Shore Feels Right

by Annette Mardis

  “That stinks.”

  “Yes it does. Now, let’s talk about something pleasant. How are your wedding plans coming along?” Rita asked.

  Dani filled her mother in on her progress, then they chatted about the whale rescue and a webinar called ABCs of Sea Life that GSA’s education department had scheduled with first-graders across the country.

  “My boss wants to do webinars with other grades if this one’s a success. I can’t wait. It’s going to be a blast.”

  “It doesn’t make you nervous to talk in front of big groups? I’d never be able to do that.”

  “I wouldn’t have a job if I couldn’t do that. It’s fun sharing my interests with people, especially kids. I love seeing their eyes light up when they’re intrigued about a particular animal or marine life in general. After I did a stingray presentation one day, a ten-year-old boy told me, ‘That makes me want to do research on stingrays.’ It totally made my day, if not my week.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying your work, honey. I’d hate to think of you toiling away at a job you hate, like your father does.”

  “Anything new on that front?” Dani asked.

  “No. The situation’s pretty much the same. I’ve been spending so much time with your grandmother that I hardly ever see him, and that’s probably a good thing. He certainly hasn’t complained. We barely say two words to each other most days. When he’s not at work, he’s got his nose buried in the newspaper or some stupid TV program. He and I never did like the same shows.”

  “What are you talking about? I’ve seen you watch TV together many times.”

  “Yes, because I let him rule the clicker.”

  “What about when I was little and we watched kids’ programs?”

  “That was the only time he gave in. As soon as you went to bed, he’d flip over to one of his cop shows or some old war movie he’d seen three times already. Occasionally we found something we both liked, but I never got to watch my nighttime dramas until I finally bought a small television and put it in the kitchen. He refused to let me have it in the bedroom.”

  Dani almost choked at the unintended double entendre. “I had no idea Daddy could be so stubborn about stuff like that.”

  “There’s another ‘s’ word that comes to mind.”

  “Like?”

  “Selfish. I used to think we had a good marriage because we never argued, until I realized it was because I usually let him have his way. For a long time I thought that’s what ‘good wives’ did. That’s what my mother taught me. I remember her telling me that women’s liberation was for bra-burning man-haters, and if I wanted to keep my husband happy, I had to treat him like the king of the castle.”

  “You’re kidding. She actually used those words? That’s so…”

  “Old-fashioned? Unenlightened? That’s how women of her generation were brought up. Mine, too, for that matter. And because I didn’t know any better, I practiced what she preached. Only later did I find out that she and your grandfather had a miserable life together. He treated her like a servant and never lifted a hand to do anything around the house, even when she was sick and had babies to take care of.”

  “That’s awful. Daddy helped out when I was little, didn’t he? I remember him reading me stories, giving me horsey rides, and taking me to the playground.”

  “Oh, yes, he did all the fun stuff with you. But when your diaper needed changing, you threw up, or made some other mess, he’d disappear or conveniently find something else he just had to do right then. I used to get so darned mad at him. But I never said anything. I just kept it all in. I think that’s why I ended up with stomach problems.”

  “I remember when I was nine and you and I got mother-daughter lower GI scans.”

  “You know, honey, I never stopped to think what my unhappiness or the tension in the household did to you. I should’ve confronted your father a long time ago. Maybe we wouldn’t be having these problems now.”

  “Everyone is wiser in hindsight. Don’t spend the rest of your life having regrets, Mom. You did the best you could. And it was a good life, at least from my perspective. I’m just sorry to know you felt so dispirited all these years.”

  “It wasn’t all bad, Dani. Despite everything, I still love your father. I just wish he’d wake up and smell the biscuits. But I’m starting to give up hope he’ll ever change. He probably thinks the same thing about me.”

  “So what’s he eating for dinner if you’re not around? Is he actually fixing himself meals?”

  “If you can call it that. He’ll make a sandwich or heat up a can of soup. Occasionally, when I can’t stand any more of the food at that place your grandmother’s in, I go home and cook a good supper. And sometimes I throw something in the slow cooker so it’s ready when he gets home from work.”

  When Dani heaved a deep sigh, her mother added, “I know, I know, old habits die hard.”

  “That’s not why I sighed. It sounds like you two are ships passing each other in and out of the harbor. That’s sad.”

  “Yes, I suppose it is, but it’s better than sitting there grinding my teeth and wanting to wring his neck.”

  “Well, when you put it that way…”

  “You’re young and in love, and you can’t conceive of a relationship that’s anything less than hearts and flowers. That’s understandable. But it happens.”

  “I sure hope it never happens to me.”

  “Well, you and Evan have a lot of interests in common, which was never the case for you father and me. You get out and do all sorts of things. And you’ve also lived on your own and know you can support yourself without a man. I don’t. I moved straight from my parents’ home into a rented duplex after I got married.”

  “I hate to ask this, but I can’t stop thinking about it. Were you and Daddy ever…happy?”

  “Oh, heavens yes. We used to have a very satisfying sex life, too. We were each other’s first loves, so we learned about that part of married life together. We had an awkward time of it at first, though, let me tell you. I remember this one time—”

  “Stop! I get it. I don’t need details.”

  “Oh, honey, I wasn’t going to tell you anything graphic. My point is that even in the most passionate marriages, two people can grow apart. It’s not something that happens overnight, and you might not even know it’s happening. But then one day you realize you can’t remember the last time you made love or even held hands in public. And although you still kiss good-night, it’s like those pecks on the lips some people dispense like handshakes when they’re saying hello or goodbye.”

  “That’s depressing.”

  “It may well be, but it’s reality.”

  “It doesn’t have to be. Does it?”

  “I imagine there are long-married couples who still miss each other when they’re not together and fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms, but honestly, dear, I don’t know any. Most women sleep in the spare bedroom because they’re tired of their husband’s snoring, while men putter around in the garage or out in the yard so they don’t have to listen to their wife’s nagging. It’s just the way it is.”

  “Well, I don’t plan to let that happen to me and Evan. Let’s change the subject, okay?”

  “Fine, dear, but those rose-colored glasses will come off someday.”

  “Right now all I’m seeing is the thorns. So, have you given any more thought to a Florida visit? Sounds like you’re way overdue for a change of scenery. I think you’d enjoy it here. It’s so different from Missouri.”

  “I can’t just up and leave your grandmother. You know that.”

  “This week, no, and maybe not next week or the week after. But you need to give yourself a break as soon as you can.”

  “I don’t want to fly.”

  “Why not? It’ll be an experience. If I could, I’d fly up there and drive back with you. And then drive you home and fly back. But I’ve been at GSA less than a year, and I already took time off after Grandma’s stroke. I woul
dn’t feel right asking for more so soon unless it’s an emergency. And then next year I have to save my vacation, at least part of it anyway, for a honeymoon. But I’m sure I could manage a few three-day weekends before the wedding.”

  “I’m sixty years old and I’ve never flown. I hate to sound like your grandmother, but I’m too old to start now.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Sixty isn’t old. It’s past time you tried something new.”

  “We’re not talking about a change of hairstyle, Danielle.”

  “Come on, Mom. Get with the twenty-first century. Flying’s no big deal. And if you’re too nervous, have a glass of wine or two before you head to the airport.”

  “I’ll think about it, all right?”

  “You’d better, because I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  Chapter 26

  Monica would’ve loved to have the luxury of another day or two off to unwind. But she also was eager to get back and see the whales. Her enthusiasm took a nosedive, however, when she saw Truman Raines striding toward her as she passed Turtle Lagoon.

  “Just the woman I wanted to see,” he gushed. “Where’ve you been, beautiful? I missed you. You always pretty up the scenery around here.”

  She forced herself to be cordial despite his condescending, sexist attitude, but she didn’t have to be happy about it. Monica scowled and answered in a snotty tone, “If you mean yesterday, I was off.”

  “Yeah? Have a good day?”

  “I had a great day. Cosby and I caught up on our sleep and…other things.”

  “So, then, you didn’t do anything exciting.”

  What an ass! “Oh, we had plenty of excitement, trust me.” Not that it was Truman’s business, but she had a point to make. “I could barely pull myself out of bed to come to work this morning.”

  The billionaire’s lip curled, and she expected him to say something smarmy. Instead, he flashed a grin that no doubt had charmed legions of women. It did nothing for Monica, who strongly suspected his dazzling exterior masked an empty soul. His predatory gaze lacked Cosby’s warmth. And when her lover trained those eyes on her during the height of passion…Monica’s thoughts traveled back to how much they’d enjoyed each other the day before, and she broke out in a sweat. Why is it suddenly so hot in here?

  “I’ve got something in mind that could redefine the word ‘excitement.’”

  It took Monica a moment to realize Truman had spoken to her.

  “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m really busy. So if you’ll excuse me…”

  He grasped her arm to stop her from leaving. She stared at his hand as if it were a venomous snake, coiled and ready to strike, then pinned him with a glare that would’ve discouraged a less egotistical man.

  “Just hear me out.” He turned her loose. “How’d you like an all-expenses-paid trip to three of this country’s largest aquariums? Georgia, Shedd, and Monterey Bay? We’ll fly in my plane, ride in limos, dine at the best restaurants, and stay in luxury accommodations. It’ll be five-star all the way.”

  “Sounds wonderful, except for the dangling strings.”

  He gave her a wounded look. “You’ve got the wrong idea. This is a career-building opportunity to meet experts in your field and expose you to new ideas. And I’d be taking several of your colleagues along, too.”

  “Really? Like who?”

  “I, uh, haven’t decided yet. You’re the first person I thought of.”

  “Yeah? Why me, exactly?”

  “Because you’re dedicated, and you’ve got a lot of…potential.”

  “Potential for what?”

  “To, um, accomplish important things.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know specifically. Whatever your career goals are.”

  “So in other words, you don’t really know that much about me.”

  His affable expression slipped, and Monica caught a brief glimpse of what she figured was the real Truman Raines. But then he hid his annoyance behind another disarming smile.

  “Quite the chip on your shoulder,” he chided. “Are you always this distrustful of people who offer to do you a favor? A huge one, I might add.”

  “I apologize if I’ve misjudged you. But a man usually doesn’t spend that kind of money on a woman without expecting something significant in return. And I’m sure you know what I mean.”

  Truman’s eyes narrowed. “Look, I admit I’m attracted to you. And I certainly wouldn’t say no if you wanted to get, shall we say, better acquainted. But I assure you, I don’t have to go begging for women to keep me company.”

  “I have no doubt of that, which makes me even more curious to know why you’re trying so hard with me.”

  He smirked. “I should think you’d be flattered.”

  “I might be if I thought it was really me you were after.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not following you.”

  Now it was Monica’s turn to look smug. “I’ve been reading about you online, and one news article in particular caught my attention. It was about how the police brought you in for questioning because you wouldn’t quit hounding a certain Oscar-winning actress who’d made it quite clear she wanted nothing to do with you. Apparently, you don’t handle rejection well. The cops never charged you, though, and soon after that the department received a sizable ‘anonymous’ donation to buy new squad cars.”

  Truman merely shrugged.

  “And here’s the kicker. Some people say I look a little like her.”

  “You look a lot like her. It’s uncanny, really.”

  “Do you understand how messed up that is?”

  He shrugged again and Monica’s ire rose. He needed someone to rattle his brains inside that thick skull.

  “I know this is just a game to you, Truman. But I’m crazy about a wonderful man who—imagine this—actually loves me for me. I’d be an idiot to screw that up, especially when you’d drop me without a backward glance when the next best thing came along.”

  “That’s very touching, but not very practical. Not when I could introduce you to a lifestyle you’ll never get another chance to experience. Not living in this backwater town.”

  She wanted to tell him he wasn’t even half the man Cosby was. That he was exactly the type of guy the old, self-involved Monica would’ve fallen for, mostly because of what he could do for her. But she decided to take the high road because being mean no longer gave her any satisfaction and because her boss called him a friend.

  “I guess that’ll just have to be my loss. But hey, no hard feelings, okay?”

  He moved so quickly she never saw it coming. He grabbed her wrist, yanked her against him, and smashed his mouth to hers. Stunned, it took her a moment to react, but then she shoved him away. She wiped away his taste on her lips, wishing she could spit, too, and her eyes shot so many sparks the grass would’ve caught fire if they’d been outside on the lawn.

  “Don’t ever do that again,” she warned.

  His lecherous smile made her skin crawl. “Hey, no hard feelings.”

  Her gaze strayed unbidden below his belt, and the evidence of his arousal disgusted her. Truman made a show of looking her up and down with an unsettling gleam in his eyes, then let out a nasty little laugh and sauntered away.

  As she attempted to regain her composure, she noticed a familiar figure watching her from inside Turtle Lagoon. She saw censure in his eyes.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” she snapped. “It’s not what you think.”

  Evan walked up to the railing and frowned at her. “It’s exactly what I think. He’s a creep who won’t accept the fact you’re not interested.”

  She couldn’t hide her surprise. “You’re actually taking my side?”

  “I’ve seen the way he hovers around you and leers at you. He ogles Dani and some of the other women, too. She made me promise not to confront him because she doesn’t want to make waves. I’m tempted to tell Jo that he bragged he could turn Kelsey straight if she hopped into b
ed with him. Revolting, but all talk, or so I thought. After what I just witnessed, though, I’m convinced Wesley needs to know what’s going on.”

  “There’s something you need to consider, Evan. Wesley’s daddy balked at footing the bill for the 4-D theater, so Junior’s moneybags buddy offered to be his private bank.”

  “Where’d you hear that?”

  “From my boss, who heard it firsthand at a manager’s meeting earlier this morning. I planned to tell you and Flipper the next time I saw you.”

  “Well, that’s unfortunate given the circumstances, but it doesn’t change my mind. I won’t just stand around with my thumb up my butt while he harasses you, Dani, Kelsey, and who knows how many other women. What kind of man would I be if I did that?” Evan didn’t wait for her response and answered his own question. “A man just like him, that’s what.”

  “All right, but you’re not talking to Wesley alone.”

  “No offense, Monica, but given your track record with sexual harassment cases, maybe you’d better let me handle this.”

  Her blood began to boil, but she had to concede he was right.

  “Fine, I’ll let you take the lead. But I doubt you’ll have a problem finding others to back us up. Strength in numbers might be the best strategy.”

  * * * *

  “I don’t care how much money he has. If that son of a bitch ever puts his hands on you again, he’ll answer to me. Nobody touches my woman like that.” Cosby’s hands fisted. He felt the need to break something or, more specifically, a certain someone’s face.

  “Your woman? Are you kidding me? A protective streak is one thing. But this possessive crap? You’d better change your tone right now, buster. I don’t belong to anyone, you got that?”

  Bewildered, Cosby held up his hands in surrender.

  “I’m sorry, Monica. Bad choice of words.” To make peace, he cupped her face and kissed her, but she didn’t kiss him back. He lifted his head to look her in the eye. “You’re very much your own person, and that’s one of the things I love most about you. I just hate that the bastard thinks he has the right to touch you like that.”