by Candace Shaw
“Why do you think that all of sudden you’ve contracted something in the last few weeks?”
“Remember when I went home with those models?”
“Oh … right. You didn’t use condoms?”
“Most definitely, but I want to be certain. That’s all.”
“Why didn’t you just tell Traci that last night?”
“I didn’t want her to think I was a freak who fucks anything moving.”
Garrett sipped his coffee. “Um … doesn’t she know about your rep?”
“Can you do the test or not? I have to be at my practice in the next hour to meet with a patient.”
Garrett rose from his desk. “Let’s go to my exam room before my staff gets here, and I’ll send it to the lab with a rush order. You should know by Wednesday.”
“Thank you. So what’s up with you and Caitlyn?”
“Nothing. She’s a really cool girl but no sparks.”
“So no double dates with the horticulturists?” Sean asked jokingly.
“Nope. So you think you have a future with Traci even though she doesn’t want to see you anymore?”
“My mother always says to have faith and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
*****
Traci entered her mother’s home Tuesday evening. Mildred had returned from Vegas the day before and had offered to cook dinner as a peace offering from their argument. The aromas of lasagna and garlic bread soared through the house and the rumbles in Traci’s stomach increased. She hadn’t eaten since lunch, and the turkey croissant sandwich from the Botanical Garden’s café had done little to satisfy her hunger considering she’d spent most of the day preparing the rose garden for its showcase that upcoming weekend. Her body was sore, and she wished she could have Sean’s magic hands massage out the kinks. However, that would never happen again. She had to shake her mind free of that, but it was no use. He’d invaded her thoughts and sleep constantly for the past few days, but she knew in her head she was doing the right thing … even if her heart didn’t agree.
“Hey, Mom,” Traci said, sitting down at the kitchen table that was set for two.
“Hey, pumpkin,” Mildred replied, taking the lasagna out of the oven and setting it on the trivet on the table. “Everything is almost done. Just waiting for the garlic bread to brown. Grab the Merlot out of the wine fridge.”
Traci quietly obeyed as her mother finished cutting up the cherry tomatoes for the salad. Once they were seated and had plates filled with food, Traci decided she’d start the conversation first.
“Mom, I’m sorry for snapping at you the other day, but I’m just concerned.”
“I know, precious. I know. I should’ve told you I was going to Vegas, but it was last minute. I didn’t want to upset you.”
Taking a bite of her mom’s homemade chicken and spinach lasagna, Traci sighed. It was so cheesy and delicious. “This is good, Mom.”
“Thank you. I do have something to tell you, though,” Mildred stated reluctantly.
Traci braced herself for whatever news her mother was about to spill. She figured more than likely she’d gone back down to the casino once more after their conversation to double her winnings, only to lose all of it in an intense game of poker, and now needed money to pay her bills.
Traci took a sip of her wine. “I’m listening.”
“You’ve heard of the show Women Poker Players?”
She paused her fork mid-way in the air. “Yes, it’s one of your favorite shows.”
“Well, they’ve asked me to be on it this season. I was in Vegas for an audition and I got the part. I’ll be a series regular.”
“Now what now?”
“Yes, and I get paid to be on it.”
“Sooooo, how did this happen?” Traci put down her fork and stared in disbelief at her mother’s beaming face.
“I met one of the producers at a private poker tournament a few months ago. I had no idea he was actually scouting for new cast members. He was impressed by my skills and contacted me a week ago. He offered to fly me and Trisha to Vegas to check it out. You know your godmother is a ruthless attorney, and I wanted her to make sure the contract was up to par before signing it.”
“So you have to move to Vegas?”
“Only three months out of the year. I’ll just rent a condo or something for the summer.”
“And the money you win?”
“It’s mine. It’s a poker tournament. You can read the contract if you like, but Trisha read over it with a fine tooth comb and made some changes that they accepted. Trisha is also fully aware of my gambling habits in the past. Therefore, she set up an account for my earnings so I won’t spend it frivolously.”
“And this makes you happy?”
“Very. After your dad died, my entire life changed and I’d never felt so alone before. Sure, I have you and your brother, but you two were doing your own things, becoming adults and having your own lives. I tried dating and new hobbies. Remember when I took up crocheting?”
Traci laughed sarcastically. “Yes, I still have the scarves, blankets, and the toaster cover to prove it. Let’s not forget the pottery classes and the abstract painting phase even though the picture hanging over my bed is quite beautiful.”
“Well, none of that made me feel fulfilled again until I started going to the casinos. Yes, I know at first I had a problem, but now I promise you all of that has changed. I’m actually bored with the casinos. However, I do love playing poker, but only because your dad used to play and I feel closer to him when I do. It’s like he’s right behind me the entire time coaching and cheering me on.”
Traci let her mother’s words sink in. If this outlet truly made her happy and feel closer to her deceased husband, then Traci was all for it.
“So am I invited to watch you play on the show?”
A smile cross Mildred’s face showing the dimples that matched her daughter’s. “You really want to?” she asked, with tears in her eyes.
“Of course, Mom, and I’m sure Larry Jr. will come, too.”
“I told him this morning when he called, and I explained to him my reasons why. He was on board.”
“Well, looks like we have a reality star in the family. Please don’t get on there and act a fool like some of those housewives shows.”
“Of course not, but I do talk shit when playing poker,” Mildred stated seriously with a wink.
“Oh goodness! I can only imagine,” Traci said, taking a bite of her lasagna.
Mildred stood and grabbed an envelope from the island. “Before I forget, here’s all of the money I owe you. I’ve kept track of every single penny you’ve loaned me during the past few years.” She handed her daughter the envelope.
Traci opened it as her eyes grew wide at the amount on the cashier’s check.
“I’ve given you this much money?” Traci knew it was a lot, but she’d never kept track.
“Yep, plus an extra five thousand for interest.”
Astonished at the amount, Traci was still staring at the check. “Thank you. I will definitely put this to good use.”
“Maybe now you can stop working two jobs.”
“We’ll see. I like doing both, but sometimes I just want to go home and curl up with a good book or soak in a tub of hot water.” She glanced at the check once more before placing it back in the envelope. Her thoughts trekked to possibly moving out of her little loft apartment and buying a home. Most of the money she’d given her mother had come from the savings account she had set up for a down payment on a house.
“Now you can go home and do whatever you want. Are you almost done with the project you’re working on for Dr. Arrington’s son?”
“Yep. I’m off on Thursday so I have a few things to finish up in his backyard and then I’ll be completely done.” Traci sighed in her head. Yep, she would be done and never have to see Sean again even though the thought made her sad.
“What’s wrong?” Mildred asked.
“Oh … nothi
ng, Mom.” Traci took a bite of her lasagna followed by a sip of her wine.
“You had a faraway look in your eyes for a moment. Is everything okay? Has he been too arrogant of a client?”
“Oh no. Nothing like that. He’s actually been quite helpful. He did a lot of the work.”
“So let me guess. You like him yet he hasn’t noticed you?”
“Mom, no. That’s absurd. I don’t have a crush on my client.” Traci stuffed some salad into her mouth.
“Just checking. Now you’ll have time for a dating life. I’m ready for some grandbabies to spoil.”
“Let’s just concentrate on your new career,” Traci said, needing to change the subject. Dating wasn’t at the forefront of her mind, considering who she wanted to date would eventually break her heart. She was glad she’d decided to end things before it became too complicated. Sure, he claimed to like her now, but she knew from experience it would end badly.
“After dinner do you want to search online with me for some apartments in Vegas?”
“Sounds like fun.”
Traci was glad her mother had finally found her passion and could admit that she did at one time have a gambling addiction that stemmed from losing her husband and feeling lonely. Now she could parlay her poker skills into a lucrative career while she enjoyed life again.
Chapter Ten
Thursday afternoon, Sean drove his Porsche 911 a little too fast on the interstate, but he needed to get home. He’d checked his security camera before leaving work and Traci and an assistant were almost done with planting the rose bushes. The pillows she’d ordered for the fire pit had arrived, the outdoor daybed was all set up under the pergola, and the benches he’d requested were all in place. She’d called earlier to tell him she probably wouldn’t be there when he arrived home and that she would leave his key under the purple flower pot outside of the veranda door. When he’d told her to stay so he could write her a final check for his balance, she had stated she would email the invoice and hurriedly hung up before he could say anything else.
Sean was elated when he pulled into his driveway to see Traci’s car. He dashed to the gate to the backyard and was amazed at the beautiful scene before him. Everything was perfect just as he knew it would be thanks to Traci. The huge pergola in the center stood out and was flanked with different sections. The fire pit with the rounded couch accented by the outdoor toss pillows, which were indeed inviting, and the outdoor daybed was surrounded by the mosquito net sheers and topped with a ton of fluffy pillows was exquisite. He could nap outside all day. He strolled along the walking path that was flanked with tulips to the pergola. While everything was beautiful, there was only one thought he had in mind.
Where is Traci?
He took the path that led to the veranda and peered inside. She was seated at the table with her laptop, not realizing he was staring at her. Her hair was piled into a curly ponytail on top of her head, and her radiant skin was a deep golden-brown thanks to the late April sun. Her whimsical yet serious facial expression was poised but solemn. She was deep in thought as her hands raced along the keys. She looked up as if to contemplate something and her eyes instantly met his. They didn’t waver nor did she seem ruffled by his presence.
Smiling, he entered the veranda and sat in the chair across from her.
“I’m glad you’re still here.”
“I was just going over your invoice, making sure everything was correct before I emailed it to you. We’ve had some changes along the way from the original design plans.”
“Okay, I’ll go grab my checkbook from the safe, unless you take debit cards or prefer cash.”
Wrinkling her nose, she glanced at the screen. “Um … I doubt you have this much in cash on hand.”
He had to hold back a snicker. “I’m sure I do,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“I have a debit card slider for my cell phone. If you have a printer, I can print the invoice now since you’re here.” She pursed her lips together with a raised eyebrow.
“I know you planned on being gone before I came home, but I had a cancellation.” More like he’d skipped lunch and had his assistant call his last three clients to move their appointments up.
“Yes, I was just about to leave. My helper left right before you arrived.”
“The backyard looks amazing,” he stated sincerely. “You did a fantastic job.”
“Thank you.” She placed her eyes back on the computer screen to avoid him, but he still caught the slight blush that touched her cheeks.
“Just turn the computer around so I can see the invoice. You can email it to me later. No biggie.”
Traci swirled the computer around, and he scanned over the invoice. Everything was as they discussed except for her labor. There was a discount.
“Why am I getting a discount?” he asked in a puzzled tone.
“You assisted me.”
“Nonsense, you worked very hard. Have you seen my backyard? It’s a mini botanical garden. You designed and implemented it. No, you deserve the full amount that we discussed in the beginning, so add it back in.”
“No. When a client helps I don’t charge the full labor.”
“Now I’m just a client?”
“Yes.”
Sighing, he took his wallet out of his back pocket to retrieve his debit card and handed it to her. “Fine. Charge the amount on the invoice. I’ll be right back.”
He went through the French doors that led to the kitchen and noticed the pots on the stove. It was Thursday, so his housekeeper had stopped by to prepare his meals for the next few days and to clean. His stomach growled, but dinner could wait. Instead, he retreated to his bedroom and into his closet. Pushing one of the panels on the shoe wall, he entered a small cedar closet that held his sweaters and winter coats. He pushed aside some leather coats to a safe, opened it, and pulled out what he needed.
When he returned, Sean was relieved to see Traci still seated. For a moment, he thought surely she would try to hightail it out of there, but she was fumbling around on her laptop.
“Hey, it went through?” he asked, teasingly.
“Yes, and I emailed you the invoice and the receipt for your records.” Closing the laptop, she stood. “Well, I’m going to get going. It will be dark soon, and I need to stop for gas.”
“Aren’t you going to give me a tour of your masterpiece?”
She slid the computer into her tote bag, avoiding eye contact with him. “There’s nothing new except the roses and the bed under the pergola.”
“Are you going to explain to me how to care for all of the plants and stuff?”
“All of that is attached to the email I just sent you, and the koi pond information is in the brochure that Mr. Hua left. I saw you place it in a drawer in the kitchen.”
“Sooooo …”
“You’re all set.” She slid the bag onto her shoulder and glanced out at his yard. “I did take some pictures. Is it okay if I put them in my virtual portfolio?”
“Of course.” He handed her an envelope. “This is for you.”
Puzzled, she looked down at the envelope in her hand. “What’s this?” she asked, opening it and pulling out twenty crisp one-hundred dollar bills.
“Your tip. I always tip people that have done a service for me. Thank you. My backyard is immaculate. You created the vision I had in mind, so now when I sit out on the veranda and do paperwork or relax, I’ll have a beautiful view … heck, I can sit out there under the pergola. Chillax at the fire pit or take a nap in the outdoor bed.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re pleased with the end result and thank you for my tip even though it’s not necessary.”
“You know, speaking of the fire pit, how do we know it works?”
She gave him her are-you-kidding-me look. “I’m sure it works. You just light it.”
“And it will come on?”
Tilting her head to the side, she stepped toward him. “You do know how to light a fireplace, right?”
; “I have a gas fireplace.”
“Oh …”
“Can we go look at it before you leave?” He stepped into her personal space. “I just want to make sure it works.”
“Okay,” she answered uneasily.
“I’ll meet you out there. Gonna grab the lighter from the kitchen.”
*****
Traci sat on the rounded couch in front of the fire pit, not believing that she’d agreed to stay. Her goal was to be done and gone by the time he arrived home, but she’d wasted an hour chatting with the housekeeper, Sadie, about how to make the perfect beef stew in a Crockpot and had sampled the dinner she’d cooked for Sean. It was a succulent roasted chicken with cabbage and spicy rosemary corn along with peach cobbler. She couldn’t say no when Sadie offered.
Now here she sat, mad at herself for giving into his request. He was a grown man who should be able to light a fire pit without her help. She knew he had to be lying, especially when his smoldering gaze had landed on her when he stepped into her personal space. Now she was kicking herself for letting his smooth-talking and sexy charm make her forget she was supposed to take her money and jet before he convinced her to stay.
Her eyes spotted him strolling along the walkway. He’d taken off his suit jacket and tie. His blue shirt was unbuttoned to expose a peek of his smooth, chocolate chest. Her mouth watered at the thought of placing kisses on his skin, and she had to remind herself there couldn’t be anything between them. Her eyes zoomed into what he was carrying. In his right hand was a bottle of champagne and a bag of marshmallows, and in the other hand two champagne flutes with the lighter wedged in-between. Under his arm were two long, bamboo-like sticks.
“What’s all this?” she asked as he approached the pergola.
“Just a toast to celebrate.” He sat everything down on the table next to the couch. “So let’s get the fire going first.” He grabbed the lighter and lit the wood. “Cool. It works.”