Lillian's Love

by Laura Marie Henion

  "He's got guts, Carla. That's not something negative in a job like his. He took out four guys who tried to kill him. Four guys! He's gonna make it through this, you'll see. When he does, you tell him how much you love him. Don't take a moment for granted,” Lillian hugged her, exchanging glances with Uncle Phil, Jimmy, and Tom.

  Carla fell asleep on Jimmy's shoulder while Lillian brought back some blankets for Carla's mom, Janet, and some other family members who waited at the hospital for word on Michael.

  * * * *

  "Hey, Lillian, why don't you take a rest. You've been taking care of everyone. You look exhausted.” Uncle Phillip patted the chair next to him.

  He and Tom, as well as some other officers, were talking about Michael. He had a reputation for being crazy or as some described, invincible. The shoot out reinforced the description.

  "You're a good friend, Lillian. We consider you family. You know that, right?” Uncle Phillip asked.

  "Thanks Uncle Phil."

  "So I heard the store is doing great. Michael said the premiere impressed him. He especially loved the food."

  "That's so nice of him. Maybe I'll make him something while he's stuck here for a few days?"

  "He'd love that.

  Lillian continued to talk with Uncle Phil. Before long, they were telling tales of other cases glorifying Michael's stunts.

  Lillian couldn't help but laugh.

  * * * *

  Another hour had passed before the final word came that Michael pulled through. Everyone cheered, waking up the rest of the family to celebrate the news and embrace.

  "Michael was damn lucky!” Jimmy stated as he shook his head, then stomped away.

  Uncle Phil watched him, knowing the kid felt responsible. Jimmy had a feeling the ‘meet’ was a setup, but Michael insisted to go anyway. Uncle Phil knew the two would have to work things out. They were partners. More importantly, they were friends.

  He also knew his nephew. He wasn't afraid of anything. After surviving secret missions in the military and covert operations, he felt immortal. Maybe what happened today enlightened his nephew a bit. Maybe he would take a longer, wiser look at danger and not be so willing to handle it head on.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 4

  A few days had passed. Carla told Lillian Michael had regained consciousness and was feeling pretty good but complained about the food. Carla convinced her to make something special for her brother, knowing Michael had enjoyed the food at the book-signing event. Lillian was hesitant, but she would do anything for her best friend. She had to admit she was proud of Michael and truly grateful that he survived. Therefore, she prepared the meal and headed for the hospital.

  Tom, Jimmy, and two other friends were talking to Michael when Lillian entered the hospital room. All eyes were on her. She clutched the large bag she held in her hands. She could feel her cheeks go flush, then finally Jimmy spoke.

  "There she is. I didn't let on to anything. I just hope you brought enough for all of us,” Jimmy uttered as Lillian smiled, said hello to the others, then walked closer. Jimmy introduced her to those she didn't know.

  * * * *

  Michael smiled. The two uniformed sheriff officers said goodbye and watched as they gave Lillian the once over behind her back. They gave Michael the thumbs up. Their assumption caught him off guard. The guys obviously thought Lillian and Michael were in a relationship. He cringed at his instant feeling of inadequacy. She wasn't some bimbo, one night stand, or quick action. She was better, classier. Once again, he felt the weirdest sensation inside.

  He watched as Lillian placed the brown bag onto the small table. She stood at a distance as if afraid to approach the bed.

  "You look a lot better. I'm impressed after only two days.” She smiled.

  She appeared nervous and he couldn't help but wonder if her visit were her own decision or if Carla or Jimmy had suggested the idea.

  Michael felt his spirits lift the second Lillian entered the room smiling. Damn it, this wasn't good. Michael tried to sound natural, unaffected by her. Gorgeous Lillian, a petite woman who seemingly tried to hide her height with small wedge sandals that gave her an extra two inches or so. Today, she wore a knee-length skirt, embroidered, cream with lace trim. Her yellow blouse hung loose, unbuttoned against her hips. The cream-colored tank top clung to her belly, revealing a small gold hoop. The pierced belly button surprised him. She didn't seem the type. But than again, he never had the opportunity to get to know Lillian Baxter.

  Michael smiled as he realized Lillian had caught him checking her out. He watched her nervously pull her blouse closed. Her cheeks brightened an adorable blush pink.

  "Thanks, Lillian. I heard you were here a lot helping my sister. She's lucky to have such a good friend."

  "So what's in the bag?” he asked.

  "I heard that you weren't too thrilled with the food here. A little birdie told me you loved my Chicken Parm. I made you a Chicken Parm Hero on homemade Italian bread. I meant to get here a little earlier, but the bread wasn't quite done yet and the store is a madhouse.” Lillian smiled.

  "That was really nice of you. I'm starving and the food here sucks. Hand it over."

  "I'm gonna get going. I just wanted to check in on you. I need to meet the lieutenant at the office. They should be by this afternoon to question you. See you later, Lilly,” Jimmy said as he walked out of the room.

  * * * *

  Lillian suddenly felt uncomfortable being alone with Michael.

  He already opened the bag, taking a bite of the sandwich.

  "Lilly, this is fantastic. I think you should have opened a restaurant besides a bookstore."

  "Thanks, Michael, but cooking is more of a hobby for me. So when do you think the doctor will release you?"

  "Oh, who knows, maybe tomorrow or Thursday? I can't do much. I have to take a couple of weeks off, receive some counseling, that kind of thing. At least they didn't have to do any surgery. I'd be out of work for a long time. Did you bring anything to drink in there?” He glanced at the bag.

  Lillian looked toward the door Jimmy had closed.

  "I wasn't sure if I should do this, but Carla told me you were dying for one.” She opened the brown bag and pulled out one can of beer and a can of soda.

  "Which one?"

  Michael smiled wide, surprised. Obviously, he was glad she brought the beer, he probably was sick of juice and water.

  Michael didn't even look toward the door as if he could care less as he popped opened the can, took a long sip of the beer, closing his eyes, smiling.

  "I could drink a few of these right now.” He leaned his head back against the pillow a moment.

  Lillian stood by the edge of the bottom of the hospital bed just watching him.

  "Sit down. Join me.” He patted the bed.

  Whom is he kidding? Do you think those big brown eyes, that cute smile, would make me forget how much of a playboy you are? No way!

  Lillian folded her arms in front of her chest.

  "I'd love to stay, but I really have to get going. The store, you know?” She quickly picked up her purse.

  "Are you sure you have to go? I could use the company.” He smiled and winked.

  Michael, it appeared, assumed she would melt at his advances. His tactics were predictable, Lillian thought.

  "I don't think you'll be alone too much longer. There's a tall blonde down the hallway talking with some of the officers and very concerned about you. I'm sure they'll be more to follow. Enjoy the sandwich.” Lillian smirked before heading for the door.

  "You sound pretty sure about that and a bit jealous,” he stated sarcastically.

  "Excuse me?"

  He smiled slyly, took a sip from the beer can, seemingly aware of the fact that his statement angered her.

  "I should have known better than to be civilized with you.” She scolded as she grabbed the doorknob to leave. She halted the second she heard Michael wince in pain.

  When L
illian turned toward him, checking on him, she caught him laughing. She felt the heated sensation hit her cheeks, her temper increased.

  "Don't choke on your sandwich!” she blurted out as she opened the door walking right into Uncle Phil.

  She could hear Michael as he continued to laugh and wince in pain.

  Lillian quickly got over the shock of bumping into Uncle Phil.

  "Hi."

  She practically stomped down the hallway.

  * * * *

  "What the hell is that all about? Better yet, what is that amazing smell in here? Hey, where did you get that beer?” Michael's uncle walked closer to the hospital bed, rambling his questions off one after the next.

  "Lillian's delicious Chicken Parm Hero on homemade Italian bread. Do you want some?” Michael offered as he rubbed his stomach.

  "No, that's all right. I think you should enjoy it. Lillian might not be making you another one any time soon. What the hell happened?"

  Michael shrugged his shoulders. He knew exactly what happened. Either Lillian wasn't interested or he had lost his touch. The latter one wasn't even an option. So why couldn't he stop thinking about her? Why did he have a pain in his chest and what was it with the enormous feeling of guilt?

  "She's a nice, successful, classy young woman, your sister's best friend, so don't mess around with her, Michael. She's part of the family."

  "What the hell kind of man do you think I am? I know the difference when I see it. You think she's out of my league?” Michael asked on the defensive. Phil seemed amused as he smirked.

  "You said that, not me!"

  "But you were thinking it. I have had a few serious relationships in my life. I know about commitment."

  "Long weekends shacked up with some coed is not a commitment."

  "Maybe so, but I haven't exactly found anyone who means something more. Just drop it. I don't know why we're even talking about this. I'm getting a headache,” Michael complained as he closed his eyes. He realized his stomach felt full and he enjoyed the beer immensely. Lillian was responsible. Damn it, how could one woman affect him like this? I don't even know her!

  "Listen, I needed to talk to you before your mom or sister get here. There's something on my mind.” Uncle Phil paced in front of Michael's hospital bed.

  Michael opened his eyes. He sensed the seriousness in his uncle's tone.

  "You need to slow down a bit, Michael. These chances you're always taking are—"

  "Oh, come on, give me a break. You too? It wasn't enough that my own partner is pissed off at me, now my family has to start."

  "Hey, Jimmy has every right for concern. He had a feeling about the other night, expressed that feeling to you, which you chose to ignore. What if you were killed? He'd blame himself for the rest of his life."

  "I wasn't killed. I'm alive and well."

  "You got lucky because of Jimmy, because of the other undercover officers who backed up the operation."

  "Other guys and Jimmy who I put there. I wasn't feeling great about the meeting either, but it had to be done. Now the heats on. I understand Sanchez has an added charge to his jail sentence,” Michael stated smugly.

  "What if...?"

  "Enough! Enough with the ‘what ifs,’ I've never lived my life that way. I've been through heavier shit, survived heavier shit, so don't talk to me about ‘what if.’ I'm fine, all is well."

  "I'm not prepared to bury my brother's son next. It had been enough having to bury your father."

  "Don't compare this to what happened to my dad. He went in alone. No one knew why, except him. He wasn't thinking with a clear head."

  "The other night, while someone with an Uzi shot at you, you stood there shooting back like a wild man. You were thinking with a clear head?"

  "I did what I had to, end of story. This is who I am. I don't take the easy way out."

  "I wasn't suggesting that. I care about you, son. I'm not going to ignore what's going on. I'm trying to explain to you how I'm feeling. I'm worried."

  "Well, stop worrying. I'm fine, I'm on vacation for the next couple of weeks."

  "Well, I think you should take the time to think about it. Be sure to complete your appointments with the department shrink. They won't let you back on without a signed okay from the doc."

  "I know, I know."

  At that very moment, Janet, Michael's mom, entered the hospital room, saying jubilantly, “Look at you! You look great! There's color in your cheeks."

  Thus ending their conversation.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 5

  Lillian kept busy at work. Wednesday, the middle of the week and boy was this week dragging. She found it difficult to not think about Michael. She left for the post office to mail some packages along with a few letters while Aunt Mabel and Justin minded the store.

  She had sealed the envelope just as she had done for the past year. Placed it inside the other envelope and mailed it to her cousin's house in Florida. From there, her cousin would mail the letter to Lillian's parents. Lillian sighed at the thought that she still took such lengthy precautions. She wouldn't take the chance that he might find her and seek her out.

  On the way, Lillian stopped by the pharmacy in Stony Point. It was such a nice little store with a friendly, old-fashioned feel to it. The pharmacist, Lou, was a sweetheart. He knew all his customers by first name and took the time to listen, let the old timers talk about their grandkids or just complain about the tax increase.

  Lillian waved hello as she entered.

  "Hey, Lillian, how are you? I heard Aunt Mabel just took a batch of her homemade oatmeal raisin cookies out of the oven,” Lou stated with his huge smile. He was a jolly man, in his mid forties, with large brown eyes and a stocky build. His father owned the pharmacy before him.

  "Now, how could you know that, Lou?” Lillian teased as she pulled the small white bag from her large, floral tapestry bag.

  "Jack Miller stopped by on his way to the deli. He said he grabbed a couple of them hot out of the oven. Mmmm ... that must have been something else."

  "You like those cookies that much?"

  Lou gave Lillian a sideways glance as if she should know damn well how much those cookies were his favorite. He walked around the counter to greet her with a smile.

  "I'm just teasing you, Lou. Here, I brought this for you.” Lillian passed over the white paper bag.

  Lou smiled as he took the bag from her. “Oh, my, I can smell them already. Thanks, Lillian."

  She smiled, then heard the bell above the entrance door ring. Another customer arrived. She walked through the isles, taking her time, glancing around at the new merchandise Lou had added to the four isles of shelves. The pharmacy had a lot to offer. Although it was smaller than the larger chain stores of pharmacies, it had a more welcoming feel to it that Lillian couldn't put a price on. The welcome alone was enough to make the patrons return.

  Lillian glanced at a shelf containing various types of breakables. There were small vases, unique ceramic bowls, and a variety of porcelain figurines. She spotted a shelf that had some antique style jewelry, as well. A local artist created the handmade jewelry and Lillian had purchased numerous pieces from her.

  She picked up the chandelier-style, burgundy crystal earrings and held them up to her ear to look in the small round mirror.

  "Cynthia said that you would love those,” Leona, the cashier who helped Lou stated as she appeared from the next isle over.

  "I haven't seen her in weeks. Is she doing okay?” Lillian asked.

  "She's doing fine. She has a bunch of orders for a small store down in Nyack. Her handmade jewelry is becoming very popular."

  "It is beautiful.” Lillian glanced at the earrings one final time.

  "I'll take these, Leona, and I'll call Cynthia later to tell her I love them."

  Lillian and Leona headed up to the counter and register.

  "That premiere was something else, Lillian."

  "Thank you."

&nb
sp; "That Miss Thomas sure can tell a story well. I felt like I was right out there in the country, wind blowing through my hair.... “Leon paused to look around before she continued.

  "Never mind that hunk of a hero she created. Whoowee was he sumpin else."

  Lillian laughed while Leona fanned herself with her hand.

  "It was fantastic."

  "What about that Michael Fields? Now that young man is a sight and a half, but boy a whole lot of trouble."

  Lillian held her breath. Why when she just got him off her mind did he have to reappear? What bad luck she had.

  "I suppose you're right,” Lillian added as she focused on the earrings in front of her.

  "Darling, that man is a catch. His macho attitude, ex-military style, good looks, sex appeal ... why he could be one of them characters in Miss Thomas’ books.” Leona giggled in a silly kind of way that bothered Lillian.

  "Well, I really have to be on my way. Hey, Lou, enjoy those cookies,” Lillian stated.

  Leona seemed to get Lillian's hint because she quickly entered the price into the old fashioned register and added up the purchases. Lillian paid her, said thank you, then got the heck out of there.

  On her way to her car, she thought about Leona's description of Michael.

  She just about summed him up. He actually could be one of the heroes in Miss Thomas's stories. If Michael ever heard Leona talk like that, he'd probably burst with conceit. He knew he was the whole package, could get any woman he wanted, and he flaunted it. What a jerk.

  A good-looking jerk, great eyes, great body....

  Lillian found herself lost in a daze over thoughts of Michael. Even at the hospital, shot, bandaged up, he was suave, confident and full of himself.

  Lillian smiled, then started the ignition. Thank God she wasn't interested in men like Michael. Less confident, less intimidating men were fine for now. After all, she didn't have the time or the interest to pursue anyone so complex.

  She headed toward the post office.

  * * * *

  Michael walked into the bookstore, noting the young guy from the premiere. He added up a customer's order at the front register and eyed him. Michael couldn't help but wonder if the kid could pick up on the awkward, out of place feeling Michael had.