by Loy Holder
Liz scolded herself. Well, I really haven’t been paying attention to how I look lately. I could use some sleep, and a little makeup would help. She shrugged. Hell, what’s the use? There’s no one in my life to dress up for.
When Liz joined Charlie at their booth, she noticed that Charlie had ordered two martinis, two shrimp cocktails, and, judging from the aroma drifting up from the table, toasted French garlic bread. They sat for quite a while, although Charlie did most of the talking. She filled Liz in on her last visit with Ron and then gave Liz an impish grin. “So is there a new man in your life?”
Liz’s laugh was sarcastic. “Nope.”
“How come?”
Liz stiffened and looked away from Charlie’s questioning eyes. “I really don’t want to talk about it right now. That’s a touchy subject.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. If you ever need an ear, let me know. However, I’m no authority on affairs of the heart.” Charlie stared at Liz. “Hey, you look really tired. Let’s get out of here. Then you can go home and sleep.”
Charlie paid the bill, and Liz said, “I have to stop in the restroom again before I leave.”
“OK, I’ll see you at the sales meeting in the morning.” Charlie gave Liz a hug and disappeared into the parking lot.
Liz left the restroom and walked out of the tavern and through the parking lot toward her car. On the way, she heard someone say, “Hey, pretty lady, what’s your hurry?”
Liz’s heart began to pound. She kept walking, afraid to stop and turn around. What if it was some weird Jack-the-Ripper guy? Then she caught a faint whiff of vanilla and cinnamon, his scent. She stopped and spun around.
Bill stood towering over her; his face was thinner with a trace of stubble, and his dark eyes burned into hers as he gently grasped her shoulders. “Why didn’t you wait to fly home with me?”
“What?” Liz flushed with sudden anger and then shrugged his hands off her shoulders and stepped back. “Why would you ask me that? You said you didn’t want to be around me and to get out of your car. You acted like you hated me.”
“I said I would be back to pick you up.” Bill threw his hands up in the air. “I just meant I couldn’t stand to be around you anymore that evening.”
Liz bit her lip and fought back tears. “I thought you meant forever…so why didn’t you call me?”
Bill bridged the space she’d created between them and pulled her to him. She crumpled and relaxed against his chest. He nuzzled her hair and said, “I wanted to, but I figured I’d screwed up big time and you were done with me. Can we try it again?”
Liz wiggled free and stepped back to look at him. “Why’d you come after me now?”
“Seeing you was all it took. All of a sudden, my pride wasn’t important. So if you say no, at least I’ll know I tried—”
Liz interrupted. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” Bill asked. He looked hopeful.
“Yes. I want to try again, and we need to talk, but I’m late getting home to my kids. Will you call me?”
“Can I come to the house tonight?” Bill asked, looking like a boy wanting a Hershey bar.
“What time?” Liz raised an eyebrow and gave Bill her most seductive smile.
Bill paused, as if caught off guard by her smile and her yes answer. “Eight thirty?”
“That works. My kids will be in bed.”
Bill moved closer, eyebrows arched. “How about a kiss to tide me over until tonight?”
With a stern look, Liz shook her head no and placed her hand on his chest. “We need to talk first.”
He looked sheepish. “OK, I won’t push my luck. See you tonight.”
Liz’s heart raced as she drove home. She got to Josie’s house and heard her yell, “Come in. The door’s open.”
When Liz walked through the door, Josie looked up from the dining-room table and said, “Come join us. I made your favorite…spaghetti.” Liz saw the children were eating and took a seat at the table. Josie stared at her. “Liz. Do you have a fever? Your cheeks are so flushed.”
She chuckled as she reached for the bowl of spaghetti. “No, I’m actually better than I’ve been for a long time.”
Frank just smiled. Josie laughed and said, “Let me guess. It has something to do with that man you were seeing in Las Vegas, right? I figured something went wrong the way you’ve been moping around lately. It’s good to see a light in those big blue eyes of yours. So what’s up?”
The children had just finished their dinner. Liz smiled. “It’s good, Josie, but not for these little ears. I’ll fill you in later.” Liz finished her dinner with small talk about work and then looked at the children, who were starting to fidget in their chairs. “Come on, babies. Time for baths and bed.” Liz stood and gave Josie a kiss on top of her head as the children ran to get their things. “Thanks for the special dinner treat,” Liz said, and she herded the children home.
* * *
Chapter forty-one
By 8:20 that evening, Ronnie and Regina were asleep, and Liz was ready. She’d showered, washed her hair, and let her short blond curls come out to play, free of the taming spray she’d been using. Liz had mentally prepared herself for the talk and prayed that Bill would go along with what she had to say.
The doorbell rang at 8:29. Bill’s here. Liz’s heart jumped into her throat. She opened the door, and there he was with that endearing, roguish grin. “Hello, pretty lady.” Then he chuckled. “You gonna just stand there, or will you let me in?”
Liz was so overcome with him actually being on her doorstep that she was immobilized for a second. “Oh…come on in.”
The lights were low, and several candles were glowing and giving off a warm apple-pie scent. Bill stepped through the door and stared. Her heart skipped a beat. “You look beautiful,” he said, as he ran his finger over his lower lip and laughed softly. “Shall we sit down, or do you want to have this talk standing up?”
Liz was mesmerized by his wide-set dark eyes, his thick black hair, and that spicy vanilla scent that was his alone. “Oh, I’m sorry.” A self-conscious giggle escaped her. “Sure. Have a seat on the couch. Can I get you a drink, maybe a beer or coffee?”
“Nope. I’m fine. Come sit beside me, and tell me what’s on your mind.”
She sat facing him so she could look directly into his eyes. He looked serious as he waited for her to speak. She hesitated, and then with her voice full of emotion, she began by saying, “It hurt when you kicked me out of your car. Why’d you do it?”
Bill took her hand and squeezed it as he spoke. “Your need for independence scared me, and I wondered how a woman like you could love anyone but herself. I needed time to think it through.”
His voice faltered, and he took her by the shoulders. She tried to turn away as a tear slid down her cheek, but he shook her gently and whispered, “Look at me, Liz.” She complied, and he continued, “I woke up the next morning just wanting to be in your life no matter what. I drove to your hotel, pounded on your door, and you were gone. It nearly killed me when I realized you flew out of Vegas by yourself.”
She managed to loosen his grip from her shoulders, take his hand, and smile as she met his gaze. “I learned the hard way not to depend on someone else for food and shelter. That won’t change, but that doesn’t mean I can’t love you.”
There was that roguish grin again. “So will you give me a chance to prove I can be the best man, best father to the kids, and the best lover you’ve ever had?” He loosened his hand from her grip, and cupped her chin whispering, “Can I start with the ‘best lover’ part?”
Liz laughed and pushed him away. “Not without messing up the ‘best father’ part. My kids are light sleepers.”
Bill sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “OK. How is all this going to work?”
She turned to face him. “OK, here it is. The children and I will stay at your house on the weekends and in Folsom during the week. That way, Josie is handy to watch my kids while I’m at work, and when
I have an open house or appointments on the weekend, you’ll watch them. What do you think?”
Bill raised a quizzical eyebrow. “You mean forever?”
“For a while, until we see how it works out.”
He ran his hands through his hair and nodded. “OK. At least, I’ll have you around on the weekends, but one more thing: I want a date night. Would Josie stay with all the kids at my house? I’d pay for her gas.” Bill looked pleased with himself.
“Yeah, that might work.” Liz raised an eyebrow. “So do we have a deal?”
He nodded. “Yep. You got any coffee?”
“Sure. I think it’s still hot.” Liz stood. “I’ll get you a cup, but then you have to go. I have an early meeting tomorrow.” She lingered by the coffeepot in the kitchen. Damn, what I really want is to seduce him, not run him off. Bill drank his coffee, kissed her on the cheek, and left. She tossed and turned that night, anticipating her first sleepover at Bill’s house.
The following evening at dinner, Liz told her children about staying at Bill’s house on the weekends. Regina wrinkled her nose. “Does Bill get mean like Daddy?”
“No, sweetie.” Liz took her daughter’s hand. “He better not ever be mean to you, or we’ll leave and never see him again, OK?”
“OK.” Regina agreed but seemed uncertain.
Ronnie bit his bottom lip. “Mom, I’m a little scared. “What if Bill gets drunk?”
Liz shook her head. “I’ve never seen him get drunk.” She wanted the children’s acceptance and grew serious. “This is a good thing for us. Are you willing to give it a try?”
“Yes.” They both nodded, but Liz worried because they still seemed reluctant. She shrugged. At least, it wasn’t a no. I’ll settle for that.
When Ronnie got into bed that night, he asked, “Mom, how much do you like Bill?”
Liz kissed his forehead. “Oh, I don’t know, sweetie. But I want to find out.”
Ronnie’s forehead wrinkled in a frown. “What if you start liking him more than me?”
“You don’t have to worry about that, sweetheart.” Liz kissed his forehead again to smooth away the frown. “That won’t ever happen.”
Ronnie’s yawn told her he was satisfied with her answers, and she turned his light out.
The rest of the week passed at a snail’s pace. When Saturday finally came, Liz took Ronnie and Regina to Cameron Park to meet Bill and his two boys. It was time for their first weekend together. She rang the doorbell, and Bill opened the door. “Well, here we are.” Liz was nervous. “Sorry we’re late. I had to get gas.”
“Hello, pretty lady.” Bill opened the door wider. “I was getting worried. Come in.”
When Liz and the children were inside, Bill got down on one knee in front of Regina. “Hello, Regina. You’re as pretty as your mommy. Do you remember me? We met at Mommy’s work a while ago.”
The entryway lit up with Regina’s big smile. “I think so.”
He looked from Regina to Ronnie and held out his hand. “Hi, Ronnie. Wanna shake my hand?”
Ronnie shook Bill’s hand. “I remember you. Your face was all puffy that day. Mom said we’re gonna have lunch here.”
Bill winked at Liz and took the children’s hands. “Yes, Mom was right. You guys come on in the kitchen, and we’ll have lunch. Then I’ll show you and your mom around.” He turned and motioned with his head. “Come on, Mom, right this way.”
At one end of the kitchen was an alcove with a bay window. In front of the window was a large oak table with thick-cushioned chairs. Liz sat with the children at the table and glanced at the brilliant red geraniums blooming underneath the window. In the distance was a graceful weeping willow.
“Something smells good.” Her gaze settled on Bill stirring a pot on the stove. “What’s cooking?”
Bill gave the pot one more stir and put the spoon down. “It’s my homemade stew. Hope you like it.” He turned the burner off and yelled, “Come on boys. Our guests are here, and lunch is ready.”
Two boys sauntered into the kitchen. One was tall and muscular with long, black hair. The other boy looked younger. He was too thin, and his hair was bright red. Bill did the introductions. “Boys, the lovely lady seated at the table is Liz Harmon.” Bill motioned with his hand. “That’s her son Ronnie and her daughter, Regina.” He placed his hand on the taller boy’s shoulder, “This is Mark.” He shifted his hand to the red-haired boy’s shoulder. “And this is Todd.”
Ronnie and Regina smiled shyly and, for a split second, Liz was unsure of what to say, but then she relaxed. “I’m very glad to meet you both.” She motioned to them. “Come sit with us.”
The boys sat at the table, and Bill served the stew before sitting beside Liz. The atmosphere at the table was awkward at first. Ronnie was the first to break the silence. “Wow, Mom. This stew is really good.” He looked at Bill. “How’d you make it?”
Mark beat his dad to the punch. “I can’t believe you like this, too.” Liz noticed how Mark’s cool, dark eyes warmed as he talked. He looked like a younger version of his father.
The stew was a hit, and Mark and Todd asked for seconds. After their bowls had been refilled, they grew quiet. Liz wanted to learn a little about them. “So Mark, your dad told me you’re a junior at Cameron High. How do you like school?”
Mark scowled and said, “I don’t,” but then he brightened a bit. “Except for playing basketball. I made varsity, but I have to keep my grades up, or I can’t stay on the team.” He looked at his dad, “Can I be excused? I got homework.”
“Sure, son. Let me know if you need some help with your geometry.”
Before Mark could answer, Todd stood. “No worries, Dad. I’ll help him.”
“Not until you finish your lunch.”
Todd sat back in his chair and took another bite of stew, and Liz seized that moment to talk to him. “Todd, your dad said you’re a sophomore and a math whiz. What else do you like about school?” Todd flushed at her question, and she marveled at the number of freckles covering his face.
“I love everything about school but sports.” Todd’s chest puffed up with pride. “And I’m president of the math club.”
“That’s great, Todd.” Even though Liz didn’t know him yet, she felt proud of him.
Liz and Todd talked back and forth while Todd ate. Then Todd turned his bowl upside down. “See, Dad, I’m done.”
“OK, go help your brother, but no roughhousing in there.”
After they all finished eating, Bill turned the television on in the living room so Ronnie and Regina could watch westerns. He and Liz had cleaned up the kitchen, and they snuck in a quick but ardent kiss before Bill called to the children, “Hey, kids, you want that tour of the house?”
Bill led them down the hall, and Liz noticed that his tastes in color and style were similar to hers. The master bedroom was spacious, and he’d made plenty of room for her in the closet. There were lots of windows, and Liz could tell the room would be filled with sunlight in the early morning. She felt a tug on her arm and looked down at Ronnie. “Mom, is this where you’re going to sleep?”
Liz pointed at the bed. “Yes, son, right over there in that big bed.”
“OK, but where am I going to sleep?”
She took Ronnie’s hand. “Be patient. You’ll see.”
They followed Bill to a smaller bedroom. Bill nudged Regina through the door. “Regina, this is your room.”
“It is?” Regina sounded and looked awestruck. “It’s so pretty.” She clapped her hands and looked at Liz. “It’s mine, Mommy.”
The room surprised Liz. “Bill, this is perfect. It looks like fresh paint.”
“Yeah, it was my den. I’ve been busy the last couple of days. The painting was easy, and the lady in the store helped me with the curtains and bedspread.” He pointed across the room. “But I had the most fun with that little closet.”
Liz looked closer, and her heart melted. Bill had painted the walls a pale pink, Regina’s favorit
e color, and the finishing touch was an armoire that he’d painted ivory. It was just big enough to hold Regina’s clothes and toys. Liz leaned close to Bill’s ear. “You scored some big points for this.” She kissed his cheek.
When they stopped at the next room, Bill tapped Ronnie on the shoulder. “OK, Ronnie, this is your room.”
Ronnie squealed with excitement. “It’s neat.” He ran into the room to look around.
“I’m so happy you like it, Ronnie,” Liz said as she watched Ronnie explore the closet. Then she looked at Bill. “So what was in this room before?”
“Oh, Joyce had a bunch of sewing stuff in here. I gave it all to her mom in October. I bought the bed, and the boys picked out the bedspread. Todd donated his old toy box to the cause, and all I had to do was empty and paint the closet.” He winked at Liz. “It was the least I could do. I wanted you and the kids to feel at home.
Bill smiled down at Ronnie and Regina. “Well that’s it for the house, kids. You want to see the backyard?”
Ronnie asked, “Do you have a swimming pool?”
Bill chuckled at Ronnie’s eagerness. “Do you two know how to swim?”
Ronnie puffed out his chest. “Yes, Mom taught us both how to swim at Aunt Lucille’s house. But I swim better than Regina.”
Bill’s eyebrows went up as if surprised. “Wow. I’m impressed. Well there’s a pool in the backyard, but it’s too cold to swim now. It’s covered up for the winter. But next spring you can show me how you swim. How about that?”
“OK, but can we see the backyard now?” Ronnie asked.
“Sure, right this way.” Bill motioned for Liz and the two children to follow. They went with Bill back through the kitchen and out the laundry-room door to the patio.
It was late in the afternoon by then, and the sun was low in the sky. Liz and Bill stood huddled together for warmth, and they watched while the children explored. Ronnie spotted an old shed at the far end of the yard, and Regina followed him to look inside. Liz said, “What’s inside that shed, Bill? Anything dangerous for little kids?”