Matthew was surprised. “You were in the middle of the match and you took time to notice her walk over to me?”
“Yes. I was playing tennis, but it was a little hard to miss sister’s long legs.”
He laughed. “That was Sarah Peterson. She’s an old family friend. Or should I say her family is.”
“Either was fine. She looked like she was ready to pounce on you.”
“Believe me, I wasn’t going to let it get that far.”
“That’s good to hear.” Paige smiled.
“I like that you’re jealous.”
“Jealous? Me? What makes you think such a thing? I’ve never been a jealous person.”
“So what’s with the third degree?”
“I didn’t give you the third degree. I just asked a question. There’s a big difference.”
“What’s the difference?” he teased.
“The difference is I’m a lawyer and as such I know a thing or two about cross-examination.”
“Duly noted, counselor.”
The waiter came back with their beverages and then took their order.
“I don’t know why I ordered the prime rib. I’m too nervous to eat.”
“Why?”
“You talked to your mother about me; that’s why.”
“My mother doesn’t have a prejudiced bone in her body. She had no problem with us dating.”
“Something tells me that’s not the complete thought.”
“She expressed some concern about how some people view interracial relationships. I told her when two people care about each other it doesn’t matter.”
“That should be the case, but your mother’s right. It does present a problem for some people.”
“I’m not concerned about other people.”
Paige leaned forward. “Look around, Mathew. How many interracial couples do you see here?”
He looked. “We’re the only ones. So?”
“We stick out like a sore thumb.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Not really.”
“Then all we have to do is concentrate on each other and on those steaks when they get here.” He smiled and took her hand in his. “I’m crazy about you. You do know that?”
“Yes, and I’m nuts about you.”
“Then what else do we need?”
Over the next few weeks Paige played partner for both Mr. and Mrs. Smythe. She seemed to be their not-so-secret weapon, and they developed quite a reputation for pulverizing the competition. Although the Smythes were aware of Paige and Matthew’s relationship they didn’t let on.
One afternoon they invited Michael and Matthew to bring Paige and Jennifer to the club for lunch and tennis. While Jennifer liked the outfit, she wasn’t crazy about playing tennis.
“You actually like tennis?” she asked Paige.
“It’s one my favorite sports.”
“Michael said you played in college.”
“Yep. I played in high school, too. Adriana and I were on the team together.”
Jennifer looked pensive.
“If you’re wondering if we were big girls back in school, the answer is yes. I was more of a size 14 and so was Adriana. When I played in college I was about the same size I am now, a 16/18.”
“I think somebody is trying to send me a message, and it seems like my mother is behind it.”
Paige tied her sneakers. “Don’t look at it that way. How about you get your racquet and I’ll show you a few easy moves.”
“Are you sure? I’m not exactly a quick study when it comes to sports.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Paige took Jennifer through the basics. She showed her how to do an easy serve, bouncing the ball in front of her before tossing it up and then taking a swing.
“That wasn’t too bad, was it?”
“No.”
“Want to try another?”
“Okay.” She hit another serve. “I’m getting a little better.”
“See, I told you it wasn’t hard.”
Paige did a soft volley without the net to get Jennifer used to returning the ball. Matthew and Michael watched.
“She’s a good teacher,” Michael remarked. “I didn’t think she would go for this at all.”
“Paige is a super player.”
“I know. Dad talked to a few of his buddies from Harvard and he said she’s practically a legend when it comes to women’s tennis.”
“Really? She doesn’t talk about it much.”
“Then you don’t know.”
“Know what?”
“She won the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship four years running. Paige was a breakthrough student athlete.”
Matthew was truly impressed. “I’m learning so much about her. She’s an amazing woman.”
“And apparently not the type to brag about herself.”
“I know.”
Their mother walked up behind them. “It’s so nice to see my boys together.”
“Hello, Mom.” Matthew kissed her and Michael did the same.
“It’s nearly time for our game.”
Mrs. Smythe walked over to the court. A couple of ladies followed her. Jennifer walked off to watch the match and was joined by Matthew and Michael.
Paige made quick work of her opponents. She and Mrs. Smythe took both sets for the win. Gracious in victory, she shook her competitor’s hands. Then she wrapped a towel around her neck and walked off with her gear.
“That was a great game, Paige.” Jennifer smiled.
“Thanks. Now I’m ready to hit the showers before lunch.”
Paige showered, changed her clothes, and applied a little makeup. Jennifer did the same. They emerged from the locker room refreshed and ready. Matthew and Michael were already seated at a table in the dining room. Two women watched as they walked past them into the dining room.
“First Jews and now blacks. What is this club coming to?”
“The twenty-first century,” Paige shot back at them.
Flustered, the two women hurriedly walked away.
“You’re something else, Paige.” Jennifer was impressed.
“So are you, Jennifer.” She winked.
Both Michael and Matthew stood when they arrived at the table.
“You look fresh as a daisy, Paige.” Matthew held the chair for her.
“I feel refreshed. I like to get my blood pumping with a good game of tennis. I don’t get many chances these days to get to the tennis courts.”
Michael held Jennifer’s chair. “I think I might take a few lessons with a pro. No offense, Paige.”
“None taken. I think you’d do well with a pro.”
“I’ll look into it for you, baby.” Michael kissed her.
Matthew rubbed Paige’s knee under the table. “How about we have a quick bite? We can have something a little more substantial later.”
“Sure,” Paige answered, certain he wasn’t talking about food.
CHAPTER 21
Paige thought whoever had said times flies when you’re having fun wasn’t kidding. It seemed that one day Paige was bundled up heading into Manhattan on the train and the next sweltering as she waited for Matthew’s train to arrive. It was June 25. Max had graduated and Paige was having his party at her house. Today the planner wasn’t just a planner; she was also the hostess. She really didn’t have time to wait for Matthew, but how could she not? She wiped her face.
Matthew and Paige had spent the last several months keeping their relationship from becoming common knowledge, but the cat was halfway out of the bag. Paige’s family knew, and so did Matthew’s. They even occasionally doubled with Michael and Jennifer for dinner far from high society’s eyes. However, Paige still didn’t want the Kleins to know. With so many people already in the know, Matthew thought it was crazy but went along with it.
Her cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Paige?”
“Matthew? Where are you?”
> “I’m about two stations away from you.”
“Good.”
“Are you okay? You don’t sound like yourself.”
“I’m fine. I’m just hot and I have people at my house setting up.”
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
“Can you imagine if I had a daughter? I’m losing my mind over my son’s graduation party.”
“You’re a mom, that’s your job. Listen, Amityville is the next stop. I‘ll be right there.”
A few minutes later Matthew’s train arrived and he was downstairs and in the car in no time.
“Hey, baby.” He kissed her.
“Hey, sweetheart. Can you do that again?”
“My pleasure.” He kissed her again, but this time he did it a little longer. “How was that?”
“It was just what I needed.” She sighed and put the car in gear.
Stuart was outside directing the party rental guys when Paige pulled up with Matthew.
“Hey, Stuart, how’s it going?” Matthew asked as he shook his hand.
“Everything’s under control. The tent, tables, and chairs are all set up. The caterers will be here in about two hours and Joshua called to say he’s picking up the graduation present.”
“Good.”
“Madame Butterfly was here and they delivered that awesome cake.” Stuart sounded excited.
“Oh, good. Did they put it in the dining room?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t wait to see it.”
“You won’t be disappointed.”
“Where’s Max?” Matthew looked around.
“He’s out with a couple of friends swimming at a neighbor’s pool. It’s easier to have him out of the way than here. I want Max to enjoy this day.”
“High school graduation. What’s not to enjoy?” Matthew asked.
“Tell me about it. I keep telling him to cherish these years. Adulthood is highly overrated.”
“Amen to that. Are any of your other planners here today?”
“They’ll be here a little later. We actually don’t have any weddings this weekend. I blocked it out as a no-fly zone weekend. This is all about my son.”
“I know he appreciates it.”
“I hope so.” She went into the kitchen. “Would you like a bottle of water?”
“Sure.”
She took two bottles out of the fridge and handed him one.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She took a sip and then reflected for a minute. “You know, I can still remember the day I drove him to school for his first day. I can’t believe he’s eighteen now and headed to college in August.”
“Time flies.” He walked over and put his arms around her. “I know you’re going to miss him.”
Paige choked up. “I know it’s silly, but in a lot of ways he’s still my baby.”
“He will never stop being your baby. Don’t worry about that.”
“God, whatever did I do before I met you?” she asked.
“I ask myself the same thing about you.” They kissed. “What time did Stuart say the caterers would be here?”
“He said they’d be here in about two hours.”
“So everything is under control and there’s no one else in the house, right?”
“Right.”
Matthew led Paige out of the kitchen and to the stairs. He glanced at the clock. “Come with me.”
They went upstairs to spend a little quality time together before the party. Matthew locked the door behind them. “I want you all to myself before anyone gets here.”
“Well, here we are, all alone.”
Once their lips touched their clothes came off in a hurry. They both needed a release after a busy week when they hadn’t had the chance to see each other. They fell onto the bed and made love.
A little later they lay on the bed with just a sheet over them. Paige and Matthew enjoyed the quiet inside the house.
“This is nice,” Paige sighed.
“The calm before the storm of activity.”
“This place will be jumping in a few hours. I know my parents will be here early. They’re always early to everything. My father joked that it was a wonder they weren’t early when Siobhan and I were born.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Though they won’t ask a million questions today, be prepared. Eventually they’ll revert.”
“I’m happy to tell them anything. I’m in love with their daughter.”
Paige stopped. “You’re what?”
He sat up. “I’m in love with their daughter, and I have been practically from the moment I met her.”
Paige felt her emotions well. “You’ve never said that before.”
“I haven’t told you I love you? Well, let me rectify that oversight. I love you, Paige Baldwin.”
“I love you, Matthew Smythe.”
“I love hearing that, too.” He took her hand in his. “You mean so much to me.” He kissed her hand.
“Come on, don’t make me cry. I’ve been crying all week about everything.” And now you’ve just complicated this little thing of ours with the word love, she thought. Damn.
“You’re going through some major changes. Your son graduated from high school and he’ll be heading to college by the end of August. It’s a lot to deal with.”
“I’m so proud of him.” She started to cry.
He put his arms around her. “You raised a fine young man, and that’s not easy.”
She wiped her eyes. “This is a day for happiness. I will stop all this blubbering.”
“Okay, but if you feel like crying happy tears that’s okay.” He rubbed her back. “I don’t know how you parents take all these changes.”
“Us parents?”
“I see it in school all the time. You want so much for them to get through high school and then when the day comes, you’re happy and sad at the same time. I don’t know how you do it.”
Paige wrapped herself up in Matthew’s arms. Today would be a good day to talk about kids. Not now, though, a little later on, she thought.
Two hours later a much more relaxed Paige directed the caterers as they set up. Meanwhile, since he now kept a few things in Paige’s closet and dressers, Matthew changed clothes before he joined the activity downstairs.
* * *
It was nearly four o’clock and guests would arrive soon. Matthew looked out the back window to the backyard, which had been transformed into a swanky party tent. His high school colors were on the tables and chairs. It looked great.
Max excitedly ran past him.
“Hey, Max.”
“Hey, Matthew.”
As a high school teacher Matthew had a front row seat when it came to what was in or out with teenagers. His students kept him up to date on all the latest happenings, trends, and such they were into. He even followed The Hills and Making the Band on MTV.
“Are you excited about the party?” he asked.
“Oh, yeah.”
“Your mom is pulling out all the stops.”
“I know. It’s going to be a great party because my mom knows how to throw a party.”
Siobhan and her husband Don walked in with Cole. An architect, Don was about six feet, two inches tall with short, wavy hair and an even brown tone.
“Aunt Siobhan.” Max was elated to see his favorite and only aunt.
“Hey there, grad.” She hugged him.
“Hey, Uncle D.” He shook his hand and gave him a pound.
Meanwhile, Cole had toddled off to his Aunt Paige, who picked him up. “How are you, sweet pea?”
He giggled.
“He gets cuter every time I see him.” She kissed his cheek. “How are you, Siobhan and Don?”
“Not bad,” Don answered.
Siobhan cleared her throat.
“Oh, where are my manners? Matthew Smythe, this is my sister Siobhan and my brother-in-law Don.”
&nbs
p; “Nice to meet you, Siobhan.” Matthew put his hand out for a shake.
“Believe it or not we’re past that.” She gave a startled Matthew a bear hug.
“It’s good to meet you Matthew. We can just shake hands. I leave the bear hugs to Siobhan,” Don said.
He walked over to Paige, who was still playing with Cole. “Hey there, little man. You’re a real cutie.”
Cole squealed. “Cutie!” He giggled.
“Paige, are both sets of grandparents going to be here?” Siobhan asked.
“Yes. Joshua’s parents flew in from Florida last night.” Paige looked out the window. “Max, I think your friends are coming around back.”
“Cool.” Max rushed to the door and let them in.
Matthew rubbed Paige’s shoulders. “Does he have any idea what his graduation present is?”
“No. Not a clue.”
Paige looked at the food stations and saw her mother hovering over the different chafing dishes. “Oh, brother, there she goes.”
“There who goes?”
“Mom’s outside by the serving dishes. What do you want to bet she has a thermometer with her?”
“I don’t make sucker bets.”
“Good choice.”
Max and Cole immediately jumped all over their Grandma and Gramps the moment they walked through the glass sliding door. Still very active, Coreen and Chase Baldwin didn’t look like grandparents and enjoyed playing tennis and golf whenever possible to keep it that way.
“Let me hug my boys!” Coreen hugged Max and then she picked up Cole. “How’s Grandma’s little baby?” She kissed him. “Here, Gramps, take the baby.” She handed Cole to Paige’s father.
“Hi there, little man.”
“Gamps!” He smiled.
Siobhan and Paige kissed their parents. “I tell you, Daddy, Cole loves to see you coming.”
“I love that. At least I can still pick him up. Our first grandson isn’t so little anymore.”
“Gramps!” Max hugged him too.
“Now that’s more like it. You can never get too old to hug your grandpa.”
“It looks nice out there, Paige.”
“Thanks, Mom. Did the food pass the temp test?”
“It did.”
Matthew stood in the background. Paige took him by the hand.
“Mom and Dad, I’d like you to meet Matthew Smythe. Matthew, meet my parents, Coreen and Chase Baldwin.”
Matthew shook hands with Mr. Baldwin and kissed Mrs. Baldwin on the cheek. “It a pleasure to meet you.”
Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum) Page 24