by Loy Holder
After Liz collected orders, platters, and empty beer containers, she headed back to the kitchen. Oh crap, I’m asking for trouble encouraging him like that. But it’s not sex. It’s just a dance.
“Hey,” Sam called out as Liz came into the kitchen. “Let me take something.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Liz handed her the pitchers, set the platters on the counter, and looked around the kitchen. “How are you doing now? Things look a little more orderly in here.”
Sam laughed. “You know, I’m starting to enjoy this. I think I got the hang of making the dough.”
“Good. I need two more pizzas and a couple of pitchers of beer. How’d that first pizza turn out?”
“Oh yes, the pepperoni for Bill. He was my first customer, and he probably thinks I’m a dimwit. I was a little tense.”
“Bill who?” Liz asked.
Sam scratched her head. “He said his name was Bill Williams. Why?”
“Oh, he’s a friend of mine.” Liz raised her eyebrows. “Did he say anything to make you nervous?”
“No, he was actually very nice. It’s just that I was already rattled with the dough mess, and when I took the pizza out to him, it was a little crispy. But he seemed happy with it, and I started feeling better.” Relaxation and relief showed on Sam’s face.
“Great.” Liz nodded and held up a finger. “Now if you could make a pepperoni and a plain cheese with anchovies, and pour two pitchers, I’ll run to the bathroom. I’ll deliver them when I get back, OK?”
“Yep.” Sam grabbed a clean pitcher and got to work.
Liz delivered the orders, thankful there were only four customers left, and they were busy playing pool. When she went back behind the bar with the money she’d collected, she opened the cash drawer and noticed it was full. She guessed there might be a lot of cash in there. She’d count it carefully before she left.
She’d freshened up in the ladies room and was more than ready to dance for Bill. She’d done it for other customers, but that was just business. Bill was much more, and she was going to enjoy herself. She walked over to his table, her voice low and sensual, and said, “I’m ready now, are you?”
Bill stood, towering over her, and whispered in her ear, “Yes, I am.” He walked over to the jukebox and made his selection, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” by Frankie Valli.
Her heart pounded as she stepped onto the stage and turned her back to him as she waited for the music to begin. In perfect sync with the lyrics, she moved her hips seductively and gradually rotated to face him while she mouthed the words of the song. Her breasts swayed gently to the slow beat, and she looked directly into his eyes as she simmered in the heat she felt from his stare.
When the song was over, she went to Bill’s table with a sultry smile. “OK, handsome, that’s it for tonight. I gotta take care of my other customers.”
Bill stood and touched her arm. “That was something.”
Liz pulled away. “Ah, you can look, but don’t touch.”
“I’m sorry.” Bill frowned. “I understand you can’t let the customers touch. But someday, I want to be more than a customer to you.”
“Not while you’re married.” Liz shook her head. “I’ve got enough problems.”
“So when can we finish our conversation? I want to hear about your problems, your—”
Liz playfully cut him off, with a smirk. “I don’t know, but right now it’s close to closing. I gotta get back to work.”
“OK, pretty lady. But I’ll be back.” Bill gave her a slow, sexy wink. “I’m hooked on you now. See ya next week sometime.”
Liz watched as his long legs carried him to the door. Without a backward glance, he was gone. Damn, I’m hooked on you, too.
She played pool with some latecomers, and at 1:50 a.m., she announced, “Closing.” The remaining two customers guzzled their beers and filed out, joking and laughing. She locked the door behind them, and her shoulders sagged as she told Sam, “OK, it’s been a long night. Let’s clean this joint up. You work on the kitchen and bar. I’ll count the cash and clean up the tables and floor.”
After counting the money, Liz was not surprised to find there was close to $3000 in the cash drawer. Lucille would be pleased by the increase in profit. She placed the cash in the safe, cleaned the tables and floor, and went to check on Sam’s progress.
Sam was finished with her work, and they walked out together. Before they went their separate ways, Liz hugged Sam. “You know, we’re a good team. I think you’re a keeper.”
* * *
Chapter fifteen
On the Fourth of July, the temperature reached one hundred degrees by three o’clock in the afternoon. Jack Frantz mopped sweat from his freckled forehead with a handkerchief as he carefully examined the fireworks at a local stand. He had orders from his sister, Lucille, to buy some, and he’d never bought them before. He gave the clerk a quizzical look. “Uh…what would you recommend for small kids?”
“Let’s see.” The clerk raised his eyebrows, reluctantly stood from his cushioned lawn chair, and scratched his bald head. “Who’s gonna be setting them up, and what do you mean by small kids?”
Jack tucked his soggy kerchief back in his shorts pocket. “My friend is gonna be lighting them up. He’s a pyrotechnic genius, and the kids are about three and four.”
“Well, these fountains are pretty good for little kids. They send out a shower of colorful sparks and not too much noise. If your friend knows what he’s doing, you could also get these bottle rockets.” The clerk held up a package. “These are a medium size, and they whistle and explode with color, but they’re not real loud.”
“OK.” Jack nodded. “I’ll take two dozen of the fountains and a package of those rockets you got there.” Jack pointed to the ones the clerk had held up.
The clerk smiled and packed the fireworks in a large box. “That’ll be fifty dollars, please.”
Jack laid the cash on the counter, placed the box on the back seat of his car, and headed for Lucille’s house. Halfway there, he swore at the heat as he struggled to get his kerchief out of his pocket and wipe the stinging sweat from his eyes. Being overweight made the heat worse. He needed to lose a few pounds, but he loved to eat.
He used the key Lucille had given him, let himself in, and deposited the box of fireworks on the kitchen table. The sliding-glass door was open, and he could see his sister and Liz through the screen, floating on rafts in the pool. Acting on a devilish urge, Jack hung his shirt over the back of a kitchen chair, emptied his pants pockets, and quietly slid the screen open. Then he made a mad dash for the pool in his street shorts, and yelled, “Wahoo!” as he jumped in between Liz and Lucille and knocked them both off their rafts.
“Why in the hell did you do that, you dumb shit?” Lucille sputtered after she swam up to the surface.
Jack gave a deep belly laugh and shouted back, “I needed to cool off. You should go take a look at the fireworks. See what you think. They’re on the kitchen table.” He was pleased with himself and slowly swam away from them on his back. “Man, this water feels great.”
“You all right there, Missy?” Jack looked in Liz’s direction and chuckled.
Liz laughed. “Yeah, I’m fine. I must have swallowed half the pool, and thanks for getting the fireworks. This’ll be a first for the kids.”
“You’re welcome. This will actually be a first for me, too.” Jack clung to the edge of the pool in the deep end.
Lucille swam to the steps of the pool and looked at Jack. “What time is Nate coming over?”
“I invited him for dinner, so he’ll be here about five thirty. I’ll do the barbecue while you and Liz get the rest of the meal together. Will that work?”
Lucille smiled. “Sure.” She got out of the pool and reached for her towel. “You told me so many good things about Nate that I’m anxious to meet him.” Lucille called to Liz, “Hey, you want to come look at these ‘bad boys’ Jack brought home?”
“Yeah, I’ll be rig
ht there.” Liz climbed the steps from the pool, and Jack moved closer to get a better view as her dripping, sumptuous body moved past him. This was the first time he had really looked at Liz. When she bent over to dry her hair, his stomach clenched, and his wet, size 40 shorts grew tight. Thank God I’m still in the pool.
Jack was disappointed as Liz slipped on her flip-flops and walked into the house without a backward glance.
Lucille saw Liz frown and said, “Don’t worry, Liz. Jack’s friend is coming over. He says Nate’s done lots of fireworks. He’ll make it safe for the kids.”
“Oh, I’m not worried. I’m looking forward to this. I’ve never been around fireworks and I’m just wondering how much all this cost.”
“Relax.” Lucille chuckled. “I wanted the fireworks for me too, so don’t worry about it. Let’s get dressed, and I’ll meet you back here.”
The children nearly collided with Lucille as she walked into the kitchen. “Can we go swimming?” Ronnie asked.
“Sure.” Lucille glanced out the window. “Uncle Jack is out there. He can watch you.” She’d just started chopping vegetables for a salad, when Liz came in. Lucille smiled. “Aren’t you glad I closed the Jet for today?”
“Yes,” Liz grinned, as she brushed the rib-eye steaks with barbecue sauce. “It’ll be nice to be with the kids for their first fireworks. I can’t wait to watch their reactions.”
Lucille glanced at the steaks. “Good job with the rib eyes. When you’re done, you can take them out to Jack to barbecue.” Lucille finished making the salad and, as she set it in the refrigerator to chill, she heard the doorbell ring. She glanced at the clock. It was five thirty on the dot. Good. He’s right on time. When Lucille opened the door, she liked what she saw. He towered over her, and when she invited him in, he smelled delicious. She held out her hand. “I’m Jack’s sister, Lucille Frantz. You must be Nate.”
His brown eyes moved slowly over her body, and he shook her hand. When he met her gaze, his voice sounded as smooth as velvet. “Yes, Nate Parker.” Then he murmured, “Lord, I didn’t expect Jack’s sister to be so gorgeous.”
“Mm,” Lucille purred with a sensual smile as she gently stroked her hand down his arm and locked his eyes with hers. She winked at him and matched his soft tone. “You’re not so bad yourself, sweetheart. Come with me. Dinner is almost ready.”
Liz sat at the patio table with Lucille, Jack, and Nate while the children gobbled up their hot dogs and root-beer floats. Ronnie stuffed the last bite of his hot dog into his mouth and looked at Liz. “Mom, can we go play, now?”
“Yes, but go wash your hands first.” Liz smiled as she watched Ronnie and Regina rinse their hands off with the water from the patio hose and head for their sandbox.
She enjoyed the cool breeze, the cabernet sauvignon, and the perfectly cooked rib-eye steaks. But after dinner she became uncomfortable with the sexual innuendos that floated in the warm evening air between Lucille and Nate.
When the fireworks started, she shrugged off her discomfort, captivated by her children’s joy as they squealed, their little bodies jumping and twisting with excitement at the noise from the bottle rockets exploding into brilliant colors. Ah…the fireworks seem magical to them.
By ten thirty, the fireworks were over, and Liz thanked Nate for the great show. She said good-night to everyone and rounded up her children for bed. They were still keyed up from the evening’s excitement, so Liz read to them until they fell asleep. When she stepped into the hall and closed their door, she heard Lucille and Nate laughing and talking softly on the patio. A wave of discomfort—or perhaps envy—washed over her. I wish Bill could be here whispering sweet nothings in my ear.
Still deep in thought, she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and got into her nightgown. A shower could wait until morning. It was hot, so she lay on her back on top of the covers and scolded herself. I need to quit dreaming about Bill and be thankful I have Lucille for a friend. Thanks to her, soon, I’ll have some bills paid off, and I can afford school or something. I love dancing, but I can’t do it forever.
The next morning, Liz woke to a new breakfast smell. She could hear Nate’s booming voice, and Ronnie and Regina chattering and laughing. Curious, she slipped on her robe and found Nate in the kitchen and her children coloring at the table. “Hey, Liz. Good morning. Are you hungry?”
“Sure,” Liz said as she eyed the stove. “Wow, you’re really making a feast. Looks like sausage and eggs. What’s in the oven?”
“Banana muffins. I love breakfast. It’s my favorite meal.” Nate turned the sausages over and checked the muffins. “Besides, Lucille deserves to be waited on. Have some coffee. Breakfast is almost ready.”
Since the table was already set, Liz frowned as she poured herself a cup of brew. Did Nate mean I should be waiting on Lucille? Liz dismissed his comment and joined Lucille out on the patio.
“Good morning, Sunshine,” Lucille greeted her with a toothy grin. “How’d you sleep?”
Struck by Lucille’s glowing complexion and unusually glamorous look, Liz responded knowingly, “Never mind me. How did you sleep?”
Lucille laughed in her bawdy way and looked over her shoulder toward the kitchen. “Hey, handsome, how’d I sleep?”
“Never better, my love. Come on in, girls. Breakfast is served.”
The children were already devouring their banana muffins. Ronnie looked at Liz. “Hey Mom, these are real good.” He pointed to the muffins. “Nate’s a good cooker. They have banana in them. Try one.”
“Yes, they do look good.” Liz smiled, kissed his cheek, and pointed to the muffin on her plate as she sat down. “See, I’ve got one.”
After breakfast, Liz told the children to go brush their teeth; then she went to her room to take a shower.
Later she joined Lucille on the patio. “So, where’s Nate?”
“He went to work for a little while. So what did you think of him?” Lucille gave Liz an earnest look.
Liz chuckled. “Well, he’s handsome, and he seems attentive. How do you like him?”
Smiling as though recalling an erotic dream, Lucille spoke slowly. Her false eyelashes batted for emphasis. “He is the most amazing man I have ever met. I don’t want to say much more and jinx it. He works downtown in one of those big hospitals. Ross Memorial, I think. He’s a social worker. I’m going to meet him for lunch at the Senate. I haven’t been there in quite a while.”
“So what does a social worker do, exactly?”
“I’m not sure. He said something about working with oncology patients, you know, people with cancer.” Lucille scratched her head and looked serious. “I’m sure I’ll learn more. I think I’m going to be seeing a lot of him. Right now, though, I need to go take a shower and do some paperwork before I leave for lunch.”
Liz watched as Lucille seemed to float into the house; then she checked on her children. They were playing on the new playground equipment Lucille had bought. There was a slide, two swings, and a fort they could climb around in.
She loved the sound of her happy children as they giggled and played amicably in the fort. Across the yard, two iridescent green hummingbirds caught her eye. They flitted through Lucille’s garden, sipping nectar from each flower. Rats. I’m tempted to just crash in that chaise lounge over there and soak up some sun, but the laundry won’t wash itself. Reluctantly she surfaced from her serene state, and went into her bedroom to sort clothes.
After lunch, when the children were asleep, she went outside to pull some weeds in the garden. When she finished and reentered the house to check on the children, she heard guttural male groans and a woman moaning with obvious pleasure. The unmistakably sexual sounds continued and sent Liz through a range of feelings: lust, envy, and resentment. As she listened, Ronnie woke and joined her in the hallway. “Mom, what’re those noises?” Damn it, they woke him up. Now, she felt anger, too.
“I think Aunt Lucille and Nate are doing some exercises in her room. Let’s get a Popsicle and eat i
t on the patio.” Liz stood and took Ronnie by the hand. On her way out, she grabbed his favorite book. After Ronnie finished his Popsicle, Liz read to him, and he forgot all about the noises.
When it was time for Liz to go work, Lucille and Nate were still in the bedroom. Since Lucille was too busy to watch her children, she waited in the living room, for the lovers to emerge from their tryst. At last, Lucille and Nate came into the living room playing grab-ass; then Nate kissed Lucille and left. Lucille turned to Liz with a scowl. “What? And why are you still here? You’re going to be late.”
“Well…I couldn’t leave until you came up for air.”
“That’s bull. You didn’t have to wait. All you had to do was holler you were leaving, and I would have come out. Let’s get something straight. This is my house. I have a right to have company.”
“I know it’s your house, but I didn’t want to…intrude.”
Lucille frowned. “You need to get going. We’ll finish this tomorrow.”
Liz picked up her duffel bag and glared at Lucille as she left, slamming the door behind her. On the drive to the Jet, she tried to relax. Tomorrow she’d deal with Lucille. When she pulled into the parking lot, she pasted a smile on her face and walked into the club.
Business was dead until the dinner crowd arrived. Sam sprang into action making pizzas, and Liz punched some songs into the jukebox. While she danced, she kept one eye on the door, watching for Bill. Two of his coworkers came in without him, so when the music stopped, she went to their table. “Hello, gentlemen. Can I get you another pitcher?”
“Sure.” The older man smiled up at her.
“OK. I’ll be right back.” When she brought them a full pitcher of ice-cold beer, she set it on the table and smiled at the older man. “Here you go. Uh…how’s your friend Bill?”
“You mean Bill Williams?”