by Abigail Keam
At the end of the day, they had finished two and a half bathrooms.
Eva went back to inspect the bathrooms with Mike.
To Mike’s dismay, the tiling and grout were first-rate jobs. There was nothing that he could complain about. The only thing he was happy about was that Eva thought the floors were gorgeous. At the pace he and Juan were going, they should be finished in a couple of days. After that, the bungalows would be painted, furniture moved in, and the last touches done. Then he would be finished. That thought made Mike anxious. Maybe he could sign on as Eva’s handyman. That way he could keep coming around. He made a mental note to ask Eva later.
30
Mike told Dennis to scrape any cracked paint off the bungalows after Juan had first gone over them with a pressure washer.
“Sure thing,” he replied to Mike and then uttered, “asshole.”
Mike whipped around. “What did you say?”
“I said sure thing,” answered Dennis.
“What did you say after that?”
“You heard me.”
“Do you have a problem with me, Bub?”
“Why are you always hanging around?”
“I’m the general contractor.”
“I’ve never seen a general contractor spend so much time on the job. You’re always here. What are you after?”
“After? Listen, asswipe, if you don’t do as I say, it’s pretty much adios for you, so pick up your tools and start scraping the paint off.”
“Or what? You’ll run to Evie and tell her I’m not playing your bullshit games. You have had me do every god-awful job for the past two days. I’m an executive. I don’t take orders; I give them. You scrape the paint off.”
Juan rounded the building and caught Dennis and Mike swearing at each other and inching closer and closer. He knew by the expression on Mike’s face that he wanted to deck Dennis.
And Dennis looked like he was gearing up for a fight too, as his hands were balled into fists.
“You don’t belong here,” seethed Mike. “Go back to New York so you can marry another woman and abandon her like your two other wives.”
“That’s rich coming from a jerk who let his wife drown.”
“That’s it. You’re going get the whippin’ of your life,” fumed Mike as he angled toward Dennis. But before either man could swing, Juan turned a hose of cold water on them.
Both men cried out as the frigid water hit them.
Juan lazily turned off the hose. “Better get to work. Boss Lady just pulled up in her truck.” Chuckling, Juan dropped the hose and lumbered back to his pressure washer.
Mike and Dennis glared at each other but went in opposite directions. Neither of them wanted to answer questions that Eva might pose, or listen to a lecture.
They would handle their disagreements on their own time in their own ways. For the moment they agreed to hate each other in silence, leaving Eva blissfully unaware.
31
“Eva? Eva,” called Jenny, poking her head in one of the bungalows.
“In here, Jenny,” replied Eva, wiping the sweat off her face with the bandana around her neck.
Jenny bounded into the bathroom. She gave Eva a curious look after discovering Dennis helping her. “Who are you?”
“Jenny, meet Mr. Reardon,” announced Eva while mudding the wall. “Mr. Reardon, this is Jenny Bishop. She is Mike’s daughter.”
Dennis handed Eva a square of tile. “Nice to meet you, Jenny.” He gave her a quick smile.
“I came to help Eva,” chirped Jenny as she watched Eva place the tile on the wall.
“Be my guest,” replied Dennis, stepping out of the way. “I need a break anyway. You don’t mind, do you, Evie?”
Jenny’s mouth twisted when Dennis called Eva “Evie.”
“Go ahead. I want to finish this up. Jenny can help me, can’t you, Jenny?”
“Sure,” replied Jenny, anxious to show how useful she could be.
Relieved that he could take a break from the tedious work of tiling, Dennis was more than happy to turn the reins over to Jenny.
“What do I do?” asked Jenny, taking Dennis’ place.
“Just hand me a square of tile when I ask for it,” replied Eva, putting more mud on the backboard.
They worked for forty-five minutes until the tiling was complete. “Let’s take a break,” suggested Eva, wondering where Dennis was. He shouldn’t have left Jenny to do his work.
They went to the office and into the back living area. Jenny announced she was hungry and Eva realized she could use a bite too. Eva made turkey sandwiches with the crust cut off for them both. She got out a cola for herself and poured milk for Jenny. Eva knew that kids that age were always hungry because they were growing.
Jenny scarfed down the sandwich and asked for another glass of milk. “Mama says I have a bottomless leg.”
“You do? Is that where all the food goes?” Eva playfully pinched Jenny’s nose.
“You know what else she says?”
“Tell me.”
“She says that some people have Swiss cheese for hearts.”
“Swiss cheese?”
“Yeah. They have holes in their heart because they lost something or someone they love and the hole won’t fill back up until they love something new.”
Eva leaned toward Jenny, fixing the barrette in her hair. “Do you have a Swiss cheese heart, Jenny?”
Jenny nodded.
Eva lifted Jenny’s sagging chin. “Don’t worry, Baby. It won’t always be that way. Give it time.” Eva was aware that she was giving the same advice to herself.
She also had a Swiss cheese heart.
32
It had started to rain during the night, but the thunder wasn’t what woke Eva up.
Something or someone was crying.
Putting on a hat and some flip-flops, Eva turned on all the outside lights and left the office with a flashlight. Except for the occasional thunder, Eva didn’t see or hear anything unusual.
Dennis opened the door to his bungalow in his shorts and called from the doorway. “What are you doing?”
Eva shouted back. “I hear something.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Just something weird.”
“Wait a minute. Let me put on some pants and I’ll help you.”
“Shhh.” Eva strained to listen. “Do you hear that? Sounds like it’s coming from the back of the office.” Eva swung her flashlight around, but didn’t see anything. Still she heard pathetic little cries. Going over to the landscaping around the office, Eva began to search under the plantings. “I hope I don’t come across a snake,” muttered Eva.
“What did you say?” called out Dennis.
“Bingo. I found it,” said Eva, holding up a drenched, mewing kitten. “Look what I have.”
“That explains it. Well, goodnight,” replied Dennis, looking bored.
Eva put the kitten under her shirt and explored the rest of the grounds looking for more kittens or at least the mother.
The baby cat dug her claws into Eva’s skin, holding on for dear life.
Finally Eva gave up the search and went back into the office. Both the kitten and Eva were drenched. Eva wrapped the kitten in a towel and then took a quick hot shower.
After putting on a fresh nightgown, she took the mewing kitten and gently put her under warm water in the kitchen sink. “Let’s get you cleaned and warmed up, shall we,” said Eva to the distraught kitty.
After the quick dousing, Eva toweled the kitten dry and wrapped her up in a new towel. “I bet you’re hungry. I hope you can eat more than mother’s milk.”
Eva got some tuna fish out of the cabinet and put a little before the kitten.
The cat ate with relish and looked up at Eva when finished.
Eva put another dab of tuna fish on the counter and also placed a small bowl of warmed milk. “Don’t want to give you too much,” cooed Eva. “Just enough to take the edge off.”
S
atisfied, the kitten then scratched on the towel and urinated.
“That’s okay,” comforted Eva. “We all have needs. We’ll take care of that boo-boo tomorrow, but let’s go to bed now.”
She got out several new towels and made a little nest for the kitten on her bed. Thinking she had the exhausted kitten settled for the night, Eva was surprised when the kitten left her little nest and snuggled against Eva’s chest.
In a few moments, the kitten was in deep sleep.
Eva stroked the kitten until she, too, fell into deep sleep.
33
When Eva awoke the next morning, the kitten was still lying comfortably next to her. The kitten reached out a paw to Eva, which melted Eva’s heart.
That was a good touch on part of the kitten, as Eva was allergic to cats. Her eyes were swollen and it seemed that her sinuses were blocked. Eva took the kitten outside for its morning tinkle and then gave it some breakfast.
As the kitten was nibbling on tuna fish, Eva called Mike and informed him that she was taking a few hours off and she would be back before noon.
After locking the kitten in the bathroom, Eva made the rounds of the motel, looking for more stranded kittens but found nothing.
She then dressed, which was difficult as the kitten kept trying to attack her feet. Wrapping the small kitten in a towel, Eva made way to her vehicle. She met Dennis on the way.
“You look awful,” claimed Dennis, staring at her blotchy, swollen face.
“You could have taken the kitten last night,” accused Eva. “You know that I’m allergic.”
Dennis shrugged, looking guilty. “It didn’t even occur to me, Evie. So sorry. I should have done so. Do you want me to take it to the Animal Shelter?”
“I’ve got it under control,” replied Eva before sneezing.
The kitten began to purr.
“Are you sure?” asked Dennis, looking somewhat doubtful.
“I’ll be back in a few. Mike will be here in a little bit.”
Dennis snorted, “Looking forward to that.”
Eva gave him a strange look. Was there something going on between Dennis and Mike that she wasn’t aware of?
It would have to wait. She needed to get to the drugstore for some allergy medicine and do something with the purring ball of fur she was holding.
Eva sneezed again and again.
No good deed goes unpunished, she thought.
34
“I don’t know,” considered Mike, looking at the kitten.
“I took her to the vet this morning. She’s got all of her shots and is in very good health. I’ve bought everything she’ll need for the next few months . . . litter box, carrier, scratching post, food bowls, toys, cat food, formula. She’s almost weaned. All she needs now is a place to lay her head and someone to love her.”
Mike scratched his chin. “She’s awfully cute, but I don’t want to give Mom any more responsibility.”
“Make Jenny responsible.”
“I don’t know,” Mike repeated.
Eva was getting impatient. “I’ve already talked with your mother and she’s okay with it. Jenny needs something to love of her very own. I know she will take excellent care of this animal.”
“Mom said it was all right?”
“Yes, she did. I talked with her this morning.”
Eva thrust the purring kitten at Mike.
He stepped back. “You should give it to her. Come over tonight for dinner and give her the kitten.”
“I’ve got plans for dinner but I can come over afterwards . . . if that is okay with you.”
Mike’s eyes narrowed at thinking of what Eva’s dinner plans might be. “Suit yourself. We’ll be home.” He walked off in a huff.
Eva held the kitten up to her face. “Looks like you’ve got a new home.”
The kitten yawned.
“Nap time,” said Eva. “And while you’re taking a nap, I will try to scrounge up a bow for you.” She rubbed noses with the animal that was barely keeping her eyes open.
Eva carefully put the napping kitten on her bed, covering her with a soft towel.
The kitten responded by flipping on her back to sleep. By exposing her stomach, Eva knew the kitten felt safe and warm.
She knew that this kitten was the perfect pet for Jenny.
Eva just hoped Jenny would agree.
35
“What is it, Eva?” asked Jenny, looking suspiciously at the pet carrier.
“It is something for you if you promise to take very good care of it. It needs lots of love and attention. Do you think you could love something and be very careful with it?” asked Eva.
The kitten inside the carrier meowed.
Startled, Jenny’s eyes widened as she reached for the carrier.
The kitten softly meowed again.
Jenny began gleefully jumping up and down, squealing with delight. “Is it mine? Is it for me?”
Eva chuckled. “Calm down, Jenny. All the noise will frighten the kitten. It’s just a baby. Do you think you are old enough to take care of a baby?”
Jenny clasped her hands together. “Oh, yes. I will be so careful with her,” she whispered.
“Okay. Then I’ll let her out. You stay still and let her explore.” Eva put down the carrier and unzipped the opening.
Jenny plopped down in front of the opening, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Let the kitten come to you and be very gentle,” coaxed Eva.
Mike sat on the couch watching his daughter delight in the small animal.
Confused, the kitten stuck her head out of the carrier and sniffed the air, eventually stepping out to explore.
Jenny held her breath as the small animal sniffed her and then climbed into her lap.
Mike cautioned, “Be careful, Pumpkin. Pet her very gently.”
Jenny nodded as she took her index finger and stroked the cat’s silky fur.
“Jenny, never hold the cat like a doll or pet her stomach. She might scratch if you do. Always pet around the face and behind the ears.” Eva handed Jenny a brush. “She might like to be brushed but not on the belly. Do it very lightly.”
Jenny accepted the brush and brushed the cat just as Eva recommended. The cat began purring as Jenny brushed it. “She likes it. She likes it!” she exclaimed.
Eva tussled Jenny’s hair. “Be good to her and she’ll love you in return. I’ve got her things in the car. I’ll get them, that is, if you want her?”
“Oh, yes. I love her. I’m going to call her Snowball since she’s all white.”
“That’s a good name,” concurred Mike. His heart felt it was being tugged on. Why hadn’t he gotten a pet for Jenny earlier? Why did it take a stranger to recognize that Jenny was lonely? “Wait a minute, Eva. I’ll help you.” He followed Eva outside.
Mike was astounded when he discovered that Eva had two large tubs full of cat paraphernalia. “Did you buy out the store?” he laughed.
Eva returned his laughter. With the moonlight striking her hair and face, she looked unreal . . . like a dream.
Overcome at seeing Eva shimmer in the moonlight, Mike grabbed Eva and kissed her passionately on the lips.
Once again Eva was astounded when Mike kissed her. It was lightening fast and without warning but his kiss was smooth and warm, and she liked his strong arms around her holding her tight.
She found herself kissing him back and her hands wandering down his back and buttocks.
Mike pushed Eva against her truck. Nothing else mattered at the moment except that Mike not let go of her. He began kissing her neck and throat with his hands exploring her breasts.
Mike pressed hard against Eva so that she felt his firm manhood between her legs. A butterfly fluttered in her belly and she sensed wetness between her legs. Eva pulled Mike closer and began pulling at his shirt. Her hands wandered over his muscular chest.
Without warning, Mike lifted Eva onto the hood of the truck. He reached under her dress and ripped off her panties.
> Eva gasped but did not protest.
Mike began fumbling with his belt buckle. Eva reached down to help him when they both heard . . . “Daddy! Where are you?”
Drat!!!
“Coming, Jenny. Stay in the house. I’ll bring Snowball’s things in.”
They both heard the front door close.
Mike began to chortle while Eva didn’t know whether to laugh or cry from embarrassment.
“Thank goodness, she didn’t come out,” said Mike. “I guess she killed the mood.”
Eva fussed with her dress. “Is my hair okay?” she asked.
Mike grinned. “Perfect. Look, I don’t know what got into me. I’m usually not such an animal.”
“It was sudden but I didn’t protest, now did I?”
“I’ve been meaning to talk with you for a while, but the moment never seemed appropriate. When the motel is finished, I’d like to take you out . . . on a real date . . . no family.”
“No, Mike.”
“NO? I don’t understand. We almost did the nasty just now.”
Eva shook her head. “Things got out of hand tonight but it shouldn’t go further than that. You’re a nice guy but you’re not a full-time guy. I’m too old to play going steady with someone for a couple of months. I want a forever guy and I don’t think you’re that person. You’re still in love with your wife.”
Mike was stung by her words but couldn’t deny the truth in them. “Yes, I still love my wife. And you know what . . . I will always love her. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love someone else.”
“Maybe down the road, but I need someone now. Can you promise me that you’ll stick around forever?”
“No, and neither can you. No one can make promise like that.”
“You did to Beth.”
“That was different.”
“Yes, it was. It was true love. I want true love, Mike. I may never get it, but I don’t want to cheat myself either. I want my chance to find it.”
“I don’t know what to say.”