by Loy Holder
Regina said, “Yeah, Mommy, I hear Mandy.” Regina ran from the table to the screen door, pointing. “See, she’s waving at me.”
Looking through the screen, Liz saw the little dark-haired girl outside on the lawn jumping up and down and waving frantically. A hint of Liz’s smile told the kids it was OK, and they dashed out the door before she could say yes. They seemed so normal, as if nothing had happened. She watched them as they joined their friends and wondered if they were really OK.
Soon the phone rang again. She answered with one hand, holding a mop in the other. “Hello?”
“Hey, pretty lady. Did they find the kids?”
Liz smiled when she heard Bill’s deep, sexy voice, and she leaned the mop against the wall. “Yes, and they found Ron, too. How are things with you?”
“Terrible. I miss you. Joyce just started the cancer treatment. Not sure how that’s gonna go, but the thought of you keeps me going. Liz, don’t give up on me.”
“Don’t worry, Bill. I won’t. I miss you, too.”
She frowned when she hung up the phone, imagining what her life would be like with Bill in it. She wanted him, but she felt a twinge of guilt. Joyce is fighting cancer while I’m plotting to sleep with her husband. Her conscience warned her to slow down, but Liz argued back. Is it possible to slow down when all I want is to have Bill’s naked body next to mine?
That erotic reverie lasted another moment before she looked at the clock and knew that she didn’t have time to finish the floor. She put the mop away and took a bath. As she dressed for work, she was still exhausted, but her spirits were high.
The following Thursday, Joe sat across from Ron in the visiting room of the Sacramento County Jail. They were longtime friends, more like brothers, so Joe figured that hearing Ron’s side of the story might assuage some of his anger. Joe hoped he hadn’t wasted his time and money on helping his friend.
Ron glared at him, one hand clenched into a fist on the table, the other chained to the arm of his chair. He spoke first, his tone defensive. “So, go ahead and say it. You’re pissed off about the truck.”
Joe took a deep breath, and choose his words carefully. “I don’t care about the truck. I’ll get it back eventually, but you were doing great, cutting back on the booze and working once in a while. It looked like you were getting it together, so I’m confused. Why’d you screw things up? What were you thinking, Ron? You could do some serious time for kidnapping.”
Ron’s lips twisted into a snarl as he spoke. “I wanted to hurt Liz.”
“Why?” Joe was chilled by the sinister look that clouded Ron’s face.
“Hell, she’s hurting me! I never told you, but when I got out of jail last time, I was so sure we could get back together, but, damn, she won’t even let me see the kids.”
Joe frowned, suspicious. “Were you drinking when you took the kids?”
Ron shrugged. “Maybe I was. So what?”
“Man, I saw your divorce papers. You’re not supposed to see the kids when you’re drinking.”
“That’s bullshit!” Ron shouted, shaking his head. “I’m fine with a couple of beers under my belt. In fact, I’m a better person, more relaxed. Hell, I can’t take life without a drink or two to take the edge off.”
“So you were drinking while you were mooching off me? You sure had me fooled.” Joe felt angry and stupid, thinking he should have recognized the signs. After all, he’d been a drunk just like Ron.
Ron smirked. “Yeah. I bought booze with that allowance you gave me.”
“Tell me this,” Joe said, ready to explode. “If you can’t take life without booze, then how the hell do you survive in here?”
Ron gave a contemptuous laugh. “Shit, it isn’t hard to find whatever you need in here, even booze.”
“Man, you’re talking bullshit. Do you ever listen to yourself?” Joe could no longer control his anger and he stood up with enough force to topple his chair. He towered over Ron, his face as red as a tomato. “You son of a bitch. You’ve made a sucker out of me. You need help, but you can’t see it. I trusted you, but no more. If you get out of here, don’t bother coming around.” Joe glared at Ron; then he shook his head and turned away as he called out, “Guard, I’m ready to leave.”
That same Thursday, Bill called Liz at two in the afternoon. She’d been taking sheets off the clothesline, and she ran in to grab the phone.
She was out of breath. “Hello.”
“Hey, pretty lady. Whoa, you must have been outside. You sound winded. Have you got a minute?”
“Yeah, I was bringing in the laundry. How are things?”
“Not good. I’m hanging around home to help out. The cancer treatment is making Joyce sick.” He paused for a moment. “So how are you doing?”
“I’m feeling uneasy. There’s gonna be a trial, and I’m not looking forward to facing Ron in the courtroom.”
“Stop worrying. You’re gonna do fine. Christ, I miss you. I’ll call you again soon.”
“Good. I need to hear your voice. It’s music to my ears.” His voice had sounded husky and heated. Damn, I want him.
* * *
Chapter thirty-one
It had been several days since Liz had talked to Bill, and she missed him. He came into the Jet Tuesday evening and sat at an empty table near the stage as she danced. When she pivoted around, their eyes met, and he motioned for her to come to him. When the music stopped, she went to his table and sat across from him. His eyes held more than need as he leaned toward her and whispered, “Liz, can you get off early tonight? I need to talk to you, in person.”
“Yes. Give me a second or two. I have to tell Sam.” She’d sensed that he had more than talk on his mind, and she was anxious to find out what it was.
“I’ll wait in the car.” He stood. “Do what you have to do. I’m patient, remember.”
She hurried into the kitchen. Sam was putting a pizza together and looked up when Liz walked in. “Hey Liz, you’re all red in the face. What’s up?”
“It’s a slow night, and I need to leave early. Can you close for me?”
This time, Sam didn’t ask why. “Sure. No problem.” With a knowing look and a wink, she went back to the pepperoni pizza.
Liz ran out the door in her costume, street clothes still in the duffel bag. Bill was parked down from the door, and when she got into his car, her curiosity was doing the polka. His hypnotic stare cast a spell over her as he said, “The phone thing’s just not working for me.” His finger took a slow excursion from her neck to toy with the fringe sewed into her briefs. “I need to see your face and your body when I talk to you. I have a plane, and I want to spend next Sunday with you in Las Vegas. We could have breakfast and just be together until you have to go to work that evening.” His hands went to her shoulders for a gentle shake. “Say yes, please.”
She was stunned by the request. Before she could speak, he pulled her close, and kissed her with such hunger, she was breathless. He released her, his lips curled into a lustful smile, and he shook his head. “Where the hell are your clothes, pretty lady?”
“Oh.” She looked down at herself and giggled. “I’m sorry. I guess I was in a hurry.” He smirked and ruffled her curls. “So is Las Vegas next Sunday a date?”
“Do you actually have a pilot’s license to fly? I didn’t know that.”
“Yes, there’s lots of things you don’t know about me. My plan would be to fly to Las Vegas Sunday morning, meet you at your hotel, and we could have breakfast and spend the day just getting to know each other.”
“OK, but who’s going to be with your wife and kids while you’re gone?
“Joyce is in the hospital. The treatment isn’t working, and they’re going to do some more tests. My mother-in-law is coming to stay at the house indefinitely, so all my bases are covered.”
Liz looked at her watch. She didn’t want Sam to see her and Bill huddled in the car, and it was almost closing time. “I’ll look forward to Sunday then, but not too early
. How about eleven?”
“I’ll be there. I won’t be in the Jet this week, but I’ll see you for sure Sunday. In the meantime, there’s the phone. Call me if you need to. By the way, what’s going on with you?”
“Well…I guess I’m still uneasy about facing Ron in the courtroom.” She felt a chill and pulled a shirt from her duffel bag. She reached for the door handle. “I gotta get home.” She got out of his car, leaned in the open window, and winked. “See ya Sunday, handsome.”
The rest of the week was tough. If she could have talked to Bill, maybe the nights wouldn’t have been so difficult. She was tortured with guilt and skepticism. Joyce could be dying, and I’m lying here wanting her husband between my legs. What if being sick makes Joyce realize she needs Bill, and she asks him to stay? What will he do? Damn, if he stays with her, I’ll die inside.
When she closed the Jet Friday night, she was exhausted from the restless nights. She overslept Saturday morning, and almost missed her plane to Las Vegas. She walked into the Stardust Lounge that afternoon and waved at Bud through his open door. He motioned for her to come in. “Hi, Liz. I want you to meet my boss. He runs the casino.”
A tall, rotund man came through the door. His voice boomed, “Hey, Buddy.” He turned to ogle Liz like she was a chocolate-fudge sundae, and then he smiled at Bud. “Is this the one?”
Bud got up from his desk and slipped an arm around Liz. “Take it easy, big guy. This is quality merchandise. Honey, this is my boss, Morgan Sumner. He manages the casino.”
Liz extended her hand. “Glad to meet you, Mr. Sumner.”
Morgan’s belly jiggled as he moved to shake her hand. “Well, glad to meet you, too, young lady, but can you dance?”
Liz laughed. “Yes, sir, I can.” She gave Morgan one of her sassy smiles.
Bud moved his arm from Liz’s shoulder and gestured toward his boss. “Morgan, why don’t you take your party to the lounge tonight? The drinks are on me. You can see for yourself how good she is.”
“That sounds like a deal,” Morgan nodded. “We’ll be there around seven.” He grinned at Liz. “Looking forward to the show.” He winked and turned to Bud. “OK, man. You gonna be there?”
“Yeah, I’ll join you for a while. See you around seven.”
Liz noticed that as Morgan edged through the doorway, he barely fit. She frowned at Bud. “What if he doesn’t like me; then what?”
Bud tilted his head back and laughed. “Ha! You worry too much. I guarantee he will love you.”
Liz felt uncomfortable but shrugged it off. The only thing she was sure of at the moment was that she could dance.
Morgan Sumner was both a nice gentleman and a big tipper. Just before quitting time, she tucked a $500 bill into her top. When she got to her room, she took a quick shower, set the alarm, and fell into bed, too exhausted to think or feel anything.
The alarm went off at ten Sunday morning. Liz dressed with care. She’d made up her mind not to encourage Bill’s roving eyes or his magic touch. To her relief, he actually showed up, and he was on time. When she opened the door, her purse was slung over her shoulder, and she was ready to go.
He chuckled. “Well, look at you, pretty lady.” His eyes swept over her with obvious pleasure. “You look hungry.”
Liz’s stomach growled. “I’m starved. Let’s go.”
After they were seated, they made small talk until the waiter took their orders. While they waited for their food, Liz talked more about facing Ron in the courtroom and what her children had endured at Beal’s Point with their father. When their food came, Liz asked, “How’s Joyce?”
He ran his hand through his hair, “I talked to the doctor two days ago, and he told me she’s terminal and only has a month or so to live. She came home from the hospital yesterday. The worst is watching my kids suffer. They’re not coping well with things. Joyce doesn’t want me helping with personal stuff, so a nurse will be coming in each day, and her mom is there with her. I just keep things running, you know, cleaning, meals, laundry—lots of laundry. Joyce told me that she’s gonna die hating me for not giving her a divorce. That’s hard for me to live with.”
The waiter came to leave the check and collect their plates, and Bill ordered another cup of coffee. He asked, “Have you heard from your attorney?”
“Yes. He called the other day and told me to be patient. He said I should plan on being in the courtroom for most of the trial, and he told me that Ron would get a trial date at his final arraignment in mid-April.” Liz tilted her head to one side and rubbed the back of her neck. “Apparently, Ron pleaded not guilty. I can’t believe it.”
Bill finished his coffee, put a twenty on the table, and stood. “Let’s walk for a while.” Liz gathered her purse and stood with him. He put his arm around her as they walked out of the restaurant, and his voice was low and reassuring. “Don’t worry. They got enough evidence to put him away for a long time.”
They spent another two hours walking through the casinos. Liz got some quarters and played a slot machine while Bill watched. Then they walked out on the street and found an ice-cream shop. Bill ordered a banana split for them to share, with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream on top. They fed each other huge, sloppy bites and giggled like two teenagers at their messy faces. Bill was wiping the whipped cream from Liz’s lip with a napkin when she turned serious. “I didn’t sleep much last week. I didn’t hear from you, and I kept thinking that maybe something happened.”
“Why didn’t you call me?” Bill wiped his own face, and Liz could see his frown under the napkin.
“Because I was afraid your mother-in-law or your kids might answer or, worse yet, Joyce. I wasn’t even sure you’d show up here.”
He laid the napkin on the table and took her hands in his. “If you call my home phone and someone else answers, just leave a message, and I’ll call you back.”
“Won’t they wonder who I am?”
“Liz, I get calls from women and men all the time for work stuff. No big deal. Just call.”
“Well, I’d rather you called me. I’m kinda old-fashioned that way. It would sure help me sleep.” Liz gave him a sly smile, ran a finger over his cheek, and looked at her watch. “Yikes. I better go. I need to get ready for work. You want to walk me to my room?”
Bill stood and extended his hand to help her out of her chair. When they got inside the elevator, they were alone. Bill didn’t move to touch her, but his eyes told her he wanted to, and he gave her a naughty grin. Liz laughed and held up her index finger, “One kiss, outside my door, that’s all you get.”
They walked hand in hand down the hall, and when they got to her room, she stood with her back against the door. He leaned in to give her a lingering kiss. When he stepped back, she couldn’t move. Her eyes were closed, and her heart was doing the merengue. She sensed movement, and Bill kissed her again. His hands teased and threatened to misbehave. When he broke away, his voice was ragged, “Liz, I should go before we get arrested right here in the hallway.”
“You’re right, and I’m not much help.” Her head was spinning as if she were drunk on champagne.
Bill locked his fingers behind his head and gave her a naughty grin. “If you pushed me away, you’d break my heart. I treasure your reaction to me.”
She floated back to reality and gave him a sultry look.
“Well, I love the way you kiss. Will I see you at all next week?”
His face was still flushed, and his jaw was set. “I can’t stay away, and I promise I’ll call.”
She watched him walk down the hallway and turn the corner before going into her room. Still in a state of arousal as she dressed for work, she giggled. Damn, tonight’s gonna be my best dance performance yet.
* * *
Chapter thirty-two
Bill continued to fly on Sundays to see Liz in Las Vegas. On a Sunday in mid-May, a week before the trial, Bill came to her room early. She pulled a robe on before she answered
the door. “Hi handsome. Wanna come in?”
He stood there staring, tempted by her invitation. “Uh…no. You get dressed and meet me downstairs. You are dangerous.”
She reached through the door and touched his cheek with a laugh. “OK, I’ll hurry.” When she walked into the restaurant and found his table, she discovered he’d ordered mimosas, along with her favorite breakfast: a strawberry Belgian waffle with whipped cream, eggs over easy, and sausage.
They drank their champagne while they waited for their food, and Bill grew somber, his hands folded on the table. He said, “Joyce only has a few days to live now. It’s tearing me up, watching my boys witness the horror show of their mother dying. I’ve arranged counseling for them, and I’m gonna get them in next week.
“The good news is, Joyce has forgiven me for hanging around all those years, uninvited, and we’ve made peace. She confessed that she has a lover and that he is the reason she’s wanted a divorce. She asked me to invite him to her funeral. I said I would, and I told her about you. She said she was happy for me.”
Liz looked at Bill and tucked a curl behind her ear. “I feel sad for your children but pleased you’ve made peace with Joyce.”
Just then their food arrived. Liz took a big bite of Belgian waffle and strawberries, and their conversation shifted to what their upcoming schedules would be. Bill said, “I’m going to take a few weeks off from work. I got plenty of time on the books, and I need to be with my boys and help out around the house. There’s lots to do.”
“Yeah, I’m going to be busy, too.” She brushed a wayward curl from her eyes. “I’ve got the trial, working two jobs, and just trying to survive the stress of it all.” There were no words to explain just how nuts she was feeling. “Looks like life isn’t going to be easy for you either.” She smiled to lighten the mood. “That was the best breakfast ever.”
“Yes, it was. Shall we get out of here?” He glanced at the bill.