by Nancy Fraser
Vince gave a slight bow. “In that case, what time should I be at Doris’ apartment?”
“Seven o’clock. A thank you to me wouldn’t hurt, you know. You wanted off the hook with your folks.”
“Guilty as charged. Thanks for having my back. I hope this Helen is pretty.”
“Mom said she’s a really attractive blond. Broke up with a guy not too long ago or she wouldn’t be free on a Friday night. Which makes me wonder why this Birdie is available when Mom assures me she’s nothing short of a stunning woman.”
“Doesn’t matter, because we’ll both be off the hook after tomorrow night.”
“Right you are. No matter how much we hate the evening, we can survive.”
Chapter 5
ON FRIDAY EVENING, Laura let Helen into her apartment. “You look nice. New dress?” She wished she could wear red. Helen looked so great in the color.
“This little number belonged to Anna until she gave it to me. My sister-in-law is trying to mold me into a classier dresser. Good thing my brother makes a nice salary because Anna buys the best brands.”
“But it looks so good on you.”
Helen smoothed a hand along the waist. “I have to admit, the dress feels nice. I’ll bet it would be great for dancing.” She twirled, sending the skirt flaring out. “You don’t look shabby yourself. I love that dress and emerald green is a great color for you.”
“I like that with the jacket you can’t tell it’s backless. If I had a social life, I could wear it to work and then to dinner and dancing. As it is, I wear it to work.”
“I don’t understand why you don’t have men lined up outside your door. Yes, I do, you shut down every advance a guy makes.”
“I wouldn’t if the right guy made a move. Not interested in Mr. Wrong or even Mr. Almost Right, thank you very much.”
Laura grabbed the bouquet she’d bought for Doris. “I’m surprised you brought wine. You know Doris can’t have alcohol with her medication.”
“The other three of us can. I called her to ask if I could bring anything and she suggested wine because she didn’t have any.”
“I stand corrected. Shall we go?”
They chatted as they made their way to the elevator, and then to Doris’ apartment on the sixth floor.
“I’ll ring the bell since her son is here. I’d feel weird using my key when she’s not alone.” Laura pressed the doorbell.
The door opened and Vince stood grinning at them. “Come in, little Birdie.”
Laura’s eyes widened. “You knew! Sunday in the lobby, you knew where I was headed.”
“Guilty. I’ve been savoring the secret all this week.” He took Helen’s hand. “Taking a wild guess, I’d say you’re Helen. I’m Vince Adams. Believe me when I say I am truly happy to meet you.”
Laura didn’t give Helen a chance to answer. “Why didn’t you say you knew Doris? If you weren’t my boss, I’d be very tempted to deck you.”
Still grinning, Vince held up his hands and stepped back.
A familiar baritone called from the kitchen. “Sorry to keep you ladies waiting.” He came into the living room and froze. “Laura? Are you Birdie?”
Laura nodded.
“Why does Mom think your name is Birdie?”
“It’s a nickname. Ward, why does she call you Eddie?”
Doris advanced slowly into the living room. “You two already know each other? How lovely. We can take our places at the dining table now.”
Laura and Ward stared at one another. She was vaguely aware Vince led Helen to the dining room and seated her, then sat next to her.
Laura gave herself a mental shake. “I’ll put these flowers in water for you, Doris.” She fled the room. When she’d asked about him, Doris has said her photos were still packed away. Why hadn’t she asked Doris to let her help dig out a photo of her son?
She filled a vase with water and quickly arranged the flowers. The stems should be trimmed, but she couldn’t take the time.
Ward came into the kitchen. “Can I help?”
Too embarrassed to speak, she shook her head. Her hair, usually worn tamed in a bun or chignon, fell forward to shield her face. She hoped it hid her blush.
From behind her, Ward held her shoulders gently. “Laura, I didn’t know you were Birdie. Obviously Vince figured it out, but he didn’t tell me. I knew he had something whirling in what passes for his brain, but I thought it was about something else entirely.”
“It-It’s all right.” At least, she hoped it would be.
He took the vase of flowers and set it on the kitchen counter, then turned her to face him. “Thank you for taking care of Mom. You’ve been exceptionally kind. And Helen, too. I appreciate all you’ve done.”
She stared at the V of his collarbone. “Doris is a nice woman.”
“She counts you as a good friend.”
“I hope so because I count her as one.”
His grip tightened and he stepped toward her. “Please, don’t think less of me because I wasn’t here when she needed me. If she’d told me she was injured I’d have come home immediately.”
They stood so close she had only to lean a few inches to kiss him. She forced herself to meet his gaze. “That’s why she didn’t tell you. You have a business to manage and people depending on you. She knows you can’t be here all the time. Hopefully this fall was a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
He touched the shawl collar of her jacket. “You’ve splashed water on you. I hope it won’t ruin the fabric.”
“It’ll be all right. It looks like silk, but it’s synthetic.” She removed the jacket, revealing that the halter dress had no back to the waist.
He put his hand on his heart and pretended to stagger backward. “You mean that dress has hidden under that jacket whenever I’ve seen you wear it at work? I’ll never be able to look at that ensemble again without picturing the secret it hides.”
She was able to smile. “I like versatile clothes.” She folded the jacket and draped it over her arm.
“You’ve messed with my mind, probably fried my brain.”
She rolled her eyes. “As if I would believe that.”
His playful grin changed to a solemn expression. “Laura, I have a huge favor to ask of you. It’s important that Vince and Helen go a few places together. If you’ll go along with me, I’ll explain later. Will you trust me?”
“I do trust you, Ward. But if I’d known you and Eddie were the same person, I don’t think I would have come tonight.”
“Why? You’ve made Mom very happy. You’ve made me happy.”
“You’re my boss. It’s not appropriate.” She couldn’t be like Celia the piranha and plot a trap.
“There’s nothing wrong with having dinner with a group of friends, even if one of them is your boss. The only conniving here has to do with Vince. I promise I’ll explain his story later.”
“If you’re sure.”
He took her hand. “Shall we join the others?”
“Yes, we’d better.” She loved the sensation of him linking their fingers. Now that he’d recovered from the surprise of learning she and Birdie were the same, he was more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. Even so, when they passed through the door she pulled her fingers from his.
She hung her jacket over the chair’s back then Ward seated her.
Doris’ eyes lit with excitement. “I’m so pleased you’re all here. Birdie, a funny thing happened. Helen and Vince each brought the same kind of wine. Vince opened one of the bottles.”
The meal progressed with laughter and conversation. Laura had dreaded meeting Doris’ son in case Doris tried to play matchmaker. Now that would present an even more awkward situation, but she couldn’t help enjoying herself. She was curious to hear Ward’s explanation later.
As the evening drew to a close, Ward turned to her. “Vince and I are going to get Mom a tree tomorrow. Would you and Helen come with us? I saw a lot near the grocery store.”
Laura shook her hea
d. “Oh, no, Ward, you should go to Gridley Meadows Tree Farm. They have beautiful trees and you’ll know the one you choose will be fresh.”
Helen said, “That’s right. Some of those trees at the tree lots have been cut for weeks.”
Ward looked at Laura. “Does that mean you’ll go with us?”
“Yes, I will. Helen, you should be off this weekend.”
“I’d love to shop for a tree.” She turned to Doris. “What size do you want?”
Ward patted his shirt pocket. “I have a list of specifications that is detailed enough to please the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”
Doris sent him a fond look. “You make me sound fussy, but I want this Christmas to be special.”
He kissed her cheek. “You being in Dickens will make it special for me.”
Doris laid a hand on his arm. “Carry the leftovers into the kitchen for me, will you?”
He and Vince took the food into the kitchen.
Laura and Helen stacked dishes.
Doris held up a hand. “Step away from the table this instant. I have a cleaning lady coming in the morning and she’ll dispense with the dishes. You’ve both taken care of me since I fell. You have to humor me in this.”
Vince came out of the kitchen and held up his phone. “I’d like a photo of this evening before anyone leaves. Doris, would you take a photo of us?”
Ward was right behind Vince.
“If you promise to send me a copy.” She accepted Vince’s phone. “You four stand together, women in the middle and men on the ends.”
After several shots, she gave the phone to Vince. “Now, take one of Birdie and Helen with me.”
Laura wished she had the nerve to ask for one of her and Ward. When she caught his gaze, he smiled mischievously. Could he tell what she was thinking?
Helen leaned near Laura and whispered, “Vince is seeing me home. I’ll get my car tomorrow.”
When Laura picked up her jacket and clutch purse, Ward stepped forward. “May I walk you to your apartment?”
“If you wish. Really, it’s not necessary. This is a safe building.”
“All the same, I’d like to see you home.”
He kissed Doris on the cheek. “I’ll be back to make sure you’re tucked in but I’d like to visit with Laura a little while.”
“No, son, I’ll manage myself. Helen has shown me some tricks that make things easier. She’s helped me bathe three times this week.”
He reached for his topcoat where it lay across the back of a living room chair. “You keep your cell phone with you all the time.”
“I do, now go on and see Birdie home.”
Laura kissed Doris’ cheek. “Thank you for a wonderful dinner and evening. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Doris grasped Laura’s hand. “The cleaning lady is bringing my breakfast so you don’t need to worry with that. I’ll have plenty of leftover food from dinner that I can eat for lunch and supper. Take the day off, dear.”
“In that case, I’ll go help pick your Christmas tree.”
“Me, too. Thank you for an enjoyable dinner.”
Chapter 6
AFTER LINGERING A FEW more minutes with Doris, Laura and Ward stepped into the empty elevator and she pressed the button for the second floor. “Your mother appeared to enjoy herself this evening. She mentioned she loves to entertain.”
“She does and her ability to entertain customers with a flair helped my stepfather in business. I suppose she and I have both told you he died a few months ago. She’s still grieving, of course.”
“I’m glad you moved Doris here. She’s very proud of you.”
“I’m proud of her. She hasn’t had an easy life. Oh, I don’t mean my stepfather was abusive or that they weren’t happy. She once confided that, although she loved Bob, my father had been the love of her life, her soul mate.”
“How long after your dad passed before she married your stepfather?”
“My father died when I was five and she married Bob when I was almost nine. In between the two, we lived with my grandparents.”
“She’s a great person. Although I’m sorry she was injured, I’m so pleased we met and we’re friends.” She unlocked the door to her apartment and closed the door as soon as he was inside.
She faced him. “All right, Ward Callahan, start explaining.”
He tossed his overcoat over a chair. “May I at least sit down?”
She took his coat and hung it in the closet. “Certainly, but start talking.”
He sat on the couch and stretched out his long legs, crossed at the ankles. “You’re a hard woman, Laura Jordan.” His smile took away any sting the words might have carried.
He caught her hand and pulled her to sit beside him. “I didn’t much care for my grandfather, but he taught me a lot. I started online trading when I was in high school. By the time I graduated at eighteen, I had a quarter of a million dollars.”
“Wow! That is impressive. When most college students are short of money you started with a nice fat bank account.” She motioned for him to continue. In spite of her being amazed, she wanted to hear more of his story.
“I met Vince when we were roommates in our first semester of college. We hit it off right away and roomed together all through school. Before we graduated, we already had our business plan and website and a few customers.”
“Again, that’s impressive, but what does this have to do with eating together and choosing a Christmas tree?”
“Hey, have patience, I’m getting there. Vince and I are more like brothers than just friends, and more like brothers than he is with his actual brother, Mark. Vince was engaged to a girl from his hometown, Gail. They were supposed to be married in May. He went to visit his parents and her for Easter and Gail broke the engagement. She had decided to marry Mark.”
“Oh, poor Vince, but better to find out before the wedding.”
He half-turned so he could face her and put his arm on the back of the couch. “That’s what I told him. I didn’t like Gail but I’ve never admitted that to him. Anyway, his parents are after him to come for Christmas. You can understand he has no interest in seeing Gail and Mark together. So, he told his mom he had a girl here and wanted to spend Christmas with her and her family. Only he doesn’t have a girl.”
“I’m listening, but I think I see where this is going.”
His fingers threaded through her hair. “When his mom grilled him for details about the girl, he panicked. He’d just talked to my mom and she’d raved about Helen. Vince said his girl’s name was Helen and she was a nurse.”
Laura didn’t know if he was conscious of touching her hair so she didn’t move. “Oh, that’s the reason for the photo, so he can send his mom proof.”
“You are a clever woman. So, see, if we can go a few places and get a few photos, then his mom will be convinced. After Christmas, they can have a sad breakup.”
Forgetting his fingers held her hair, she shook her head. “That’s very well for him but what if Helen falls for him? I don’t want her to be hurt.”
“What if he falls for her? What if they fall in love? What if they marry and have a dozen kids? All I want is to give him a chance to skip his parents’ house for the holidays. Whatever else happens is up to them.”
“That’s fine but they don’t need us along. Ward, if we go places with them, coworkers are bound to find out.”
“So? I really enjoyed the four of us at dinner this evening. I don’t see the harm in us having fun picking out a tree with our best friends, going ice skating, dining out, that sort of harmless activity. We’re over twenty-one and can go out with anyone we choose.”
“Independently, I agree. But you’re my boss and I shouldn’t go out with you. It makes anything I say at work that you agree with suspect. A couple of people at work already dislike me and would love any excuse to discredit me.”
Oh no, she shouldn’t have mentioned the last part. She tried to be a team player in spite of what she’d done to John in t
hat one meeting. She even ate lunch with Celia most days except when she’d been coming to bring Doris her noon meal.
“Don’t worry about John or Celia. Vince and I are not that happy with those two. Even though they’re reasonably good at their jobs, they don’t have your instincts.”
He slapped a hand to his forehead. “Damn, I should never have said that. I must have had more wine than I realized.”
Relieved to learn he didn’t like the people she didn’t like, Laura grinned at him. “Said what, Ward?”
“Thank you.” He brushed his hand across her hair. “Are more of your suits like this one? I mean cocktail dresses masquerading as business wear?”
“The black one and the pale blue one are. Before I actually started work but after you’d hired me, I had the mistaken idea that I would be expected to be at cocktail parties or dinners to help entertain clients. I went a little crazy when buying clothes.”
“Good thing you mentioned entertaining clients. I’ve been remiss in that area recently. My stepfather dying, settling his estate, and getting my mom moved kept me from my normal social efforts for months. Good thing Vince was willing to take the helm for me and at least take a few clients to dinner.”
“Which brings up another question—if it’s your company, how does it work that you call Vince your partner?”
“He insisted on putting up some of the capital to start the company, but he didn’t have as much as I did to invest. Technically, he owns a fourth interest, but I consider him a full partner. We conceived the business together and worked out all the details.”
“Do you have a formal, written contract between you?”
“We do.” His blue eyes appeared to assess her. “You’re so attractive it’s easy to forget you’re also a sharp businesswoman. You remind me often, though.”
“I think that was a compliment. If so, thank you.”
“It was.” He stood. “Reluctantly, I’d better get out of here. We have a busy day planned for tomorrow.”
“I’ll get your coat.” She opened the tiny coat closet and handed him his topcoat.