Love in a Victorian

by Lisa Norato

  Getting to know him had been a challenge and an adventure. There’d been frustrating moments, some verbal sparring, but plenty of smiles. Her affection for Rick had developed gradually, sneaking up on her, despite her resistance to her mom’s matchmaking, and now he was someone Jamie had grown to care about deeply.

  It had taken a while to get to this stage. There’d been Vera, of course, making it impossible for Jamie to even consider a romantic interest in Rick, but Vera was long gone to New York, and Jamie wanted to give this chance for a relationship her best. She hoped to please Rick. She was no bombshell like Vera, but she wanted Rick to find her beautiful in her own way and appreciate her qualities within, the way she appreciated his.

  Still, uncertainty fizzled through her, putting her on edge. On the outside, they didn’t seem to have much in common. What were the chances they could make this work? They came from different backgrounds, ran in different circles, worked in vastly different professions. He was white collar, she was blue. She was nervous about fitting in with his friends and associates. Vera had easily held her own with his crowd, and more, had probably wowed them, but Jamie felt she would have to work hard to meet with their approval.

  Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea after all.

  “Too much for a first date?” Rick asked, offering her his arm. He looked stunning in classic black with a black-textured narrow tie contrasting the silk labels of his tux. His hair had been groomed into a neat style, and the attractiveness that had once irritated her now endeared him to her, for she adored his sharp blue eyes, that slightly off-center nose, and crooked, dimpled smile. All the features that made him roguishly handsome.

  “You look a little overwhelmed.” With a smile of encouragement, he offered his arm.

  Jamie took hold. “No, it’s wonderful. Well, maybe a little awestruck.” She glanced around the elegant ballroom decorated for St. Agnes’s charity gala. “I knew this was a grand event. Guess I underestimated just how grand.”

  The cocktail reception was in full swing. Elegantly attired attendees moved to and from the bar with their drinks and gathered in clusters, carrying the sounds of chatter and laughter. Couples greeted each other with handshakes and swift kisses to the cheek. The wait staff stepped carefully between them balancing trays of hors d’oeuvres. Further into the ballroom, round tables were dressed with silver tablecloths, white linen napkins, fine china and tall, flowering centerpieces. A nine-man brass band manned the stage, playing a mellow tune to a dance floor empty except for one elderly couple. The hardwood dance floor gleamed beneath a large chandelier.

  She breathed slowly, smoothing a hand along her hip, feeling the sequined texture of her shimmery, silver gray tank dress. On unsteady knees, teetering on four-inch rhinestone sandals, bought at her mother’s insistence, she stepped with Rick into the festivities and up to the checkin table, where they were assigned a number for the silent auction.

  The volunteer handed them each a program. “Enjoy your evening.”

  “Thank you. We intend to,” Rick said, turning to Jamie with a smile and his penetrating blue gaze.

  “So I take it, this is not the sort of date you went on with Dylan? Did you two date? I got the impression maybe you did, but you never said.”

  Jamie faced him with a tilt of her head. “I didn’t say because I didn’t think it was any of your business.” She and Dylan enjoyed working together but didn’t hang out as often since Dylan had met the woman who was now his girlfriend.

  “Okay, be mysterious. You’re with me tonight, and that’s all I care about.” He leaned in to drop a kiss on her temple and whispered huskily, “You look beautiful.”

  Shivers of delight raced up her spine. She felt caught up in a Cinderella dream. It had been worth the shopping trip with her mom, being dragged all over town and bossed about by beauty diva Stella, then subjecting herself to the machinations of a full salon treatment — haircut, styling, manicure and pedicure. She hated to admit it, but her mother had been right all along.

  “Let me get you something to drink, and then we’ll check out the silent auction. I want you to help me choose what to bid on, maybe something we could do together.” He gave her a wink. “I’m already planning a second date. How do you feel about that?”

  Her heart fluttered wildly. She felt excited and hopeful. Was this really happening? He was actually serious about dating her. She felt special, but Jamie maintained a cool reply. “I say it’s a good possibility, but let’s see how this date goes first.” Of course, she said this with a telltale smile that could not be controlled.

  Rick narrowed his blue eyes at her playfully, the hint of a grin on his lips. “Challenge accepted. I always knew there was an intriguing woman underneath all that plaid and flannel.”

  Jamie laughed and he led her to the bar, where he ordered two Italian sodas. Handing her one glass, he said, “I can’t have you feeling tipsy on those heels when the night is so young, and there’s still a lot of meeting, greeting and dancing to do on them.”

  A bidding number was assigned to them for the silent auction. Rick held her hand as they walked up and down the long tables displaying the auction items, keeping her close to his side. Jamie found it hard to focus on anything but the feel of her hand in his. He had such a reassuring, warm grasp with none of the calluses she tended to get. They strolled past things like liquor baskets, chocolate baskets, a sports-celebrity autograph, books by local authors, jewelry by local manufacturers… .

  “Oh, here’s the dinner at Bellucci’s,” she noted. “Look, nine bids have already been made.”

  Rick tugged her along to the next item. “You know I love your family, but I was thinking of something different for us and a little more exclusive for our second date. Hey, how about this. A trip for two to Arruba?”

  “Yeah. Right. I am not going to Arruba with you. Are you ever going to stop teasing me?”

  He gave her hand a squeeze. “Jamie, I hope to be teasing you for a long time to come.”

  She turned from his burning gaze, pretending to admire the next item, a designer crossbody bag in a beautiful shade of deep yellow pebble leather. She fingered its adjustable strap. This was all happening too fast. Her heart wasn’t ready to fall. It held to its guardedness, remembering the months of Rick being off limits. Off limits because he was involved with another woman, because initially they seemed to only irritate each other. And even once they’d formed a more friendly alliance, Jamie had a hard time believing she could ever be his type.

  Yet despite the obstacles and their outward differences, they seemed to connect on a deeper level. Maybe she was jumping ahead of herself, but in him, her heart sensed the spirit of a man Jamie could see herself with long term. Someone she could depend on. A forever friend. A partner. He made her feel respected and valued. He attracted her in a way no man ever had. Any traces of longing and loneliness disappeared when she was near him.

  Whoa, definitely jumping ahead of herself. She breathed.

  “Would you like that?” he asked.

  Jamie glanced up and Rick nodded to the handbag she was touching. “Because I’d be happy to get it for you,” he said with a click of his pen.

  As he bent towards the bid sheet, Jamie dropped the bag strap and raised a hand to stop him. “Oh, no, Rick. Thank you. I was just looking.”

  “Good,” said the woman who’d been lurking behind her and now pushed in to slide the bid sheet toward her.

  Jamie glance at Rick, who grinned and escorted her away to another table, “That bag’s not for you. Grampy’s ancient hammer would never fit in that small purse. Let’s check out the jewelry.”

  “Just so you know, I don’t carry tools with me everywhere. And I don’t need you to buy me anything.”

  “Not even one of these?” he asked, pointing to a set of his and her sports watches.

  “They are nice,” she admitted.

  “We can wear them on our date. I have an idea,” he said, scribbling down a bid far more generous than t
he twenty dollars already offered. “Come with me.”

  He pulled her by the hand to the end of the table where he paused. “I’ve been interested in this item since I learned it would be part of the auction.”

  “Theater tickets to the Providence Performing Arts Center?” Any girl would be thrilled, but Jamie couldn’t help but feel a stab of disappointment. She wasn’t really the theater type, sitting quietly for hours in a crowded auditorium. She’d rather be doing something. And from the way Rick had been talking, she’d expected something a little more out of the ordinary.

  “No,” he corrected. “There’s no talking in a theater. Our date should be someplace where we can interact, have fun, laugh. I was referring to a round of golf. At a seaside country club with a gorgeous view of the ocean.”

  Jamie beamed with approval. “I completely agree. It sounds perfect.”

  His gaze continued to hold hers. “Have I told you how great you look tonight?”

  “A few times. Not that I’ve gotten tired of hearing it.”

  She’d gone for a short dress rather than a long gown. A more youthful look, her mother insisted. The hem ended a few inches above Jamie’s knees, and the matte and shine effect of the sequins lent a moonlit sheen. Her eyes were rimmed in black with gray eye shadow for a smoky effect, her hair straightened so it looked twice as long and glossier than her usual thick flyaway waves.

  Wrapping an arm around her, Rick pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her temple. “This is not the Jamie I’m used to,” he said, glancing pointedly down at her black toenail polish, “and as much as I miss the tool belt and heavy work boots, I believe I could fall for this glamorous Jamie as much as I did for my lady foreman.”

  A bald man with a neat goatee and a twinkle in his eyes paused before them. He smiled at Jamie when she noticed him, but as Rick had not, she tapped him on the shoulder. “Rick, I think someone wants to say hello.”

  “Curtis,” Rick greeted in pleasant surprise, extending his hand.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” Curtis said as they shook. “Looks like dinner is going to be served soon. Everyone is taking their seats, and since we’re not seated at the same table, I wanted to say hello.”

  “I’m glad you did. Jamie, this is a good friend of mine, Curtis Shepard. Curtis is the Director of Grant Programs at Rhode Island Philanthropic.”

  Jamie was familiar with the work of Rhode Island Philanthropic, so she wasn’t surprised to find Mr. Shepard a guest here tonight. The organization was a trust corporation worth billions that granted money to deserving charities.

  “Curtis, I’d like you to meet someone special who agreed to be my date for this evening, Jamie Kearly. Jamie was my restoration contractor on the Victorian.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jamie. I know I shouldn’t stereotype, but you look far too glamorous to be a contractor. But apparently you know your stuff. I hear you did a fantastic job on Rick’s Victorian.”

  Jamie thanked the man, then smiled at Rick, who she assumed had sung her praises, but Rick shrugged, confused.

  “I know we haven’t had time to catch up lately, Curtis. Who told you about Jamie’s work?”

  “Vera. I ran into her by the bar when I first arrived. I assumed the two of you would be here together, naturally, so when Vera explained otherwise … and I saw you with someone new … sorry, Rick, but curiosity got the better of me,” Curtis explained with an apologetic smile. “I had to come over and meet Jamie.”

  “I don’t understand. What is Vera doing here?” Rick’s surprise echoed Jamie’s own reaction. She watched Rick glance about the ballroom and had to resist the urge to do the same. Then again, how awkward would it be if they did run into her?

  Curtis nodded. “Then you don’t know? She volunteered to fill in last minute after the comedian that was scheduled to host had to cancel for a family emergency.”

  Jamie wasn’t going to let this spoil her evening, and yet it did put a damper on her excitement for reasons she couldn’t explain other than feelings of inadequacy when it came to the gorgeous Vera.

  “I thought she’d have started her job in New York by now,” Rick whispered as they took their seats at a table close to the stage. “But whatever’s going on with her, it’s not my concern anymore.”

  Jamie agreed they had no choice but to drop the subject and enjoy their evening. With dinner about to be served there was no opportunity for a private conversation. Rick introduced her to the other guests sharing their table.

  Over a jeweled beet salad on baby greens with orange sections, goat cheese and a citrus vinaigrette, Jamie did her best to participate in the dinner conversation, but it was Rick who garnered the attention with his research into St. Agnes’s work and his company’s donation. Their dining companions included members of the fundraising committee and their spouses, a lovely woman who served as the director of the Wellness Center, and the Reverend Father Anthony Raposa of St. Agnes’s, who entertained Jamie with witty stories of his parish and seemed especially fascinated with her expertise in construction, as he enjoyed building birdhouses in his spare time.

  Throughout the meal, others stopped by the table to say hello to Rick, and maybe even to check out his date for the evening. Jamie didn’t mind. She watched with interest as he interacted with business associates and friends. He’d observed her at work countless times. This was her first glimpse into his professional life. His manner, posture, and appearance remained impeccable at all times, his expression cool and controlled but always with a ready smile. His rugged handsomeness added to his charm. Jamie couldn’t help but reflect that his chosen livelihood was miles away from hers.

  After the main course, plates of pumpkin cheesecake were brought out and coffee was served. The nine-man band, consisting of older male musicians, began to assemble on stage. Oh, good, Jamie thought. She was looking forward to dancing with Rick. Holding hands had been romantic, but she longed to feel herself in his arms.

  Dinner had been wonderful, the conversation entertaining. Rick had remained attentively by her side. Jamie hadn’t taken much notice of what was happening at the other tables. But now she did notice that a woman had been dining with the brass musicians, and she was taking the stage along with them.

  Vera had all but slipped her mind, but there would be no forgetting her now, as Jamie watched her approach the microphone in a show stopping, body hugging, off the shoulder sweetheart gown of blood red with a mermaid silhouette and a sweeping train. She wore her pale blonde hair in a half up-do with soft tendrils spilling over one shoulder.

  Jamie reached for her water glass. Her throat had suddenly gone dry, and as she sipped, Rick leaned over to whisper, “David wasn’t kidding. She really is here.” There was disbelief in his tone with an edge of something else. Whether it was disappointment or awe, she couldn’t tell.

  The room fell silent as Vera’s clear newscaster voice projected over the ballroom.

  “Hello. I’m Vera Andersen of the Channel 3 news team. I hope you’ve enjoyed your evening so far, because it’s only getting started. We’ll be hearing from some important speakers and then we’ll open up the dance floor. In a few moments I’ll be announcing the winners of the silent auction, but before we get to any of that, on behalf of the entire committee, I’d like to welcome you to the eleventh annual fundraiser of the St. Agnes Food Pantry and Health Center. Thank you for enabling us to feed the hungry and shine a light of hope in the darkness.”

  A round of applause started. Vera joined in, clapping and gesturing to the crowd.

  She nodded. “Go on, you deserve a hand,” she said over the ovation. “It is your continued support that enables St. Agnes’s to help alleviate the problem of hunger in our poorer neighborhoods. No hungry soul is ever turned away.”

  The smile she gave her audience was devastating. The ballroom returned to dead silence, waiting for her to continue. “And I do mean every soul. I’m told generous donations of pet food come in for those struggling to feed their furry family members. And
it’s widely known Father Raposa has a soft spot for strays. His parish has been known to adopt a homeless cat … or several, here and there, over the years.”

  Laughter and more applause followed. Jamie turned to exchange a smile with the priest seated beside her. He nodded and they shared of a moment of understanding, for Jamie had told him the story of Boo Boo during dinner.

  Vera announced the silent auction. Jamie cheered for Rick when he won the sports watches he’d bid on, but moments later, the confident smile was wiped off his handsome face when the round of golf went, not to him, as expected, but to Vera.

  Jamie read disappointment and confusion in the deepening crease between his brows. “She’s done this just to provoke me. I can’t think of any other explanation,” he said quietly. “Vera doesn’t care for golf.” Turning to her with a frown, he added, “I’m sorry, Jamie. There go our plans.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Rick. We can golf anywhere. And don’t be so quick to assume the worst of Vera. There’s no way she could have known who wrote down the last bid. All bids are listed by number.”

  “I suppose,” he said, still looking skeptical.

  After announcing the last winner, Vera said, “Thank you to all the supporters of this event, because without you, a night like this would not be possible. And please also consider providing a family with a holiday Thanksgiving dinner. Information can be found at the checkin table or from any St. Agnes’s representative here tonight.”

  Next on the agenda, she introduced the evening’s first speaker — the Director of the St. Agnes Food Pantry and Health Center, Beverly Young. Mrs. Young explained the Center’s operations in detail and expressed thanks for the donations and the generosity of its parish volunteers, who did everything from unloading trucks and keeping records to stocking shelves and assisting patrons to bagging groceries and any clothing, toys, or books the Center also offered to families in need. A volunteer physician was made available once a week for health screenings, and recently two outreach ministries had been instituted — a kitchen ministry serving hot meals at the church hall twice a month in addition to a kitchen mobile outreach that delivered boxed lunches into the community.