across the room was a wall of glass towering over the working city below; The V-shaped emblems of Michael’s success dotted the entire floor. Taryn motioned for the girls to follow her over to the gray sectioned sofa to sit down.

  “Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee? Juice for the girls?”

  “No, thank you. We’re fine.”

  “Mr. Vande-xx will be here in a moment. If you need anything, just press the blue button on the phone, and I’ll be right in.”

  Remi and Rachel waited until she left before scurrying off the sofa toward the window.

  “Mummie, come look at this. We’re in the sky.”

  She obliged them and mimicked their excitement. As they continued to point out interesting shapes and wow, she turned to inspect the office more thoroughly. (So, this is where Michael runs his empire) The rich details of everything spoke well of his accomplishments. Her eyes scanned the reading lamp clamped on top of the drafting table overlooking the latest job in progress; to the rolls of diagrams and sketches scattered around it on the floor, to the high-tech computer on his desk.

  Every now and then, murmuring could be heard outside the door, and a few curious people would look their way as they passed by. The news of her arrival must have made the rounds, and the inclination to verify had workers promenading by to see what the new Mrs. Vande-xx looked like. After another minute of being the object of wonder, she decided to return to the sofa out of view.

  “Hi,” someone, who looked to be in his late twenties, with very short black hair walked in. “You must be Mrs. Vande-xx,” he spoke with a deep Australian accent. “I’m David Holster.”

  “Hi,” she shook the hand he offered.

  He seemed so intrigued by what was standing before him, that he barely glanced around the office when he said, “I’m looking for the boss. I guess he’s not here.”

  “No. We’re waiting, too.”

  He peered at the girls standing at the window still enchanted by the view and smiled. “I see. Well, you don’t mind if I wait with you?”

  “Please,” she indicated to a spot on the sofa.

  He sat down, propping one, long leg over the other, and straightening at his black jacket covering a navy-blue shirt. Taryn couldn’t help noticing the snake-skinned boots before meeting the vivid blue eyes still studying her.

  “So, Mrs. Vande-xx, how are you settling into life here so far?”

  “Call me Taryn. And, I love it; Thanks for asking.”

  “Has Michael shown you the sights, yet?”

  She couldn’t help being entertained by that accent, and pictured him having lived on the wide open range, herding cattle high on top of a restless Mustang; The tiny scar on the left side of his chin could be from a roping accident.

  “A little. He promised to take us on a full tour soon.”

  His eyes made a brief journey down her legs. “I have to tell you, it was quite a surprise when Michael returned from Nashville with a new bride and ready-made family. The office still hasn’t quit buzzing.”

  “I’m sure the girls and I caused the antennas of curiosity to rise. People have been peeking in at us ever since we arrived.”

  “Well, you do know he was engaged once before.”

  “Yeah.”

  He leaned forward and lowered his tone. “Don’t tell Michael, but there was a pool floating around that after Karen, he would never marry again. Three of our secretaries just hit the jackpot.”

  “I see. And how much did you lose?” was her light-hearted question.

  “Too much, I’m ashamed to say,” he chuckled.

  The girls came over to investigate the merriment; Each scooted beside their mother, solemnly checking out the stranger across from them.

  “Hello,” David said.

  “This is Remi and Rachel,” Taryn added after their timorous responses.

  At that moment, Michael walked in and they sparked to life by vaulting off the sofa to meet him; David got up and followed, Taryn remained in her seat.

  “I transferred those outlines you needed in a hurry to your computer.”

  “Thanks, David.”

  “I thought I’d keep the Mrs. company for you. Now, I must go,” he bowed his head to her. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Taryn, and welcome.”

  “I’m sorry I kept you waiting,” Michael said to her after David exited. “Give me a moment then we can leave.”

  After administering a few instructions to his assistant, and signing some documents that needed to be expressed out that day, he escorted them down the hall and introduced them to a few of the chief draftsmen and women. Afterwards, he took them to the boardroom to meet a couple of his associates. One of his clients, who just happened to be visiting from the Far East, stood from his important seat at the end of the long conference table and bowed to her. Taryn endeavored to exhibit what little poise she possessed while Michael presented his new family to Mr. Kimoko. She bowed gracefully, adding what an honor it was to meet him. To her surprise, he was delighted when Remi and Rachel attempted his custom of bowing. She complimented his beautiful country, endeavoring to make him feel welcomed. Although, his Japanese accent was sometimes hard to follow, she understood the part where he invited her and her lovely girls to come and visit soon.

  “Are you alright?” Michael asked in the elevator as it sailed them down to the lobby.

  “I’m fine,” she replied after a deep breath. “I’m still a bit overwhelmed from meeting Mr. Kimoko. I hope I did all the right things, and didn’t insult him in any way.”

  His laugher was soft and engaging. “You were perfect. I couldn’t be more proud of you.” He reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. That small gesture and the word, proud, inspired the confidence she needed; So far, she’s doing her part.

  They finally made it through the lunch traffic to their destination, Michael’s favorite Jamaican seafood restaurant, JAMIMAS. The hostess seated them, handed out the menus then excused herself.

  Remi swallowed a huge gulp of water, then, “Michael, when can we visit you again?”

  “Anytime you want,” he answered before thanking the waitress for the bread sticks.

  “Michael,” now it was Rachel’s turn. “Are we going to Japan one day to visit Mr. Kimo?”

  “Kimoko, Rachel,” he touched her soft cheek. But, before he could answer her, Remi cut in.

  “Michael, where’s Uncle Chris?”

  “Girls, girls,” Taryn shushed. “Here, eat some bread sticks until your food arrives.”

  “I see you met David,” he said after her whispered apology.

  “He seems nice.”

  “You think so? He was obviously dazzled by you.”

  Though it was a simple, pleasant statement, there was caution in his t
one. But, that didn’t garner as much of her attention as the sight of him sitting there in his dark suit, playing havoc with her insides. It’s getting harder and harder trying to deal with the pull he has on her on a daily basis.

  “Uh—your client, Mr. Kimoko—do you think he was convinced?’

  “Convinced of what?”

  “That the rumors about you are untrue. Do you think we passed?”

  “I’m sure he was.”

  “That’s good,” she was at once comforted. “I just hope everyone else at the office was, too.”

  He inhaled sharply, grasped the napkin from the table and laid it across his lap. “You don’t need to worry about who is or who isn’t convinced. But, since we’re on the subject, it’s like I said, David is smitten. And, by the time his office blog makes its way through the entire complex, you’ll be more popular than Beyonce.”

  As their meals of spicy Jamaican shrimp and chicken tenders were being served, she wondered if she indeed detected a short tone in his voice. After all, she’s doing her best to live up to her end of the bargain; It helps knowing how well she’s doing. But again, maybe she’s just being a little sensitive. So, she brushed it off and concentrated on her meal.

  “Michael, is that your building?” Remi asked as she munched on a long french-fry.

  This time, Taryn welcomed the endless questions, and just left the rest of the lunch conversation between him and the girls.

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  At his request, Taryn and the girls would meet him at his office twice a week and have lunch with him. She speculated it was for the sake of the media, so they would report some positive news about his new family, thus killing those rumors. She wondered what scandal they would jump to print if they knew the truth. The idea made her shutter as she flipped through the line of evening dresses the boutique owner had wheeled into her dressing room.

  The three weeks they’ve been married has been like a well-planned itinerary. Michael would come down for breakfast, leave out, then come home at night for dinner where they’d exchange pleasantries. Not once has he attempted to touch her; Not even a kiss for appearance sake. Outside of the usual praises about her looks, he seems to find it easy to disregard her. Remi and Rachel receive more attention.

  She stood in front of the full-length mirror in her slip, critiquing everything about her: Her long legs, nice waist, and full breasts. Why hasn’t he tried to persuade her to his bed by now? If she’s so “desirable” as he once put it, why hasn’t his patience just exploded and he insists she moves into his room this minute? Such fantasizing was laughable. The way he’s been acting lately, that’s not about to happen anytime, soon. He’s just as reserved as she started out to be. (That’s right, started out)

  At first, her moral strength not to get emotionally involved held control. But, with each passing week, that control dissolved helplessly when she would catch him looking at her; Or when his smiles has her yearning for his touch. And something else that’s difficult for her to admit is the fact that in the beginning, it was easy to think of him as a friend despite his good looks and her attraction for him. Then, everything was long distanced. Now, being close to him on a day to day basis, and getting to know him one on one, has her desire for a platonic relationship being slowly eaten away by her desire to be with him in every way. But of course, his disinterest in her makes her too proud to let him know that. If he wants her, he knows where she is. (Be careful what you wish for)

  She pushed those thoughts away with a sigh, took an evening dress off the hanger, and slid it over her head. Tomorrow night there’s going to be some sort of celebration dinner for the growing success of the movie Michael invested in, honoring Hal Connors, the producer-director; They’re expected to be there. That’s why she’s standing in the dressing room of a small boutique going through racks of expensive dresses.

  “Mummie, the lady wants to know if you got a dress on, yet.” Rachel peeked her head through the curtain.

  Taryn suddenly realized she had been in there for some time, and followed her out.

  “Wow, Momma,” Remi jumped off the plush chair she’d been fidgeting in. “You look beautiful.”

  “You think so?” she pivoted in the mirrors to examine the black, silk dress with the sparkling Italian lace overlay.

  “Oh, yes, ma’am,” the saleslady agreed. “You look stunning. I have stockings and high-heels that will match perfectly.”

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  Taryn sat back into the cushions of the sofa having just confirmed the time with the bonded child-care service Michael recommended. She glimpsed at the business card with raised lettering advertising the name. It had been confirmed that someone from the Holly Tree Sitting Service will be over to care for Remi and Rachel while she attended the gala. The doorbell had her sitting up. But, before she could take one step, Remi raced out of nowhere to answer.

  She stood peeking out of the side glass panel. “It’s David, Momma.”

  “That’s Mr. Holster to you; And let him in, please.”

  During the times she and the girls visited Michael at the office, he would always make an appearance to greet her. Once, he treated them to a tour of his office while they waited for Michael to return from a meeting. Although, she’s aware of his attraction for her, he’s always been the perfect gentleman, and sees no cause to be unduly worried. She likes him, and is grateful that at least somebody notices her—Michael certainly doesn’t.

  “David, come on in,” she motioned for him to join her.

  “Hi, Taryn,” he patted Remi’s head as he passed her.

  “Is this a social call?” she eyed the cylindrical cardboard tubing in his hand.

  “I wish it were. I brought these diagrams over for Michael. He left the office early today; I thought he might have come straight home.”

  “He’s not here, yet. Would you like to wait for him?”

  “Sorry, but I have to run. I’ll just leave them here for him.” He placed them on the glass coffee table. “Will I see you tonight?”

  “Oh, you’re going to be there, too?”

  “Everyone will,” his excitement for the upcoming evening emanated his smile. “Save me a dance?”

  “Of course, I will.”

  “Momma, Michael’s home,” Remi called from her look-out.

  David and Taryn waited as she opened the door for him. After greeting her, he stood fixed for a surprised moment upon seeing the two of them standing there. Taryn caught that strange look in his eyes again—That look he always has whenever David’s around.

  “David,” he came all the way into the room. “What are you doing here?”

  He reached down and picked up the cylinder from the table. “These are the diagrams you needed for the staff meeting tomorrow evening. You left before I could give them to you.”

  Michael took the cylinder, looked at him, then held his gaze on Taryn as he asked. “Is that all you wanted?”

  Taryn wondered if she was being sensitive again. Was there a hidden meaning behind that question? And, did David pick up on it, also?

  “That’s all,” he lifted his hands then let them fall back against his thighs. “I’ll see you tonight. Bye, Taryn.”

  “How long has he been here?” Michael asked when he left out the door.

  “A few minutes before you arrived.”

  His eyes jetted over her blue leggings and tunic top. “I think I’ll rest before the ceremony,” he sighed and grabbed up his case. “Would you send one of the girls to wake me in an hour?”

  “Aren’t you hungry?”

  “No,” he replied without even looking back as he walked away for the stairs.

  He always seems to be short on words lately, not to mention his temperament whenever he encounters David in her company. Could he…? No. He’s not jealous—is he? She put her hand to her mouth and let out a short giggle. (Maybe, his armor is crumbling a little)

  “Momma,” Remi tugged
at her as she and Rachel stood observing her strange outburst. “Can’t we please go with you tonight? Staring at the baby-sitter all night is no fun at all.”

  “Remi, remember I explained this is a grown-up affair; And, you promised to be a good girl about this.”

  “I know,” she shrugged and revealed a playful grin. “I thought I’d ask just one last time, anyway.”

  “Can’t blame a girl for trying,” Taryn tickled her.

  Two hours later, Taryn stood at the top of the stairs and watched as Michael, looking elegant in his black, evening suit, conversed with the sitter the agency sent over. She touched at her pinned-up hair before joining them. The gray-haired woman looked up as she sauntered down the stairs and smiled, causing him to look up, also. His brows lifted at the sight of her, keeping an appreciative eye on her the entire time she descended each step.

  “Taryn, this is Mrs. Castleberry.”

  “What a lovely dress, Mrs. Vande-xx,” she offered her hand to her. “Now, where are the children, I’d like to introduce myself to them.”

  “They’re in the kitchen,” Taryn pointed toward the back. “They’re eating dinner, or better yet, picking at it.”

  “At the risk of repeating myself, you look very beautiful tonight,” Michael said when Mrs. Castleberry excused herself.

  “Thank you. So do you.”

  In an unexpected gesture, he stepped forward and touched a short but firm kiss to her lips, disorienting her already weakening reserve.

  “Sorry,” he smiled. “You’re so enticing, I couldn’t resist. Afraid I took some of your lipstick away, though.”

  “You’re wearing it,” she shyly looked away to her sequined purse to open it.

  He took a white handkerchief from his coat pocket and wiped the traces away. While she touched up her lipstick, Mrs. Castleberry rejoined them with Remi and Rachel skipping on each side of her. After hugging them good-night, and reminding them to behave, they left.

  The black limousine crawled its way along the boulevard behind a long line of others stopping in front of the Bellshire Hotel to let the social crowd out. Taryn leaned forward to view the throngs of people gathered ahead. It was like a night at the Oscars, with spotlights dazzling the night sky, gowns reflecting all the lights, and a red carpet to advertise their importance. Her vision of what this would be like didn’t even come close.