Vikki was surprised as well. “Wow. Time really does fly when you’re having a good time.”
Craig smiled at her. “I know other people were here when we arrived. I never saw them leave.”
“Neither did I.”
“What a super night this has been,” Craig said.
Vikki blushed. “I don’t want it to end.”
“I feel the same—but I think they want to close.”
They talked and laughed on the way back to Vikki’s apartment. Craig already knew he wanted to ask her out again.
He walked her into the lobby. After Vikki opened the inside security door, Craig stepped back and told her how much he had enjoyed the evening. Then he left. This was how Craig planned to say good night on their first date. The last thing he wanted was to make Vikki feel uncomfortable. He didn’t want the night to end with first-date-kiss complications.
The next day was the Fourth of July. Craig called Vikki shortly before noon. He enjoyed their evening together so much, he had to talk and share with her again. Vikki was surprised he called so soon. She assumed he would wait a few days. She was glad he didn’t and accepted his invitation to go out that afternoon.
From that day on, Craig and Vikki would say: “Our journey together began with a surprise phone call in the morning, coffee in the afternoon and fireworks at twilight.”
* * *
A bartender for twenty years, Danny had heard this song and dance before. After all those years behind a bar, the stories begin to sound the same. Anyone listening would be bored stiff. Danny was usually an expert at paying attention to the customer while listening to the game on the television. It was a true art form. This time, however, the customer droned on for so long, Danny had tuned him out.
“You listening to me, man? Danny? Hello? Earth calling Danny.”
“Sorry. I wanted to hear the score from Chicago, to see how our boys are doin’.”
“That’s okay,” Eric said. “It’s just you’re the only person I can confide in.” And Eric Millard had plenty to confide. Danny listened as Eric complained about his ex-wife Vikki dating Craig Andrews.
“Isn’t that the guy who cold-cocked you in here?” Danny already knew the answer.
“Sure is. He was here with that Hodges guy. Heard Hodges was the one who got Lorne Davis fired from the SOE—gave them pictures of Davis running around with women who were clients.”
“What about Andrews?” Danny was trying to get Eric back on track. Not an easy task considering the amount he’s had to drink. Eric didn’t respond. He stared into his drink like it was a crystal ball. “Eric. What about Andrews?”
“Oh, yeah—sorry.” Eric slowly looked up at Danny. “Vikki moved in with him. Want to know what the kicker is?”
“Might as well. We’ve come this far together.”
“Someone told me they heard she was only going out with Andrews to get even with his ex-wife Chrissie. I know Chrissie. I know what she’s like. Well, I know— ‘what’ she likes. Anyway, Vikki is bent out of shape because Chrissie was screwing her boyfriend, that Lorne Davis guy.”
“That’s pretty twisted logic, even for a jilted woman.”
“That’s not the real twisted part,” Eric said. “Apparently, she thought she could also make Davis jealous. She wanted to get even with him for lying about two-timing her and jumping Chrissie.”
“Two birds with one stone named Craig Andrews,” Danny said. “Gotta admire her efficiency, if nothing else.”
Eric didn’t laugh or even acknowledge Danny’s comment. He was catatonic and staring into his drink, once again. The mere mention of Chrissie stirred up old emotions. He was tortured by visions of what they could have accomplished together, in business—and in bed. Damn that Davis for stealing Vikki and Chrissie from me. I want him to pay. Scenarios raced through his mind. Eric fantasized about what he would do to him.
Eric was exhibiting all the signs of someone in emotional distress. Danny wondered whether he was dangerous. I think this guy’s cheese has slipped off his cracker. Wish I could help him but that’s gonna take a pro. “You okay, Eric? Maybe you should … you know … talk to a professional—”
“I’m fine,” Eric said. “Just fine. A lot finer than some folks would be if I had my way.”
Danny changed the subject. “Heard they’re thinking about trading Glover. Say he’s getting old and slow and won’t be worth much if they wait too long. I’m not sure that—”
Eric ignored Danny. “You’re right. That is twisted logic. I think she’s trying to get even with me. You know, for screwing around on her. Pour me another one, will ya?”
Danny poured Eric another dark draft. He excused himself and began emptying the glass washer at the other end of the bar. He glanced at Eric. He was worried about this guy. He figured he was close to the edge. Danny had watched him slide. Not long ago, Millard had been a confident, smart professional with a promising future. Now, he was moody, uncertain and seemed headed for a breakdown or something worse. That whole Roberts’s mess didn’t help. Neither did the shot to the head he took from Andrews.
Danny decided to keep an eye on Eric. He had seen people nearing the breaking point before. He was well aware of the signs and didn’t want to see anyone hurt.
Too bad everyone didn’t feel that way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Old Friends and Lovers
“Who’s that at the grill? Captain Kingsford?” Craig said, as he and Vikki walked into the backyard. “Nobody uses charcoal anymore. Haven’t you heard they have gas grills now, Captain?” He winked at Loretta.
Garth intentionally ignored Craig. “Hi, Vikki. Who’s the new joker you’re with tonight?”
Craig gave Loretta a hug. “Dump the Captain, Loretta. He’s living back in the fifties.”
The four of them got together often. Garth and Craig were more than good friends. They were like brothers. And Vikki and Loretta were kindred spirits from the first time they met.
Loretta put Craig and Garth in charge of grilling the steaks and shrimp, while she and Vikki prepped salad, garlic bread and veggies. It gave them all a chance to catch up on the latest gossip.
Garth added mesquite wood chips to the coals. “Heard Lorne Davis can’t find a job. He was complaining to Danny at Malarkey’s.”
“Poor baby,” Craig said. “Wouldn’t it be something if he gets behind in his support and gets a taste of his own medicine?”
“Couldn’t happen to a bigger jerk. Danny also says Davis is doin’ some hard drinkin’. He offers to call a cab, but Lorne refuses.”
Craig began to sing in a childlike voice. “Lornie’s gonna get in trouble. Lornie’s gonna get in trouble.” He and Garth clinked their beer bottles.
After dinner, Craig tinkled his wine glass with a spoon. As he stood up, his head hit the patio table umbrella. He backed up and steadied himself. Then, he cleared his throat and raised his glass. “I’d like to suppose a toast,” he slurred. “Here’s to Lornie … hic … ‘scuse, me … Davis. May the creep get everysing he deserveses.”
Garth stumbled to his feet across the table, stooped to avoid the umbrella and picked up his glass of wine. “Here’s to ol’ Lorne whas-is-name.” He was doing his best to maintain his balance. “May he suffer jist as mush as those he pershecuted.”
Vikki and Loretta raised their eyebrows as they raised their glasses to join their drunken husbands in the toast. They were delighted Lorne was finally getting what he deserved. They were proud of the part they played.
Craig sat down beside Vikki. He reached under the table and gently squeezed her knee, slowly moving his hand up to caress the inside of her thigh. Vikki stopped him with a look of mock disdain and a saucy smile. Craig loved this lady with all his heart. He wanted to be with her forever and was sure she felt the same.
Craig looked across the table at his frien
d Garth. He was leaning close to Loretta and whispering in her ear. She was listening but caught Craig looking at them. She grinned and tilted her head at Garth. Craig knew this party was over.
He and Garth had planned to get blasted this evening. They had a lot to celebrate.
They were both employed once again; Garth selling heavy equipment and Craig building his office supply business. More importantly, they had women who loved them. Life was good, and the future looked wonderful. To top it off, Lorne Davis was miserable; his life was going down hill in a hurry. What could be better than savoring your own success while watching your nemesis go down in flames? Especially when you lit the fire.
The cab arrived, and the four of them shared a group hug. They made plans to get together again soon. Craig waved out the back window of the cab. Garth was all over Loretta. She was feigning resistance but clearly loving every minute of it.
Life is full of surprises, Craig thought. I remember where Garth was at. He thought he would never be happy again. Look at him now. The old saying is right—you should never say never. Anything is possible.
* * *
Turning onto Hillview Court, Lorne saw his ex-wife’s car parked in the driveway. He remembered happier times when he and Melinda moved into this house. It was one of the first built in Botsford Downs. Kimberly was four, and David was barely two. Man, that wasn’t very long ago. But it feels like a lifetime.
Lorne was here to ask Melinda to give him a break on his child support payments. He was having difficulty finding work. He was not well liked when he was at the SOE. Now, to make matters worse, he was drinking heavily. No law firm in town would take a chance on him. They knew he was trouble.
Kimberly answered the door. “Hi, Dad! What are you doing here on a Tuesday? Are you here for supper?”
“No, sweetheart. I want to talk to your mother.”
The disappointment showed in Kimberly’s face. The divorce had been particularly hard on her. She blamed herself and did everything she could to get her parents back together. She hated her new life. She wanted her old one back. She turned and went to get her mom.
Melinda was wearing a bathing suit cover-up when she came to the door. She had obviously been in the pool. “Hi, Lorne. I didn’t know you were dropping by. I asked you to call first and let me know if—”
“Sorry. I need to talk to you. Can we go into the library?”
Melinda didn’t have a lot of time for him. “Okay, but I have to get cleaned up. I’m running late. I have a meeting with a supplier tonight.”
“Won’t take long.” Standing behind a large wingback leather chair, Melinda listened intently to Lorne’s every word. He explained to her in spite of his best efforts, he was unable to find a job. “Now my credit cards are maxed. I have no money in the bank, and I’m getting calls from creditors.”
Melinda watched for the slightest hint of aggression. She had to be careful. He had a vicious temper and could quickly erupt into a fit of rage. She also smelled liquor on his breath. “Lorne, I knew you were in trouble when your last couple of child support checks bounced.”
He immediately became defensive. “That was not my fault! My bank screwed up!”
“Calm down,” she said. “Please don’t raise your voice.”
Lorne’s temper flared. “Don’t you tell me not to raise my voice! Don’t you get it? I can’t find work! No one will hire me!”
Experience had taught Melinda when and how to pacify him. She was familiar with the pattern. He took any disagreement or opposition as a personal threat and became agitated. The more he was challenged or questioned, the more irrational he became. She was afraid a day would come when he would totally lose control and flip out. “We can work this out, Lorne. My lingerie shop is doing okay. I can carry us for a while.”
He wasn’t listening. He was too busy railing about the unfairness of his situation.
“Please,” she said. “Let’s be civil to each other. Please don’t yell. I don’t want the kids to hear. They’ve heard enough.”
Lorne stopped. He knew she was right. Kim and David told him they hated to hear their parents shout at each other. It scared them. He also realized he was defeating his own purpose by yelling at her. “Sorry. It’s just that I’m going through a rough time right now.”
“I know you are.” Melinda wanted this conversation to be over. “But I think it would be best if you leave. Please. I’ll be in touch.”
The living room sheers provided a veil of secrecy as she watched Lorne walk away and stop beside his car. She didn’t want him to know she was watching. She didn’t want him to know how frightened she was. He turned and stared at the house for a moment. The look in his eyes sent a chill down her spine.
She was an irritant in Lorne’s life. He didn’t handle irritation well. She wished he would go away and never come back. Melinda was terrified. She had good reason to be. She had contacted the SOE yesterday and applied for help in collecting his outstanding child support payments. She relied on his money to provide for their children. She didn’t want them to be deprived. Her business was cyclical, and some months her income didn’t cover all the household expenses.
She knew the SOE would pursue Lorne with extreme prejudice. He could go ballistic. It was a risk she had to take. She had no choice.
* * *
Craig was on the phone in his office when he heard the front door open. He saw Julie Helmer standing on the other side of the counter. He held up a just-a-moment index finger and quickly extricated himself from the phone call. “Jules! So good to see you. What an unexpected pleasure.” Craig wondered why she was here. He had always liked Julie, but they had lost touch over the years. She was more Chrissie’s friend than his anyway.
“I see you’re still the smooth talker, Andrews.” Julie turned her head for a kiss on the cheek. “Nice place you have. Andrews Office Supply. What is it you do here?”
“Very funny. How’ve you been?”
“I’ve been good. Seattle is a nice place to live. Hard to find a cup of coffee—but a good city, nonetheless.”
Craig sensed this was not a social call. “Okay. What’s up?”
“It’s Chrissie. She’s drinking herself to death, and I don’t know what to do.”
Craig told her he wasn’t surprised. He had been down this road with Chrissie many times before, to no avail. He explained the fights they’d had over her drinking accomplished nothing. Alanon had taught him you can’t force an alcoholic to stop drinking. They have to decide that for themselves. Craig said he was worried about his kids’ safety and had even considered suing for custody. His lawyer agreed he had a strong case but advised the battle would be long and costly. He also said Craig would almost certainly lose.
“How are Robbie and Heather?” Julie asked.
“They’re doing okay. I see them as often as I can. They seem to be adapting. I mean … as much as kids can adapt to an insane situation.”
Julie appeared to be upset. “They’re such terrific kids, Craig. I’ve been worried about them ever since you and Chrissie—”
“Don’t worry, Jules. Those kids will be fine. Listen, the best thing you can do for them is to try and convince Chrissie she has a problem. Have you considered an intervention?”
“I’ve heard of those, but I don’t know much about them. How do they work?”
“I learned about them at Alanon,” Craig said. “You and as many friends or acquaintances who are willing to participate, confront Chrissie about her drinking. A.A. claims if an intervention is done in a kind and loving way, it can help persuade an alkie to enter rehab. Chrissie is obviously at the stage where she needs professional help. Call A.A.—those folks are great and they’ll help you.”
“Would you be a part of it?”
“I wish I could for Robbie and Heather’s sake, but it wouldn’t work. F
or years, I pleaded with Chrissie to stop drinking, begged her to go to A.A. She wouldn’t listen to me then, and she certainly won’t now.”
Julie agreed. “You’re right. Listen, do you know any of Chrissie’s friends who might be willing to help?”
“She has no friends. Well, no female ones anyway. I mean, other than you.” Craig realized he was allowing old wounds to show. “Sorry—guess I still have some issues.”
“That’s okay,” Julie said. “Who wouldn’t?”
“I suppose. I appreciate you coming to me. I know you have Chrissie’s best interests at heart. She’s lucky to have a friend like you.”
“Thanks, Craig. I’ll see what I can do about that intervention thing. You busy tonight? Want to do dinner?” Something in her voice hinted this was more than just a dinner invitation.
“I’d love to but I’m seeing someone.” Craig checked her pretty eyes for a reaction. “But if I wasn’t—”
“Stop right there. It was silly of me to ask.”
“I’m glad you asked. Makes a guy feel good, to be asked to dinner by a gorgeous woman.”
“There you go smooth talking again, Andrews.”
“I’m serious. If I was single, I’d ask you out in a minute. It’s just that your timing is rotten. This lady is special to me and—” Craig hesitated. Then, he decided to finish his sentence. He didn’t want to hurt Julie’s feelings, so he told her the truth. “Actually, I love her and I’ve—well, I’ve asked her to marry me.”
“Lucky lady,” Julie said with a sultry gaze any man would understand.
Circumstances continued to dictate they would be nothing more than friends. Craig thought about his first encounter with Julie. He wondered what would have been if the note she delivered that night in the campus bar had been from her—instead of Chrissie. Some things are best left unanswered.
* * *
Vikki was in a meeting with her marketing team and Lloyd Patterson, the vice-president of operations. Her executive assistant tiptoed in and handed her a note. Vikki excused herself. She had to call some lawyer on an urgent matter. Everything’s an urgent matter with lawyers, she thought, as she walked to her office.
Weeds in The Garden of Love Page 18