Laughing over just about everything, she and Russ walked arm-in-arm as they crossed the parking lot.
“Hey, let me ask you something,” he said, stumbling over his words while chuckling ridiculously over God knew what. “How do feel about swimming in the nude in the middle of winter?”
Amanda broke up. “I think the idea sounds divine.”
“I just happen to know this guy who has a heated swimming pool.”
“You don’t say.”
“I do. And I also say I have a right to use his pool on any given night since that property originally belonged to my grandparents.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “True story.”
“Then I say it’s time you stood up for your rights.”
“Exactly.”
They parked in Russ’s back yard, where she could see the shadowy forms of a few boats on racks. Laughing and teasing, they slipped out of their shoes and coats. Amanda also left her blue silk scarf on the car seat; she didn’t want to risk losing her favorite.
She followed him through a wooded path, climbed a fence and tiptoed to an unlocked outbuilding. She told herself she was insane to be doing this, but couldn’t deny it was more fun than she’d had in years. Once inside the pool house Russ found the wall switch and flicked on a light that shed a soft glow over the pool. He turned to Amanda and grinned. “Are you ready for this?”
“I am.”
“Then to quote Marlon Brando from On The Waterfront, I’m going in there to claim to my rights.”
“I love Marlon Brando.” She was about to go on, but her words faltered at the sight of Russ stepping out of his trousers. He had runner’s legs, and the torso she’d seen in that ratty white tee looked even better naked. A part of her was dying to leap into his arms and wrap her legs around him. But he dropped into the water. Thwoop.
“Come on in,” he said, with a grin that ignited a warm tingle in her body.
All those years as a dancer obsessing over every pound assailed her. Amanda was by no means heavy, but she’d added a few pounds now that she no longer had to maintain a stage-ready body. Before she could turn wimp, she yanked her sheath overhead and slithered out of her tights, glad she’d worn her new lace underwear.
Russ’s breath caught. “You have the most gorgeous body I’ve ever seen.”
Amanda was intoxicated enough to believe him. Delighting in the way his eyes seemed to drink her in, she performed a coquettish dance as she removed her bra and panties. His mouth hung open, and she wanted to kiss it so badly she slid into the pool right in front of him and did just that. His strong arms gripped her, pulling her against his chest.
Just as Amanda began to enjoy the feel of his body, the taste of wine on his lips and the musky male scent of his skin, a light went on outside.
They both looked up. Through the windows they saw another light come on over the back deck of the main house. Then they heard a door opening.
“Shit.” Amanda scrambled out of the pool, Russ right beside her.
“Grab your stuff,” he said, gathering his clothes in a bunch.
Of course Amanda had to go and get fancy, tossing her bra off to the side in her little lingerie hula. She snatched up her dress, tights and panties, but…“I can’t find my bra.”
“I’ll buy you a new one.” He took her arm and tugged her out the door. Just in time.
A flashlight moved toward the pool house. “Hey!” A beam passed over them, but the two ducked into the woods and ran.
“Ouch. Umph. Dammit.” Stepping on frozen twigs, branches scratching her skin, Amanda couldn’t help laughing as she raced behind Russ until they reached his back door.
A big German shepherd named Bernie greeted them inside.
Awkward and shivering, figuring it was probably for the best since she wasn’t sure how well condoms worked in swimming pools anyway, Amanda began to dress.
But Russ stopped her, led her to the bedroom and kept her warm for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER FOUR
Casey agreed to work every night that week for Amanda because Past Perfect was slated to open on Saturday. She’d managed to get dinner cooked and made sure Jenna ate, but she hated not being able to sit at her father’s bedside. Parker assured her he’d call immediately if her dad took a turn for the worse. And he told her it might be a good idea to make herself scarce during her mother’s latest effort not to drink. It always put her mom in a cranky temper, and for some reason Casey bore the brunt of her wrath.
Amanda stocked new remakes of vintage items, as well as the real stuff, and right now Casey was unpacking a box of retro plastic bracelets in sixties Day-Glo colors. She felt Amanda watching her closely. “Where do you want these set up, Amanda?”
“Actually, I’ve made some hot cocoa. Why don’t we take a break?”
Casey felt a nervous tension coming from Amanda lately and had guessed it was just the store opening in three days. But now she sensed more going on.
And as soon as she slipped into a card chair at the small table in the back and bit into a peanut butter cookie Amanda said, “Casey, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Sure. What is it?” Casey wondered if she’d messed up somehow. So often she’d start on some project or recipe or try to fix something for Jenna and it would come out all wrong. But she’d thought she was doing pretty well here.
Amanda sipped her cocoa and set it down. “I know you’re having a hard time at home. And dealing with a parent’s illness must be impossibly difficult at your age. You may not be aware of it, but sometimes when we’re faced with life changes we cannot control we can build up internal anger and resentment that comes out in ways we don’t expect. Making us do things we wouldn’t normally do.” She paused and looked at her as if waiting for a response.
“Sounds like my mom.” Casey was sorry as soon as she said it. A pang of disloyalty stabbed at her. Whatever her mother’s faults, she was still her mother, and what went on in their house was nobody else’s business.
But Amanda said, “I’m talking about you, Casey. About the purse, the belt, the bracelet and slippers.”
Totally baffled, Casey tried to understand what she meant. “Have I damaged these items in some way?”
Amanda gave her an odd smile. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t seen them since you took them.”
“Took…?” Casey suddenly grasped Amanda’s meaning, and it struck her like a blow. “You think I stole from you?”
“No one else has been working with me. And I remembered the way you admired the gold belt.”
“I like lots of stuff in the store, but I’ve never stolen a thing in my entire life. Ask anyone in this town. And, yeah, times are bad for us now, but the idea of taking something from you or anybody…”
“Hear me out,” Amanda interrupted, her tone growing sterner. “I’m not going to press charges.”
“Press charges?” Casey’s raised her voice in disbelief.
“But for obvious reasons I have to let you go.”
Hearing those words sent a cannonball through Casey’s chest. “You’re firing me? For something I didn’t do. It’s so unfair. Do you think I’d actually steal from you if it meant I could go to jail, not mention lose this job?” And she had thought Amanda liked her. A quiver began in her bottom lip and she burst out crying.
Amanda’s brows arched and her expression softened.
Casey looked directly at her through a stream of tears. “Why? Why is this happening to me? Is this the way life is? Does everything have to be so rotten and cruel?” She lowered her face into her palms and sobbed.
A gentle hand stroked her hair. “All right. Maybe you didn’t take those things. Maybe I misplaced them. So we’ll just forget about it.”
Casey sat up. “You believe me, then?” She needed to know. Not only out of gratitude for the job, but because she really liked Amanda. And her little dance lessons made Casey feel special.
Amanda sighed. “You may be
a born dancer, but I doubt you’re a good enough actress to play out the moving scene I just witnessed. Now drink your cocoa before it gets cold.”
***
Russ sat astride a ladder to caulk the top edges of his bedroom windows. He didn’t usually mind the draftiness of his two-bedroom cottage near the bay. But Amanda had been cold when she stayed here Saturday night. And he wanted her to be comfortable next time.
There had to be a next time. Russ wouldn’t give up on that. It wasn’t as if she’d dumped him or anything. She was just busy this week. Preoccupied with Past Perfect opening on Saturday. They met for lunch Tuesday, and he stopped by the store each day to see if he could help out. Trying not to call her every night, he found himself killing time, either puttering about at his tool bench or shooting pool with his buddies.
Geez, if any of them had caught sight of him going into that lingerie store he’d never hear the end of it. He just hoped it made her smile.
And reminded her of what a great night they had together.
He glanced at the bed where he and Amanda had positively the best sex of his life. His aging dog lay there now, sleeping with his nose tucked into his paws. “You might be sleeping on the sofa on certain nights, Bernie. Let’s hope so, anyway. She hasn’t said a peep about my gift yet.”
Russ’s mobile rang, as if on cue. He nearly fell off the ladder trying to get to it, certain it would be Amanda.
And it was. “Hey, Ms. Kushinski. Nice to hear from you.”
“I’ve gotten gifts from men in the past, but never a bouquet of flowers with a bra in the middle.”
“Do you like it?”
“Luv it. How did you know my size?”
“I pointed to a woman in the store whose boobs reminded me of yours.” Not too big, but not skimpy either. He remembered how soft they were. “Will you wear it next time we’re together?” He held his breath, knowing he might be pushing her.
After the briefest pause she said. “Yeah.”
He pictured her in the blue satin bra he’d bought her.
“But, Russ, please remember what I told you.”
“About?” He knew darn well what she meant, but wanted her to struggle with it, maybe even say something different.
“About me not wanting to get involved. If things develop, so be it, but I don’t know if I ever again want a man to be a priority in my life.”
“I’m just trying to have some fun.”
Pause. He could tell she knew he was lying. Finally she said, “Me, too.”
“So, how about dinner tonight?”
“Russ, you’re moving too fast for me. Besides, I’m way too busy right now.”
“Hey, I’m a fisherman. Patience is in my blood.”
Amanda breathed a soft chuckle. “Once the store is open you’ll have to show me more about this mysterious lifestyle of yours.”
“At your service.”
“I’ve got to get back to work. Thanks for being such a sweetheart. See you at the opening Saturday?”
“I’m there.”
***
Parker nearly froze his butt off clearing debris and setting flagstone for the new herb garden he would plant this spring for Mrs. Gentilliano. Yesterday, he’d pushed himself to finish a job for the Melman’s and raced through his repairs of the snowplow attachment on his truck just so his whole Saturday could be spent here. Even though he knew that kiss Tanya had given him last week was a one-time lark solely for her entertainment, he couldn’t deny the part of him that hoped he was wrong.
All day he kept an eye out for her, but he was beginning to think she’d stayed in the city this weekend. Or else she was somewhere in their sixteen room house spying on him. Or ignoring him.
Parker hated the way she crept into his mind every minute of the day and night. He had way more important things to think about. But he’d been obsessed with her since he was fourteen and didn’t know if he’d ever get over it.
His work done, the sky darkening to dusk, Parker loaded his equipment into the back of his 4x4 and took off. He had to pick up his sisters at Amanda’s store. Casey was working at the opening party, but Amanda okayed her bringing Jenna along. They left their mom home to take care of Dad and to have some private time with her husband. She sounded sober when he last checked in. Parker just hoped she managed to stay that way.
The driveway of Past Perfect was filled with cars. Old fifties rock blared through the windows. Casey had said she’d be finished by five, but the party didn’t look anywhere near over. He hated leaving his truck for long with all his equipment in it. If he managed to keep the business going he might have to invest in a van at some point.
Parker strode up to the front door and slipped into the crowded entrance. He scanned the room looking for Casey, but his gaze fell on honey-colored hair. Tanya. In a burgundy dress that showed off her tiny waist and soft curves. She must have sensed someone’s eyes on her because she turned and saw him. But instead of a greeting or a smile, she pursed her lips, lifted her chin and turned her head away.
He almost wanted to leave, but forced himself to wade through the party, his jaw tense. Tanya always managed to make Parker feel ashamed of who he was. Why did he let her get to him?
“Parker. Hey, guy.” Russ patted his shoulder. “How about a glass of wine?”
“No, thanks, Russ. I’m just here to pick up my sisters.”
“Ah, come on. Take a little time for yourself.”
Parker knew Russ meant well, but he wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. Aside from Tanya looking down her nose at him, he was worried about things at home. “Where is Casey?”
Russ pointed with his chin, and Parker saw people dancing in an open area that had obviously been cleared for that purpose. Casey was dancing with Jenna, shaking and shimmying to “Tutti Frutti.”
Amanda approached them. “Hello, Parker. Remember me from the paint store?”
He nodded. “The Sunflower Yellow looks good.”
She smiled, but Parker wondered if he was the most boring person alive. He never had anything interesting to say. How could he expect a girl like Tanya to be attracted to him?
“I’m going to steal Russ away for a few minutes, Parker,” Amanda said. She pulled him to the dance area. Russ encircled her in his arms, and they moved together in a slow dance.
Parker hunched his shoulders and looked around for a refreshment table so he could pretend to be doing something until he could convince Casey and Jenna to leave. But once again his eyes met Tanya’s. Only this time she was looking at him with a grim determination on her face. Was she going to chew him out publicly for something he’d done wrong on her parents’ yard?
When Tanya reached him she didn’t speak. She just took his hand and tugged him toward the people dancing. She pressed her breasts against his chest, slid her arms up to his neck and began to shuffle side-to-side.
Stunned, Parker put his arms around her the way he saw Russ do. At seventeen, he was pitifully behind. He’d never danced with a girl. He’d kissed one when he was in eighth grade.
And last Saturday.
His thoughts whirling, his senses reeling, Parker took in the sweet apple scent of her hair. And its silky smoothness as it brushed his cheek. He couldn’t imagine how her body could be so soft and so firm at the same time. But he guessed that’s how girls were supposed to be.
Tanya sang quietly along with “Angel Baby.” A song he normally would’ve thought was kind of stupid suddenly sounded like the most profound and magical music he’d ever heard.
When it ended, Tanya led Parker behind some clothes racks and kissed him again. Then she whispered, “Meet me on that little road behind our house at ten o’clock.” And she walked away.
Aroused and confused, Parker searched a while for Casey. Maybe it was Tanya’s kiss that had him half-delirious, but he just seemed to be wandering in circles not really seeing anything in front of him.
He finally glimpsed Jenna on a chair eating cake. And Casey was a few fe
et away listening to Amanda talk about her years as a professional dancer. She was talking to Tanya. Parker heard Tanya say she studied both ballet and ballroom dancing in Manhattan. He could see the sad envy in his sister’s eyes and wished he had the money to give Casey the dance lessons she wanted so badly. He remembered how her face sparkled the day she came home and told him that Amanda said she was talented.
Parker strolled up to them, trying not to show his reaction to Tanya’s presence. “Ready to leave, Casey?”
She glanced at Amanda, who said, “Go ahead. Russ and I will handle the cleanup.”
With the temperature well below freezing, Casey and Jenna bundled into their coats and hats. “I can’t find my gloves,” she told Parker. “The woolen ones with blue leaping reindeer that you gave me for Christmas.”
“They must’ve fallen on the floor.”
“But I wedged them tightly into my pockets.” She searched the floor, and Parker chalked it up as teenage girl nonsense when she said, “Maybe there is a thief around here.”
CHAPTER FIVE
When Amanda left New York City for the quiet villages of the North Fork, she’d envisioned becoming some kind of hermit, an anonymous, middle-aged single woman running a dowdy little shop. But as February neared its end a month after Past Perfect opened, she realized she’d become a popular local figure ensconced in the North Cove community. The performer in her loved costumes, and she started having days where she dressed in twenties, forties, fifties or sixties outfits. A flapper dress with a feathered turban and cigarette holder. Sneakers, full skirt and red cat eye glasses. Word spread and customers began showing up from towns all along the North Fork and the South Fork as well.
She punched in the number of one of her latest. “Hi, Ms. Lutz. This is Amanda from Past Perfect in North Cove. Just wanted to let you know the dress you ordered for your daughter came in. Sorry it took so long.”
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