by Mimi Barbour
*****
“Hey! You can't just run out of here without an encore!” Mary said to Cara and Lance two hours later as they were ready to head out. “I've got a few requests for a Christmas duet from the two of you. You both stole the show tonight.”
“By few, you mean you're pleading everyone to ask us for a duet?” Lance teased.
“No. I'm serious. Come on. Do Sleigh Ride or something. Please? Then you can go if you must. I really don't want either of you to. Cara, keep this guy so I can have someone to hang out with when the boys get all macho again.” Mary clapped her hands together in a pleading gesture.
Cara laughed. Everyone thought they were dating, and while she didn't know if this was an actual date, she definitely wasn't sure if she'd come back around again. “Hey, I ruined this one's macho moves when I went up on stage singing.” Lance had told her he'd lost his match with his friend when he paid more attention to her than anything else. Secretly, she took pride in that.
“That was supposed to be a secret!” he admonished playfully. “Are you up for a duet?”
“Sure.” The first time she went up on stage, nerves almost forced her to stop. This time, she was full of karaoke adrenaline and couldn't wait to get up there with Lance.
“We've got one more karaoke treat! Lance and Cara are dueting!” Mary called out as she set the song for them. They each took a microphone and stepped up on their makeshift stage. The music began. Cara held back a laugh as Lance did a funny dance, wiggling his eyebrows at her. He kept moving. Even though he wasn't putting a whole lot of effort into serious dancing, Lance was really good. He sang well, too. A few times, he'd move close to her and loop his arm through hers. Instead of facing the audience, Lance always kept his eyes on her. She was captivated by him and didn't face the crowd, either. Her heart raced at a crazy rate. Cara nearly lost her grip on the microphone as Lance continued to wow everyone- including her, with his incredible stage presence. By the end, they were only inches apart, arms entwined as they sang the last notes of the song. At that moment, she realized she wouldn't mind taking a sleigh ride together with Lance.
Everyone's applause filled the room. For what seemed like an eternity, Lance didn't move, and neither did she. They should hand the microphones back to Mary and go. When the eye contact broke and Lance moved away, disappointment surged through Cara. Wow. She covered her chest with her hand as blood thundered in her ears.
“You guys were awesome! Lance, I don't know where you found this gal, but you need to keep her!” Carl stood between the two as they stepped off the stage. “Thanks for coming tonight. Merry Christmas.”
After about ten minutes of good-byes, Lance took Cara by the hand and they left the warm building. “You made tonight so much better. I'm glad I asked, and even more ecstatic that you said yes,” he said softly as they stood in front of his car. “Do you have to be home by a certain time? I mean, for the kids?”
“Tess is keeping them all night. She usually does if I go out late, because Alex falls asleep and hates to be woken up.” Did he have something else in mind?
“Great. So, do you want to go for a cup of coffee or something? Talk? Get to know each other a little more. I'd love to find out what other hidden talents you have.” He grinned. “Although I do need to stop at the house and check on Frenzy. No, I swear that's not me trying to pick you up and take you home. I realize how that sounded immediately.”
Cara giggled. She loved it when he got nervous, too. It took the worry away from her own mixed feelings. “I didn't take it that way, don't worry. Yeah, I'd love to continue our night.” Did she ever. After that electrifying stage performance, she was ever so curious about this man.
Their conversation in the car was different this time, much more open and less awkward. Cara loved that she'd been able to see different sides of Lance tonight and know that there was one of them he rarely showed, but had to her. It made her want to know so much more. He was also the type to like physical contact at random times when they talked. She wasn't sure if he knew how much he'd been doing so, and she'd definitely bet he had no idea how much she craved it. A simple touch meant a lot to her.
Lance's two story house sat on a corner lot. She couldn't see much of it and didn't know the color scheme, since it was so dark, but the front lawn was well kept. A large tree sat in the middle, and she noticed a swing on the tiny front porch. He unlocked the large oak door and opened it, gesturing to Cara as he flipped on the light. “I'll just take care of Frenzy real quick and we can grab that coffee.”
“You have a nice house!” She stood in the middle of the living room, taking in the sights. Like his car, the house was organized and almost spotless, but she'd bet it had to do with Lance not being home so much with Tamara in the hospital. No way could he keep it so clean with a five year old in tow. No way.
“It's not always this organized. Tornado Tamara hasn't gotten a hold of it in a while,” he admitted. “I can't wait for it to be a mess again. It means she'll be home with me. Be right back.” Lance strode down the hallway.
Cara studied the living room. There were photos everywhere, many of him with his daughter, and a few with a woman she presumed to be his late wife. She was pretty. Bright smile, simple makeup. She had the same chestnut brown hair that Tamara did, with almond shaped light brown eyes. Her gaze landed on a wedding photo. Lance looked happy. She wondered how his wife died. Feeling like she was snooping, Cara took a few steps back from the shelf of photos and sat on the couch instead. The dark blue upholstery didn't match the rest of the beige and white in the living room. The couch stuck out like a sore thumb. From her spot, Cara continued to look at the pictures, feeling better for doing so from a farther vantage point.
“Well, he's got food and water still. Frenzy's doing what he does best- second best, actually. He's sleeping on Tamara's bed. He misses her.” Lance returned moments later. “I keep forgetting to put him in his cage when I'm not home. I'm not used to him being back. He's like a kid- I moved him and he barely stirred. He's set back in his cage now.”
She tore her gaze away from the photos. “Do you know when she'll get to come home for sure yet?”
He jingled his keys. “No, but I can't wait for the hospital stay to be done with. Having Tamara home will be so much better.”
“How old is she? How much school is she missing?”
“She's five, so she's missing kindergarten days. But Tamara's an exceptional student, so I'm sure she'll catch up. Ready to go?”
He had a nervous twitch and Cara didn't know why. She jumped to her feet, wanting to ask him about it. She didn't want to pry. “I'm ready.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Thank you for the wonderful evening,” Cara said to Lance an hour later. They stood on her front porch. She hadn't gone inside yet, and Lance didn't want her to. That would mean ending a good night. It would mean going home to an empty house. It would mean not knowing what happened next for them. He reached for her hands and curled his fingers with hers. Tonight turned out perfect.
“It was my pleasure. I can't tell you how much it meant to me that you said yes. My favorite parts from tonight were when you read the story with my daughter. Oh, and your karaoke moment.” He smiled, thinking back to Cara opening up to sing, and then their duet. The way her eyes lit up while hitting difficult notes in the song. All the way around, he'd enjoyed getting to see a new side to this already intriguing woman.
“Well, if we're talking about favorite parts, then here's mine. My favorite part was learning you only share your vulnerable side with certain people. Somehow, I'm one of those, and it's actually helped me with some feelings.” Cara's lashes lowered, but only for a second.
Lance stared at her lips, wanting to kiss her. Her lipstick had already faded. He stopped short at her words. “I don't know why I can share that side with you so well.”
“You want to come in?” she asked shyly.
“Love to.” He let go of one hand so she could open the door. Once inside, L
ance closed the distance between them. Wrapping his arms around her, he breathed in her lilac scent. “I think while we come up with our pet custody arrangement, it gives you and I time to get to know each other.”
Cara's eyelids fluttered. “I'd like that.” She rested one of her hands on his shoulder.
“I want to kiss you, Cara.” He uttered before taking the plunge. Consider this his good night kiss, even though he'd come inside. He'd been thinking about it all night- debating back and forth of whether he would or wouldn't. Lance deepened the kiss when Cara's response was positive, but stopped himself before allowing it to go further. “You taste like mocha.” He broke the silence, sliding her a wry grin. She tasted amazing, and had been completely into the kiss. He wouldn't mind doing it again.
She giggled. “Wonder why.”
“Might be because I bought you one.” He didn't kiss her again, but Lance still held her in his arms. Standing in the middle of her living room, his mind raced. How did things escalate this quick? How did almost every thought revolve around this woman?
“Why did you kiss me if you aren't looking for a relationship?” she blurted, quickly stepping out of his embrace.
Lance blanched. Yeah, he deserved that one, didn't he? “Because I like you. Simple, but complicated. There's so much to consider for a relationship.”
“Like how the kids will react.” Cara tilted her head. She made her words as a statement, not a question. She understood.
“That's one. I already know my daughter likes you. If I know my mother, she's planning your place as daughter-in-law in the family.” An image of Cara, Shelly and Alex sitting around the dinner table with the family filled his mind.
“I love a close knit family,” Cara mused. She suggested they move to the couch. He quickly followed, curious of her statement. By the tone in her voice, he gathered she never had a good family relationship.
“Tell me about you,” Lance pleaded, keeping enough distance between them when sitting as to not overwhelm her. All he wanted was to gather her close again. He'd been very bold all night, though he'd been touch and go with what he wanted to do. His mind and body played a huge battle of tug-o-war.
“I don't come from a close family like yours. In fact, it was just me and my father for years until he passed. I'm not close with my former in-laws. They call occasionally to ask about the kids, but that's about it. It's just me, Shelly, and Alex now.” Cara avoided eye contact as she ran her nails along the side of the couch. The subject must be difficult. No wonder she'd been so overwhelmed. At least in his case, he had people around to help.
He couldn't imagine not having family nearby. Even though he was the only one with a child, the Rossiter clan had always been close, which was probably why Ma had the urge to see him date again. She wanted more grandkids around, and she wanted Lance to be happy. Ma had never approved of Lauren 100%, but she'd respected his choices.
“How did you meet your late husband?” he asked, honestly curious. The question remained unasked about how he'd hurt his family. Shelly's comments really got to him.
“At a concert. He spilled his beer on me. We married a year later.” Cara met his stare when she answered.
“Concert. Was it yours?” He teased.
“Ha, no. I don't sing professionally. I karaoke- well used to, every so often.” She picked up am embroidered couch pillow and toyed with it.
“I'm sure glad I got to hear your hidden talent tonight.” Lance studied the pillow. “Did you make that?”
“This? No. Shelly did, actually. She's good at the crafty stuff. Me, not so much.” Cara held up the pillow. “If I made this, all these beads and stitches would be popping out. I'm not sure where she got her creative craft side from- certainly not me!”
“SuperMom can't be good at everything,” he joked, shifting to face her.
“What about you, SuperDad?” Cara shot back. “What's your story? What else are you good at? You've got graphic design, Elvis karaoke, and flattering women about being a SuperMom.”
“I have to correct you. Woman, not women. I don't give credit unless it's due.” His lips curved up in a smile. “To answer your question, making you blush from a compliment, apparently.” When she reddened again, Lance pulled her closer. “I'm good at...” He thought about it. “I'm good at creating things. I guess that's why I went into graphic design. It comes natural. And SuperDad? Really?” He didn't know about that one. Lance gave his all, but it never felt like enough.
“How did you meet your late wife?” She stifled a yawn, avoiding the SuperDad reply.
“Work. Lauren was also a graphic artist. We kind of clicked, dated for a few months, then had Tamara.” They'd never really had a chance to bond romantically. His marriage to Lauren had been based on physical attraction more than anything, and if they tried to find emotional connections, they'd come up short. Not like he did with Cara-.
Whoa. He should not be comparing the two. Technically, he wasn't. Lance only compared the difference in feelings. Still, it wasn't a place he wanted to go.
“How did she die?”
Lance closed his eyes, thinking about the question. Painful memories erupted, slamming into him in waves.
Cara immediately sat up. “Don't answer that. I'm getting tired, and my mouth gets the better of me. None of my business.” Her eyes went wide.
“It's okay. I like the uncut version of you,” He half-teased, then let out a sigh. “She died in a sky diving accident with her brother.”
Cara gasped and her hand flew over her mouth.
“Lauren had a bit of a wild side. Carefree, sometimes reckless. She had a spontaneous streak that proved to be dangerous. We fought about it a lot, because I'm more cautious. Sometimes she did crazy things right in front of Tamara, and later I'd catch my daughter doing a child's version of what her mother did.”
“Ooh...” Cara cringed. “Not good.”
“Yeah. In fact, the morning before she went sky diving, we had an argument over it. That's the last thing my daughter heard between her mother and I before Lauren never came home.” Lance looked away. He'd never told anyone this, either. It felt really good to get it off his chest. “So you'll definitely come to my parents' for dinner one night?” Time for a change in conversation. The talk of Lauren and all the feelings surrounding their relationship and her death got to him.
Cara hesitated.
His heart sank. Was this too much already? Did she not feel the way he did?
“Alex isn't always good in other people's houses,” she finally responded. “Sometimes if his routine is off, it gets him frustrated, leading to the emotional overload.”
Lance sympathized with her. “He already knows me a little and has done well.”
“Well enough.” Cara caught her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Give it some thought. Ma is really good with kids, and I bet she'd have a blast with Alex. Shelly, too. Unlike people in public, there won't be any judging if Alex doesn't do well,” he promised, remembering her habit of always watching her surroundings and people. It was easy to brush off feelings and say he didn't care what others thought, but in a society always up in your business with their judgmental accusations, Lance knew why Cara had such hesitance. It wasn't fair, but the best he could do was show her not everyone would be that way.
“Lance...” she said softly, straightening in her seat. He waited for another turn down, but Cara's next words surprised him. “I accept your invitation. Name the date and time and I'll see what we can do.”
*****
“I think by the end of the weekend, Tamara can go home,” the doctor stated to Lance with a smile the next morning.
“Great news!” Instant relief flooded him. Things would get so much better from here. “Hear that, Princess? You'll get to be home soon!”
“Then I can sleep in my own bed! And I can see Frenzy!” Tamara's mood perked up immediately. She'd been tired all morning as doctors, nurses, and family interrupted her sleep.
“We'll
need to have a few follow up appointments, but your daughter has definitely made a great recovery.” The doctor waved from the doorway. “I'll be back to check on you in a little while.”
“So how did last night go?” his mother asked when the doctor was out of earshot.
Lance didn't answer right away, but he thought about how well last night had gone. The party had been perfect. Cara up on stage singing, then when they sang together. Talking so comfortably as if they were long time friends. How he could easily consider wanting more- no, he already did want more. He played the whole night on repeat as he tried to sleep after going home.
“By the expression on your face, I see it went very well.” Ma smirked.
“We didn't do anything like that, just so you know,” Lance stated.
She held her hands up. “Never said you did, and I don't want to know about that, anyway. She seems kind of shy.”
“She is, to a point. I think with her son's delays, Cara is very leery of people. It's made her confidence level come down. From the sounds of it, her late husband didn't help matters any, but she hasn't said a lot about it.”