“Where’d you go after college?” Max asked.
She was quiet. Now you care where I went? Not one word from him to see how she was doing after she lost the baby. Not even an email.
“Daze?”
She couldn’t let him know how much she still hurt over that. “I lived on a kibbutz in Israel for two years.”
He laughed. “You? The city girl? You’re not even Jewish.”
She glanced sideways at him. “Doesn’t matter. It was nice. Communal living combined with hard work. I needed that.”
“What else?” Max asked. “Catch me up on your life.”
She exhaled sharply and stared into the fire. “Not much to tell. I traveled a bit, worked, lived in the city for a while, though living in the city isn’t much fun when you don’t have money. I racked up serious credit card debt trying to keep up with my friends who had real jobs.”
“What job did you have?”
“You name it. Dog groomer assistant, hostess, telemarketer, retail at a high-end boutique, assistant to a bestselling author, receptionist, waitress.”
“Wow.” She glanced over just as Max pried Bryce’s fist out of his hair and substituted his finger. “Rogue TV was my first job after college. I got an internship and worked my way up to producer.”
Despite herself, she was curious about his life. “Travel?”
They’d always talked about the travel they wanted to do—shouting at the top of Machu Picchu, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, getting their picture taken in front of the Seven Wonders of the World.
“A bit,” Max said. “On vacations. Florida Keys. California to visit a friend in L.A.”
She crinkled her nose. “That’s it? You had total freedom. So disappointing.”
Max played a silent peek-a-boo with Bryce a few times before speaking. “I can help you get rid of that debt and have a real career.”
She looked at him warily. “Doing what?”
“You were great on camera. I can help you go further. Get you a few more talk shows, some endorsement deals, national commercials.”
She raised a brow. “Yeah? I was pretty nervous at first.”
“You took to it like a duck to water. Could you just picture you and Bryce in a Huggies commercial?”
She smiled hugely over that possibility. Bryce would be adorable in a diaper commercial. As long as he wasn’t red in the face from crying.
Max went on. “We could make the Daisy name into a brand that says charming and fun mother does it all. Just say the word. I’d love to work with you.”
Daisy shifted uncomfortably. Something about his tone implied he’d like more from her. But she couldn’t deny the appeal of what he offered—money, a real career. “That’s kind of you. I’ll think about it.”
He turned to her. “It’s not kindness. You could really go places. Parlay something big out of this blogging deal you’ve got going. You ever in the city?”
“Not much anymore.”
He fished a card out of his pocket and placed it in her hand, his fingers touching her hand longer than necessary. She snapped her fist shut around it. “Stop by my office. We’ll have lunch and talk.”
She bit her lip. “It sounds tempting.”
“I really think you’ve got what it takes. You could have a future in TV. I could make it happen.”
“You really think so?” The idea was so far-fetched, but she’d be a fool to turn it down.
“I know so.” He tousled Bryce’s fluffy blond hair and handed him back. Then he was gone, leaving her to marvel over the possibilities for her and Bryce.
Chapter Twelve
Trav held Bryce on his lap while he and Daisy sat in front of the fire. He felt content for the first time in a long time. Until Daisy came out with, “Max says I could have a future in TV.”
“And you believe him?” Trav asked, keeping his voice low. He knew when a guy was making moves on his woman.
“Why wouldn’t I?” she asked, her voice rising in agitation.
He lowered his hand to remind her of the nearness of the crew.
“He says I’m great on camera,” she whispered. “My blog has a huge following. He says I could do more talk shows, maybe even commercials.” She gasped. “Can you imagine if I got my own talk show? How cool would that be?”
“That would be cool, but unlikely. He just wants to get in your pants.”
“Thanks a lot,” Daisy huffed. “Obviously you don’t think I have what it takes. Max believes in me.”
He raised a brow. “Why did you break up again?”
Daisy stroked Bryce’s hair and stared into the fire for a moment. “We were too young. Too much, too fast. Getting married at eighteen was a huge mistake. He realized it first and called it off after two weeks.”
He winced. “Ouch.”
“No, it’s fine. He did the right thing. Can you imagine? I’d already be married for fifteen years by now. I could have a teen…” She lifted her chin. “It was for the best.”
Rage poured through him. He wanted to wring that slimy bastard’s neck. “Were you pregnant?” he asked softly.
“I lost the baby,” she whispered. “Max left right after. Guess he didn’t actually love me after all.”
Realization hit Trav like a hammer. This was why Daisy was always pushing him away. She feared he’d walk out too.
“I’d never abandon you and Bryce,” he said. “No matter what. You can count on that.”
Her eyes searched his. He gazed steadily back. She looked away, chewing on her bottom lip.
She didn’t believe him. Fucking Max had really screwed things up for him. Trav didn’t know how to show her he meant what he said. He was already marrying her. Only time would prove him right.
“I just wish you believed in me,” she finally said. “It would help if my husband was supportive of my career.”
“It’s not you I don’t believe in, it’s Max. Do what you want. Just don’t expect much.”
She stood and said frostily, “I’m going to see if your grandmother needs any help.”
What did he say wrong? Max was the one who walked out on her, and suddenly he’s the bad guy?
~ ~ ~
The storm gave Daisy a much-needed delay from her wedding. By five o’clock, it was clear no one was going anywhere. The crew took down their equipment and stashed it to one side of the living room. Then they went to the basement and hauled all of Maggie’s furniture back into place. Jessica insisted that her host and guest chairs remain in the room.
It was getting dark outside. The house had only a few working lights in the kitchen, bathrooms, living room, and Maggie’s bedroom. A few flashlights were lit and strategically placed, along with some candles.
“Looks like we’re stuck here,” Jessica said as everyone congregated in the living room. “Daisy, could you heat up one of those prepared meals you make for dinner? I’d love to try it. Maybe we could work that into the piece. You could give us the recipe to share with our viewers.”
Daisy worked for a poker face. She had talked about making dinners ahead on her blog, rhapsodizing about the time savings and the more leisurely weekday, family meals. She’d stolen the idea from her mom, but hadn’t actually done it herself. It had sounded like a perfect mom kind of thing to do.
Daisy stood. “Sure, let me just check what I have left in the freezer.”
Jessica, Trav, and Max followed her into the kitchen.
Daisy opened the freezer. Oh, Maggie. Looked like hers at home. Mostly empty, except for some ice cream, ice cubes, and what looked like a slice of Maggie and Jorge’s wedding cake. She turned. “Looks like we already went through our prepared meals.”
Jessica narrowed her eyes. “I thought you did that every Sunday.”
“Yes, and it’s Friday,” Daisy said. “We already ate my vegetable lasagna and extra meatloaf with mashed potatoes.”
“Her meatloaf is awesome,” Trav chimed in.
Yes, and it’s homemade from Garner’s.
/>
Jessica studied them for a moment and turned to Max. “So what do we feed everyone, Mr. Producer?”
“Daze, do you have enough food?” Max asked.
“More than enough,” Trav said. “The pantry’s stocked. We’ll come up with something.”
“I’m beginning to think Trav is the secret housewife behind Daisy Does It All,” Jessica said.
“We prefer the term homemaker,” Trav said, batting his eyes.
“Domestic diva,” Daisy said. “That’s what I say on my blog.”
“Guys can’t be divas,” Trav said. “What would you call me? Divo?”
She snorted. “Yes, you’re the domestic divo.”
“No, you are, honey.”
She leaned in, hands on his chest, and touched noses. “No, you are, sweetie.”
Trav kissed her gently. Daisy pulled back, surprised he’d kiss her so sweetly in front of Jessica and Max. It wasn’t like they were still performing for the interview.
Jessica rolled her eyes. “Save it for the cameras.”
The doorbell rang.
“Now who could that be in a blizzard?” Jessica asked, heading for the door. Max followed closely behind.
“Good save,” Daisy said under her breath to Trav.
“I’m good for more than just a quick lay.”
She gave him a playful shove. “Trav!”
“What?” He tipped her chin up. “Let me show you what else I’m good for.”
He dipped his head slowly. She closed her eyes. What am I doing? Hello, lust never got you anywhere.
She pulled back and turned to go. “You’re trouble.”
He snagged her around the waist and pulled her close so her back was to his front. His voice vibrated in her ear. “Trouble used to be my middle name, but now I like to go by Magic Fingers. For obvious reasons.”
Her laugh died in her throat as his large, warm hands slowly moved over her hips, her waist, the sides of her breasts. She didn’t move, her breasts aching for his touch, when Maggie’s voice rang out from the living room.
“Hey, you two! Come on in. You look like popsicles.”
Daisy leaped away from him and went to see who it was. Trav trying to seduce her was a major distraction at a time when she really needed to focus on being the perfect Daisy from her blog. She didn’t want to slip up. They were supposed to be married for a year and a half. Did married people touch and flirt so much in front of other people, or were they so used to each other it was more casual? She suspected it was the casual thing. She’d have to talk to him about it.
Liz and Ryan stood in the living room, their faces red from the cold. They must have walked over from Ryan’s house only a few blocks away. Bryce immediately reached out for Liz from where he sat in Maggie’s arms.
Liz scooped him up and kissed his cheek.
“It’s bad out there,” Ryan said. “We just wanted to see if you were good to go. Looks like you got the generator running.”
“We’re good,” Trav said. “How’s yours working?”
“Great. I tested it last week when I heard the forecast and doubled down on fuel.”
The brothers talked fuel supplies while Daisy went to give her sister a hug. Liz handed Bryce over, who promptly tangled his fist in Daisy’s hair.
“How’re you doing for food?” Liz asked. “We’re stocked enough for the whole family, right down to the toilet paper. I’m so glad I’ve been preparing extra meals on Sundays. Now that I’m cooking for two, I have to plan ahead.”
Daisy smiled. It was so cute how Liz took cooking so seriously now that she was living with Ryan. Her sister had probably been preparing extra meals since the first day of winter for just such an occasion.
Jessica thrust herself between them and pumped Liz’s hand. “Hi, Liz, I’m Jessica Larsen from Mornings with Jessica. I couldn’t help but overhear that you also prepare extra meals on Sundays. Were both of you sisters raised to do that?”
Liz’s eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Daisy and caught her quick nod. “Absolutely. Our mother spent every Sunday cooking a few healthy meals ahead. We didn’t always want to eat restaurant food.”
“Family tradition,” Daisy said.
Jessica raised a brow. “Interesting.”
Maggie joined them. “Liz, now that you’re here, would you mind if we sent some of the crew your way for the night? Trains aren’t running, and the roads are bad. We’ve got ten people, not including the four of us and Bryce, and only four beds.”
Jessica stalked off to where Max stood at the other side of the room, holding his cell up to the window. Probably trying to get some bars to make a phone call.
“Absolutely,” Liz said. “We’ve got three empty bedrooms and a sofa bed. I can set up some air mattresses and sleeping bags.”
Trav piped up. “I’ll get the extra sleeping bags out of Gran’s place.”
“We’re calling Trav’s place mine,” Maggie whispered. “Jorge and I will stay there.”
“Hey, everybody!” Daisy called over the chatter from the crew. After they quieted down, she asked, “Anyone want to spend the night at my sister’s place a few blocks from here? They’ve got air mattresses and sleeping bags.”
“We’re staying here,” Jessica announced, hitching her thumb in Max’s direction.
Max gave Daisy a little wave. Daisy’s stomach dropped. What does Max want from me? I already said he was forgiven. Move on.
The crew talked amongst themselves, working out who would go where.
“I’ve got s’mores,” Liz said.
That settled it for the crew.
The doorbell rang again. This time it was Shane. Daisy smiled and went to greet him. She loved Shane. He was a total sweetheart, a little shy and prone to blushing red enough to match his hair. He was a big guy, like Ryan, but with a belly from all the ice cream taste-testing he did as a gourmet ice cream maker.
“Cold enough for ya?” Shane asked cheerfully. “Hey, little guy.”
Bryce bounced excitedly in Daisy’s arms.
“Good to see you,” Daisy said, reaching up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.
Shane smiled, revealing dimples. “You too.”
Trav clapped him on the back. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”
“Can I camp out here?” Shane asked. “My apartment is freezing. I brought cinnamon ice cream.” He held up two bags.
“I told you to get a generator, doofus,” Trav said.
“It’s not that easy to set up a generator on a second-floor apartment on Main Street,” Shane replied. He lived in the apartment over Shane’s Scoops.
“Of course you can stay,” Daisy put in.
Trav took the bags. “You’ve got to be kidding about the ice cream. It’s freezing out.”
“We can make ice cream cookie sandwiches,” Shane said. “One of the bags has pumpkin cookies. I got those bad boys out of the oven just before the power went.”
Daisy’s mouth watered. She gave Shane a smacking kiss on the cheek. “You are a dream. Some girl’s going to snatch you up and be very lucky she did.”
Shane blushed scarlet. “Thanks, Daisy,” he mumbled.
Trav rolled his eyes.
“Too bad the talk show people got stuck in this,” Shane said, raising a hand in greeting to them.
“Most of them are headed to Liz and Ryan’s place,” Daisy said. “We’ll definitely have room for you.”
Shane smiled. “Great, thanks.”
Arrangements were worked out. A few of the crew wavered between ice cream sandwiches or s’mores, but then Liz’s offer of hot chocolate cooked over Ryan’s camp stove tipped the scale in her favor. The entire crew went with Liz and Ryan. Maggie and Jorge headed to Trav’s place with a bottle of merlot, and Trav left to get his generator running for them. That left Daisy with Bryce, Shane, Max, who refused to leave, and Jessica, who informed them she wouldn’t trudge three blocks in a blizzard no matter what food was involved, and she refused to share a room. How cozy
.
~ ~ ~
While Shane whipped up ice cream cookie sandwiches for them, Max sat with Bryce in the dining room, where Bryce was happily playing with a spoonful of ice cream, smearing it all over his high chair tray. Daisy got stuck in the kitchen with Jessica.
“You’re supposed to be the queen of healthy family meals,” Jessica said. “Surely you have something I can eat in here that doesn’t have a thousand calories of sugar and fat.”
“Of course I do,” Daisy said, forcing a cheerful tone. Shane turned from where he was scooping ice cream across the room and gave her a sympathetic look.
Daisy opened the pantry with Jessica at her side.
“This is what you eat?” Jessica asked. “Prunes, prune juice, All-Bran…Milano cookies?”
“High fiber is very healthy,” Daisy said. “And we also have lots of canned fruit. How about some peaches?” She pulled out a can of sliced peaches in heavy syrup.
Jessica sighed. “I guess it’ll have to do. But rinse off all that syrup. I gotta say this isn’t what I expected from reading your blog. In fact, a lot of what I’ve seen and heard doesn’t quite match your blog persona. Why do you think that is?”
“I have no idea. Maybe the difference between reading about someone and meeting them for the first time in real life.” Daisy went for flattery as a redirect. “I’m sure you get that all the time. Fans who feel like they know you from your show and are totally starstruck when they meet you in real life.”
Jessica stood a little straighter. “True. I have had some fans that were quite overwhelmed, but I assure them I’m just a regular Jane like they are.”
“Of course!” Daisy searched through a few drawers for the can opener. “But even better than just a plain Jane. You look even more beautiful in real life than on the screen.”
Jessica preened. “You think so?”
“Absolutely.”
Shane discreetly pointed Daisy toward the can opener.
“Thank you,” Jessica said. “You’re so pretty too. Who does your hair?”
Daisy pulled out the can opener and pried open the can. “That’s all me. With a little help from Pantene.” She tossed her hair dramatically.
“No, really.”
Shane chuckled.
“Really,” Daisy said. She dumped the rinsed peaches in a bowl and handed it to Jessica. “There you go.”
Daisy Does It All (Clover Park, Book 2) Contemporary Romance (The Clover Park Series) Page 11