Ari’s tummy clenched, she’d never have her moment with her Dad. Her parents had been gone for five years. Blinking to rid the moisture from her own eyes, she turned to go into the office and complete her file. Her part was over. The remainder of the day was Darlene and the rest of the group’s duty.
How much more would it mean to her when the bride wore her creation? Somehow she had to convince the tight fisted Gertrude of the benefits to the salon to have their own line.
Classic Manhattan dresses by Ari. It had a nice ring to the name. Her designs would have classic stories of love.
“Day-dreaming again?”
Ari shot off the edge of her chair, the wheels carrying it across to the window. Her butt connecting with the floor, a second time in two days, she turned to glare at the intruder.
“Damn it, Darlene do you have to scare the crap out of me every time you come to my office?
“It’s much too fun to quit. There’s something different about you. It started yesterday. What happened?”
Ari could hardly say she’d met a dress. She gripped the edge of the desk to pull herself up, while she thought of an explanation.
Darlene didn’t give her time, she answered her own question. “Hold it. I know you kicked Conner out on his ear finally.”
“Sort of.”
Darlene took the chair across for her desk. Ari retrieved hers, sat and scooted to the desk.
“Explain, is he gone or not?”
“Not. He’s staying with me.”
Darlene’s face was a picture of confusion, “What? So where does the ‘sort of’ come in?”
“I’m not sure exactly how it happened. One minute he was storming out, a completely different Conner than I’d ever known. Guilt washed over me and I found him and talked him into coming back.”
Darlene’s eyes widened, she shifted to lean over the desk, then they narrowed. “That doesn’t even make sense. Yesterday you wanted him gone.”
“Conner has issues that stem from his childhood. Things I don’t really want to know about. I do want to help him if I can, though.” Inhaling a large breath, she closed her eyes and when she opened them, she saw the concern shining from Darlene’s. “Remember how I met Conner? It was right after I got the news about my brother.”
Darlene grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I remember. I thought he used your grief to serve his own agenda. Though I could never figure out what it was.”
“Don’t worry about me. I was the one who used Conner to forget my grief and I sent him a mixed message. If I find it’s too much for me, I’ll see if I can get him some professional advice.”
Darlene leaned into her chair, tilted her head. “Promise?”
“Yes. I promise.” Ari set her computer to sleep, then snapped the file closed. “Don’t you have wedding duties?”
Darlene glanced at her wrist and flew to her feet, knocking the front of the desk in the process. Ari threw her hand out in case the monitor fell when it wobbled.
“Sorry.”
Ari stared at the empty doorway after she’d gone. Even though Gertrude was a grump, she loved working with Darlene and the rest of the crew. Truth time; Gertrude was gruff around the edges, but she loved Classic Manhattan and all who helped her baby.
She’d forgotten to ask Darlene about her nephew’s game. If his team had won, her friend would have bragged. Ari could find a fun game to watch even if she didn’t know anyone on the team. Maybe she’d come up with another story for a design. She’d almost finished the dress Bella had inspired.
Her sketchbook was full of beautiful stories and dresses. They were nothing compared to what she’d created with Bella. Now maybe Gertrude would listen to her if she’d brought her the cliff design in on Monday.
She switched off the light. It was time to catch a ball game in the park. She looked to the sky that peaked between the buildings as she fastened her helmet strap under her chin. If she were lucky, the rain would stay away for a while. Darlene’s comment about her rain dance crossed her mind, a giggle slipped out.
Happiness felt good.
The smell of rain tickled her nose as she sped along the busy streets. Finding a place to park with the Love Machine wasn’t difficult. On a spring afternoon there wouldn’t be a problem finding a game.
She removed her helmet and shook her braid out, her scrunchy long gone. Children’s high-pitched squeals led her to the nearest competition. T-ball. She wasn’t disappointed. It could’ve been a soccer or football game. It didn’t matter. The kids couldn’t be older than five. Her favorite, the little ones were so joyous and unconcerned about their mistakes. Unlike their parents, who must have thought they were watching the major leagues.
Throwing her jacket on the ground, she settled Indian style on top. The game seemed to be well under way, though there was no scoreboard, the blue team clearly was ahead by the cheering. She’d root for the red, the underdog, always.
“This seat taken?”
Ari tilted her head and had to squint. With the light behind him, she could barely make out the man’s features. Then she recognized Gerard from apartment C. She didn’t need to see, she’d know his deep husky voice anywhere.
“I’ve been saving it for you.”
He followed her example and threw his leather coat down first. “Who’s winning?”
“Blue.” She winked and turned toward the field and yelled. “Go Red.”
“My kind of woman.”
His deep chuckled caused her belly to clench. Why did he have to be so sexy? She didn’t have time for sexy.
“Expecting rain?”
Bewildered she looked to the sky again, then returned her attention to him and shrugged. “It might hold off until after the game.”
“You’re just partial to red then?” Gerard’s eyes twinkled when he smiled, did he know that?
“What?”
“Yesterday red leather, today red rubber.”
“What?” She didn’t like being dense, but she didn’t have a clue.
“Your boots.” He pointed to her feet. “Yesterday cowboy, today galoshes.”
“Rain boots, no one calls them galoshes any more. I was up late working and so I was late this morning.” She tilted her head as she lifted one shoulder. “The boots were what I grabbed. Though, I do like red.”
She turned her attention to the game as a little tyke in red hit the ball. “Duck.”
The warning came too late, Gerard pushed her when the little girl running to first base threw the bat and hit him in the shoulder.
“Ouch.” His voice growled his breath tickled her neck.
The contact sent two thousand volts through her body. She barely noticed when he straightened to rub his arm. Shock of another kind seeped through. What had just happened?
She’d never had that type of reaction to any man, even when being kissed by her first crush. She turned to stare at him. He was busy examining his shoulder. Apparently, he was oblivious to any electricity.
Gerard climbed to his feet to grab the bat. For a split second, she thought he would take revenge on the poor quaking girl who had run back to them when she realized what had happened.
“Here you go sweetie. You need to drop the bat before you run to first. Okay?” Hunkered down on one knee, he regarded the little carrot top as he waited for his answer.
The sweetheart gave a vigorous nod of agreement. Then she swiped the bat out of his hand, hurried to put it down by the coach and ran to first base.
He straightened and reached a hand for Ari, swiping a fat splat of rain off his forehead with his other. “Come on, we better get to the train before we’re drenched.”
“No train for me. Want a ride?”
“You got wheels? Since we’re going to the same place you bet I’ll take you up on the offer.”
Ari, let him pull her to her feet grabbing up her coat in the process. “Come on then.”
Her back burned from his gaze. Her heart hammered in response. Maybe it was her imagi
nation.
When they reached the Love Machine, she pulled the helmet off the back turned to hand it to Gerard and found him staring.
“It’s pink.”
“Yes it is. Here, wear this since I only have the one.”
“It has hearts and peace signs all over it.” His bemused tone almost pulled a giggle from her.
“Yes it does.” She grasped the handles and tilted it so she could kick up the stand. She slid on and settled onto the seat.
Still he stared.
“Are you coming?”
“You want me to ride that…” He shook his head as if he couldn’t bear the thought.
“It’s pink. It’s not going to bite.” Damn, it felt good to have a genuine laugh bubble out. She didn’t stop it this time. “Come on Gerard. Be crazy. Get in touch with your feminine side.”
Dear Diary;
Gerard
With my other brides, the quiet of the apartment pressed in on my bodice when I was alone. But here, at Ari’s, it was home. I enjoyed staying in her room, seeing her things getting to know her.
She liked bright and mostly red. She’d left her closet open when she’d gone to work. My new bride was a bit of a slob.
Her shoes were not organized like Jessie’s had been, or in special built compartments as Cecie’s were. No, Ari’s were thrown and toppled all over each other. I couldn’t tell what she preferred, she had little tiny things I’d heard one of the assistants call flip-flops and fancy heels like Cecie wore. Slip-on’s as Jessie had, but mostly she had boots.
Her clothes hung in an array of bright colors. Red was predominant but I don’t think any color in the rainbow was left out of her wardrobe.
Papers with her designs and stories were scattered over the draft table, and easy to see. My bride had talent. Now if I could figure out what she had against falling in love, I’d devise a plan.
At least Conner wouldn’t be a problem.
I heard the squeak of the front door, my beads tightened in anticipation. Laughter rang out and joy washed over me at the sound. A deep chuckle joined in and this time my entire train shivered in response.
Gerard. My bride’s mate. Could I hope?
“It’s called the Love Machine?” Gerard’s teased as he asked my bride the question. I couldn’t see him, but I knew he wore a smile.
A thunk, then another, rattled over the apartment. My bolero crinkled in laughter, my bride had dropped her boots.
Love swelled my bodice to bursting. I never thought I would have such an overwhelming emotion.
Ari, my soul mate, was such a surprise. From her straw colored hair to her bright pink toenails. She was my lovely slob. I could envision her design room in the future; scissors, material scraps, bobbins and threads in disarray. I didn’t care in the least. Her spirit was kind and generous. Look how she took care of her friend Conner.
Would I see her children? Maybe she’d save me somewhere safe for their daughter. The thought caused delight to shiver over my beads.
Love.
Ari came into view, her attention focused on Gerard who was still out of my line of sight. She looked so happy and carefree. How could she not know they were meant for each other?
She threw back her head and a laugh erupted, when she’d recovered, she grinned at him. “I wish I had a picture of you on the Love Machine. I could blackmail you.”
I could finally see the back of Gerard, he stood behind the couch, hand on the back as he leaned in to stare at Ari. I assumed this since I couldn’t actually tell what he was looking at, but since his words were directed at her I felt safe in the assumption.
“You would, wouldn’t you? What am I to do? I live by a criminal.” He raised his wrist and looked at his watch. “Sold out game at Yankee Stadium, tell me you’re not a Met’s fan.”
“Bite your tongue. We could order pizza and watch the game. I love the subway series.”
I heard the door again. My thread on my like spool for Conner unwound again, but I guess it wasn’t his fault.
“Hey what’s up?”
Both heads swiveled in the direction of Conner. “We’re ordering pizza and watching the game.”
“Great, I’ll go to Ziggy’s market on the corner and buy some beer.”
“You have money?” Ari’s tone surprised.
“Yup. Tips.” Conner must have left because the door snapped again.
Gerard and Ari regarded each other. Finally, Gerard said, “That’s good news. You have a phone book around here?”
Ari jumped off the couch. “Better, I have Manny’s pizza’s magnet on my fridge.”
Now I could no longer see either of them.
I’m not sure what tips were, but it must be positive since Gerard thought they were. This was good news. Maybe Conner would be out of the picture soon and my soul mate would be able to focus on Gerard.
Hey, a dress could dream.
Chapter Twenty
Ari handed the magnet with Manny’s number on it to Gerard. While he called, she wandered into the living area to find the Yankee game on the tube.
“They’ll be about forty-five minutes. That will give Conner enough time to pick up the beer.” Gerard settled onto her couch.
“Tips must be a good sign, whatever he found, I hope it’s permanent.” Ari aimed the remote to flip through stations, having no luck finding the game.
“Hand that to me.” Gerard snatched it out of her hand she watched as he punched up the sports channel and the Yankee announcer’s voice filled the air.
The door rattled and a second later Conner entered. “Sam Adam’s we’re celebrating.”
Ari raised her brow at Gerard. High-end beer must be good news for Conner to spend that kind of money.
“Thanks!” Gerard said.
“The pizza will be a while. But the game is starting.” Ari moved from the chair and snuggled in next to Gerard.
Again, a zip of electrical energy raced over her skin. Also, again, he didn’t seem to notice. Just as well, with her design aspiration set high, there was no time for men.
Yet here she sat with two. What was up with that?
“I made sure it was cold. Here Ari.” Conner handed the first bottle to her, and then turned to give one to Gerard. He popped the lid for his. “Here’s to me landing a job first day of hunting.”
Ari jumped up to throw her arms around his neck, careful not to brain him with the bottle in her hand. “That is wonderful. Sit tells us details.”
“After I go put on my lucky Met’s shirt.”
“What?” Gerard and Ari cried in unison.
Conner laughed. “Someone has to root for them when they play the Yanks.”
He grabbed his bag off the floor, then disappeared around the corner to the bathroom. He used the door from the living area instead of through Ari’s room. One of the deals he’d made with her in exchange for his living arrangements.
“Well hell. We’ll have to watch the game with a Met fan.” Gerard sounded so disgusted Ari giggled.
She hadn’t laughed, giggled or smiled this much for years. “It will be fun to have a little opposition. It could get rowdy. And he has tips.”
Gerard winked at her. “Good point. Betting is a favorite pastime of mine.”
“I have to go put my Yankee shirt on.” Ari raced to the room gave a jaunty wave at her new gown. “Hey Bella! Game time.”
She quickly pulled shirts out of the drawer, some flying to the bed, others to the floor due to her frantic search. “Found it.”
Only a few minutes had passed when she re-entered the living area. Conner had made himself at home in his old ratty chair. Not only did he have his shirt on, he had a ball cap and a flag for the Mets.
“Where’s Gerard?” She tried to keep the disappointment out of her words.
Not taking his off the screen, “He went to find some Yankee stuff. He thinks you guys can tip the scales.”
Relief swamped her as the door opened. Gerard stepped in and stared at her shirt. “It�
�s pink?”
She frowned. “What?”
How many times had she said that to him in one afternoon? He must think ‘what’ was the only response she knew.
He nodded with his head toward her chest, his brows lowered, his gaze focused. “Your shirt. How can a true fan have a pink Yankee’s shirt?”
Ari dropped her gaze to her shirt, what was wrong? “It has the Yankee emblem on it.”
“You are such a girl,” Gerard said in disgust. He grasped his beer off the coffee table and made himself at home.
“And that’s a bad thing?”
Conner took a second to glance over his shoulder. “Hey there’s a game on, I thought we were watching. Your Yanks are down two runs.”
The knock on the door interrupted, before Ari or Gerard could comment. Ari fetched the pizza, Gerard insisted on paying. Ari threw a tablecloth over the coffee table to protect it from cheese.
“While we eat, tell us about your new job,” Ari said. Her words muffled by her mouthful of pepperoni, crust and cheese.
“I love to cook.” Conner shrugged and took another bite.
When it didn’t seem he was going to explain further, Ari wanted to throw her plate at him.
Gerard seemed focused on the television as if not even listening.
“You better tell her everything or we’ll never watch the game,” he said, indicating he had been listening.
“Whatever.” Fine if Conner didn’t want to explain she’d let the boys watch their damn game, although she wanted to watch also.
Conner set his pizza down as he chuckled. “I had a bunch of papers to fill out at the employment office. One asked about job preferences. There was a list of chef’s jobs, sous, sauté, dessert, pastry and salad chef’s, not to mention line cooks etcetera. Johnny’s had an opening for an apprentice. I filled out the application and delivered it in person. Henry, the executive chef, is the manager of his domain, the kitchen. He hired me as an expeditor.”
“What?” Ari couldn’t believe it. Apparently, Gerard couldn’t either because he pulled his gaze from the game to give her a brief astonished look and then through back his head and laughed. Why was he chuckling about Conner’s job?
Three Weddings and a Dress Page 19