Before the Storm (The Cochran/Deveraux Series Book 9)

by Melanie Schuster

  Sylvia merely smiled her approval, but Cherelle and Kimmi let out yelps of excitement. Capiz gave a low whistle, and then added her two cents to the rest. “Start from the beginning and talk slow. Just what have you been up to, my dear?”

  Ruth leaned against the refrigerator and stared at the card and the ticket. “There’s nothing much to tell. I went to Atlanta to visit my niece and I met a man. A really wonderful man. That’s not too complicated, is it?”

  The silence lasted all of a nanosecond before Sylvia began giving orders.

  “Ruth, you go sit down. Capiz, make some more tea—no, better make something with some kick to it. Cherelle, honey, heat up the dip and Kimmi, get out the fruit salad she has hidden in there and some cheese. This is going to take a while and we’re going to need energy.”

  ***

  Mac was talking on the phone when his oldest son, Julian, walked in the back door. From his attire and the fact that he was dripping with sweat, it was obvious that he’d been running. He waved at his father and dove into the refrigerator, emerging with a twenty-four-ounce bottle of icy cold water, which he proceeded to down in about four gulps. He wiped his mouth off with the back of one hand and rubbed the still-wet bottle against his forehead. “That’s more like it,” he said to no one in particular as he helped himself to another bottle.

  Meanwhile, Mac was thanking Betty, a florist, who’d called him to let him know his hand-selected bouquet had been delivered. “The delivery man said she was very pleased and he was pretty sure there were tears in her eyes. He also said some of her friends were there when she got them and they were very impressed with your taste.” Betty chuckled softly. “If you keep this up I’m going to be able to take a holiday in Hawaii,” she teased him. “I like a man who knows what he wants and you really want this lady, don’t you?”

  Pleased with her frankness, Mac agreed with her. “I do, indeed. And what I want, I go after.”

  Julian raised both eyebrows when he heard his father’s declaration. As his father ended the call, Julian splashed some of the cold water from the second bottle on his face and let it run down his neck. As soon as Mac was off the phone, Julian looked at him intently. “So what’s this I overheard, Judge? Was that a new lady in your life?”

  Mac shook his head. “Nope. That was a very nice woman from Atlanta who owns a really special florist shop. She was calling to let me know that the flowers I sent to the new lady in my life had arrived,” he said smugly.

  Julian pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and straddled it, draining the last of the water as he did so. “You’re involved with someone new? So why am I just hearing about this, Judge?”

  Mac gave him a look of mock exasperation. “Because I’m a grown man, that’s why. I don’t need your approval or permission to date, son. Let’s not forget who the father is and who the son is,” he said tersely.

  “Oh, yeah? Remember the retired schoolteacher from Biloxi with the nine daughters? It seems to me that someone in this room warned you about getting involved with her and it also seems to me that that same person had to put out a restraining order on her,” Julian reminded him. “And how about that woman from Arkansas who claimed to have all those degrees and own that big house and have all that money? Remember her, Judge?”

  Mac tried looking stern and paternal and failed miserably. He was trying to hold in a loud burst of laughter. “Look, I plead the fifth on both those counts. First of all, that nutty heifer from Biloxi was a gift to me from Reverend Ames’s wife. She was her play cousin and if you will recall, Sister Ames was the one who set the whole thing up. And Sister Ames was just as surprised as everyone else when we found out that the nine daughters were actually call girls. She had no clue her ‘cousin’ was a madam,” Mac said as the laughter finally escaped.

  “And as for that other woman, well, strange things happen on cruise ships. The woman was as crazy as a road lizard, I grant you that. But it wasn’t like I picked her out. Your younger brothers introduced me to that nutcase. They had no way of knowing the woman was wanted for questioning in a murder case in Peoria, Illinois, or that she was a compulsive liar and black widow.” Mac looked thoughtful for a moment. “Come to think of it she should be coming up for parole pretty soon. Of course, she’s the reason I refuse all blind dates and setups. I’m extremely particular about who I get involved with, and not just because I’ve had some really bad experiences in the past. I’ve just learned to be very careful over the years.”

  Julian stood up and put the empty water bottles in the recycling bin near the back door. He washed his hands thoroughly and dried them on paper towels before making another excursion into the refrigerator. “Okay, Judge, I guess you’ve learned from your misadventures. So how did you meet this one?”

  “Blind date,” Mac said with a grin, enjoying the look of horror on his son’s face. He let him wallow in anguish for a few seconds, before admitting that Paris had introduced them.

  “She’s Bennie’s aunt, the one who raised them after their mother died. She’s retired, very comfortable financially, based in Chicago and she travels frequently. She never married, has no children of her own, she’s very well-educated, smart, athletic and funny. And get this: she loves golf, horses and baseball. Great conversationalist and likes to socialize.”

  Julian was making a massive sandwich of roast beef, Muenster cheese, arugula, sliced tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts on pumpernickel. He was nodding as he father was speaking. “Sounds like there’s some potential there,” he acknowledged. “She good-looking?”

  Mac assured him that Ruth was more than merely good-looking, she was stunning. “Don’t take my word for it, here’s a picture,” he said, taking a photo out of his well-worn personal planner. It was a snapshot of the two of them that Paris had taken and it really showed Ruth at her best, with her winning smile and sparkling green eyes.

  “Wow. Paris has good taste, Judge. She looks like a real winner, Pop.”

  “She is, son. As good as she looks on the outside, believe me, she’s twice as nice on the inside. This lady is a keeper,” he said with a dreamy look in his eyes as he stared at her image.

  “Judge, you sound serious. Sounds like you mean to make this permanent or something.” Julian spread a large quantity of Creole spicy mustard on the bread and put his masterpiece together. He took a large bite before giving Mac a piercing look to see if he was kidding around or what.

  Mac looked serenely calm as he returned his son’s look. “Julian, after we lost your mother I was convinced I’d never find anyone to equal her. The love we shared was so special I didn’t even consider remarrying. Besides, I had my children to think about. I was more concerned with raising you properly and, to be honest, I just closed off that part of my heart. But Ruth isn’t like any woman I’ve ever met before. There’s something really different about her, something precious and unique that I’m compelled to explore,” he said quietly. “I don’t think we were put here to lead solitary lives. I think that love between a man and a woman is a special blessing, one that I’ve denied myself too long. And, if I might point this out without censure, so have you. It’s about time you started filling the hole in your heart that Maya left, son. I think it’s time you started looking for a new love, Julian.”

  Julian almost choked on his sandwich at his father’s words. His face turned bright red and an odd look completely changed his appearance. “That’s never going to happen, Judge. Never in this world.”

  ***

  Ruth was comfortably seated on what her friends all called “the throne,” her oversized armchair that was positioned directly across from the big-screen television in the living area of the loft. There was a wing chair adjacent to it, and a long, comfortable sofa across from the wing chair. The sofa and armchair were both upholstered in a soft suede-like fabric in a warm taupe, and the wing chair was a rich, dark green. There were soft colorful throw pillows on the sofa and chairs, with floor cushions and a couple of roomy ottomans to ensure a high level of comf
ort for anyone who entered Ruth’s domain. The ladies were all seated near enough to Ruth so they could be supportive but not overwhelming. There was no escape to be had now; questions had to be answered. Cherelle started by asking how she’d met him.

  “You know my young friend, Paris...? I know you’ve heard me talk about her.” Everyone nodded and Ruth continued talking. “Well, Paris’s father came from New Orleans to visit her in Atlanta and she got the brilliant idea of introducing us. I agreed with the stipulation that she also invite Titus, the young man she’s in love with. They had a huge misunderstanding and they’ve been avoiding each other, so I thought that if I forced her hand...” Ruth stopped speaking when Kimmi waved her hand impatiently.

  “Umm, Ruth, honey, I don’t mean to be crude, but I could care less about Paris and her boyfriend problems. Let’s get back to her daddy. Is he fine?”

  Everyone, including Ruth, laughed. It was no secret that Kimmi had a weakness for handsome men, a weakness that had led her into some unfortunate relationships in the past. Ruth assured her that Mac was a good-looking man. “He’s quite tall and very distinguished-looking. In fact, I have a picture if you’d like to see him,” she said demurely.

  Kimmi shrieked, “Woman, you’d better give it up! It’s bad enough that you kept this from us for two whole weeks, you’ve got photographic evidence that you’re withholding, too! You owe us big-time for this, get that picture out now or I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

  Ruth was laughing as she excused herself to get the snapshots from that weekend. They were in a small album on the table next to her bed and she gladly showed them off to her friends. “There you go. He’s nice, isn’t he?”

  Capiz was gaping with her mouth wide open. “Nice? Hon, that doesn’t begin to describe him! He’s gorgeous, you sneaky wench. How long were you planning to keep him a secret?”

  Sylvia pressed one hand to her cheek and gave a long whistle. “Girl, he looks like a young Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. So what else is there to know about him other than the fact that he’s beautiful?”

  Ruth sighed deeply. “He’s brilliant, for one thing. He’s a justice with the Supreme Court of the state of Louisiana. He’s a widower with five children, all adults and all successful. He has a great sense of humor, he’s very trim and athletic, likes to work out and he’s a golfer. He’s kind and intuitive and a good listener. He sends me green flowers because he loves my green eyes. He’s a wonderful kisser and he loves to dance. He’s too good to be true, actually.”

  “He’s not too good to be true, and he’s not too good for you. He sounds just perfect and you sound like you’re scared to death,” said Cherelle. Her dark, clever eyes explored Ruth’s face carefully. “What are you afraid of, Ruthie?”

  “Okay, he lives in New Orleans and I live here, so I figured, nothing serious could come out of it and why not a fun weekend, which we did have. But now he seems like he wants to pursue something more and I’m not sure if I can handle it. He calls me every day and he never misses an opportunity to build on that weekend. Look at this,” she said, waving the ticket in the air.

  Capiz took it from her fingers and made a sound of approval. “I like this. He wants you to be his Valentine, he asks you two weeks ahead, and he set it up on neutral territory. Good move on his part. Too much pressure if he comes here, or you go to him, so you meet in the most romantic city on the east coast on the most romantic holiday. I like him, Ruth. He has class and good sense. Grab him, girl. That’s my advice. Get him!”

  Instead of looking amused, Ruth looked dismayed. “Look, it’s been a long time since I was involved with anyone. A long, long time, to be truthful. I don’t know if I want a relationship and I don’t know if I can handle one. I’m used to being on my own, coming and going as I please and doing what I want when I want. I don’t know if I have the desire or ability to be involved in something serious. I don’t want to screw this up and the possibilities for disaster are numerous.”

  Kimmi spoke up then, her youth showing in her response. “Well, who says it has to be a serious relationship? You can just have fun with the man and let it go. When you feel like being bothered, you hang, and when you don’t you disappear, simple as that.”

  She suddenly noticed that the other ladies were looking at her as if she were crazy. “What did I say?” she asked plaintively.

  Sylvia shook her head. “Kimmi, that may work with the young bloods, but that’s not how grown folks handle their business. Ruth is right about this—she needs to make up her mind if she wants to be with him or not because this man is not playing. This man is as serious as a heart attack and Ruth needs to decide if she can handle him or not because he means business.”

  The other ladies nodded in agreement and Ruth had no smart answer for once. Her green eyes caressed her green blooms and she sank into the depths of her chair with a deep, long and very heartfelt sigh.

  Chapter 5

  Ruth looked around the baggage claim area of La Guardia while trying to appear nonchalant. The last thing she wanted to do was look like an overeager spinster on her first date, although that’s what she felt like. It had taken a lot to convince herself that spending the weekend in New York with Mac was a good idea. The fact that her friends lectured her individually and collectively notwithstanding; for her this was a difficult decision. There was a lot at risk here, but she was convinced it was the right move. Of course, the sound of Mac’s rich voice crooning in her ear night after night made the decision a little easier to make. She smiled as she recalled one of their last conversations.

  “Listen, honey, we owe it to ourselves to enjoy a romantic weekend in New York. We’ll have a suite with two bedrooms so you needn’t feel pressured in any way. We’ll dine and dance and enjoy each other’s company while we get to know one another better. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds lovely, Julian. It sounds romantic and intriguing and if I’m to be honest about it, I can’t wait to see you again. Shall we meet at the hotel or what?” She closed her eyes as she tried to imagine what their first meeting would be like. Suddenly she was overwhelmed with the desire to see him. Her eyes flew open as his laughing response came across the line.

  “Meet me at the hotel? Don’t be ridiculous, honey. I’ll be at the airport with open arms.”

  “Oh. Well, okay then. I’ll see you soon,” she murmured. They talked a little more and when they finally ended the call, she stared at the receiver for a long time. She was so overcome with desire that all she wanted to do was call him back so she could hear his voice again. Thank God for Sylvia, both for being her friend and for pushing her in the right direction. It was Sylvia, her older and wiser friend, who’d talked some sense into her about the whole situation. The night of the book club after Cherelle, Kimmi and Capiz had all voiced their opinions, tidied up the dishes and left, Sylvia and Ruth had remained seated in the living room, listening to Eva Cassidy on the stereo and having a real heart-to-heart talk.

  “Ruth, dear heart, it’s time for you to have something in your life besides girlfriends, hobbies and nieces and nephews. You’ve been running long enough and it’s time for you to settle down,” she said gently. She paused to peruse the pictures from the weekend in Atlanta and studied Mac’s face carefully. It was a picture of Ruth and Mac with Bennie’s twin girls sitting on their laps. Ruth was smiling at the children, but Mac was looking at Ruth with a look in his eyes that spoke as loudly as a love song. “This man looks like the one, Ruthie. He looks at you the way my Franco looks at me and that ain’t no joke, sister. It took me several years to get that look out of him and you managed it in one weekend. What did you do that weekend besides have dinner with his daughter?”

  “We had a ball, Sylvia. We went to lunch at Dailey’s, of course, then we went to the museum and window-shopped, but I told you that already. We went to the gym at the Deveraux complex and worked out, we went to the movies and we had dinner at Lillian and Bump’s house. Lillian is Bennie’s mother-in-law and she was marri
ed to Julian’s brother. They’ve known each other all their lives, you know, and they’re very close. Paris used to spend the summers in Atlanta with Lillian when she was a little girl,” Ruth told her.

  Her eyes fell on the pictures and she was mesmerized by every feature of his face, every expression. When she finally looked at Sylvia again, her face was full of naked emotion.

  “Sylvia, I don’t have to tell you that I’m scared. Julian is the kind of man most women look for all their lives and here he’s just been dropped in my lap like he fell off the good-man tree. He’s so smart and funny and sexy and kind...oh damn, Syl, suppose I screw it up? I’m so bossy and set in my ways and contrary, who knows what I’m likely to do? I just don’t want to mess this up before it gets started, that’s all,” she mumbled.

  “That’s not all and we both know it,” Sylvia said firmly. “I think we both know what this is really about, Ruth. You’re afraid to fall in love because of Jared. It’s always been Jared that’s kept you from having the love you deserve. It’s got to stop, dear heart. You’ve got to let go of the past once and for all and get your share of the joy you give to everyone else,” she said, taking one of Ruth’s hands and holding it tightly. On one hand, she hated to see the sheen of tears in the indomitable Ruth’s eyes, but on the other, it meant that she was right and she was getting through to Ruth. Sure enough, her friend looked at her with her heart in her eyes.

  “You make it sound so easy, Syl. But how do I do that, how do I let go once and for all?”

  “You wipe your eyes, you tell this big handsome hunk you’ll meet him in New York and you buy some new lingerie. Everything else will fall into place, trust me.”

  Ruth’s expression went from cloudy to sunny and she burst into laughter. Maybe things were really that simple. Or at least they seemed that simple when she got on the plane at O’Hare in Chicago. Now, looking around for some sight of Julian, she wasn’t so sure. Suddenly an unmistakable voice called her name. She turned around to find him standing there looking utterly wonderful in a black cashmere overcoat and a fabulous black Borsalino fedora.