At last they were speeding away from the airport in Michael's green Ford pickup. The subtle masculine scent of his after-shave tugged at her composure. No, Lisa. Get a hold of yourself. You joined the circus to try to forget what's happened. You don't need another man to mess up your life.
"Estelle says to tell you that you're welcome to live with her in her trailer," Michael said. "She's got plenty of room and would love the company. The two of you should get along fine."
"I'd like that. At least for a while." She flashed him a smile.
Through the speakers in his CD player, the silky strains of a saxophone played. The windshield wipers moved back and forth with a steady drone. The streets glistened with moisture. Off the freeway, she caught an occasional glimpse of palm trees sandwiched in between sections of shopping malls and business parks.
"Your father said in his letter that my lodging would be provided," Lisa continued, "but I do intend to buy my own RV--maybe a small used trailer--just as soon as I can pay off some bills." She bit her lip. "That is, if I manage to stay."
"You mean if you don't pass your probation?"
"Uh-huh. Dr. Woodstock told you what he'd written in my contract?"
"Sure. Doc put the same requirements on the other two assistants."
"Oh." She gulped again. "So I'm not the first. I wondered about that."
"There were two. In less than a year." He waved a hand through the air. "Here today. Gone tomorrow."
She wound a strand of hair around her finger as her uneasiness about the veterinarian skyrocketed. "Last year when I was helping Dr. Woodstock, well... How can I put it without sounding rude? I got the impression he isn't exactly Mister Rogers."
"You're right." Michael chuckled. "But in all fairness, let me say this. Doc's a top-notch professional. He's terrific with the animals, especially the larger critters. If you can get along with him and pass your probation, you'll have it made."
"Have you worked with him a lot?"
"Some. When Pop or one of the keepers is busy, I try to help out. So does Mom, though most of the time she's busy training her poodles."
"Well, I'm not worried about anything at all," she said with false bravado. "I enjoyed my job at the veterinary clinic back on Long Island, and I'm going to enjoy this one too."
"I hope so...but don't overlook the obvious, Lisa." The doubt in his voice came through loud and clear. "Lions and tigers aren't your everyday house cat, you know." He swung into the next exit, merged with the traffic and came to a stop at a traffic light.
"Maybe you're right about that," Lisa conceded. "But I'm sure my perseverance and love for animals will see me through. I've been an animal lover since as far back as I can remember. Only problem was, because I changed foster homes so often, I rarely got to have any pets I could call my own."
"Must've been kind of tough."
"Yeah, it was. Though most of the time, I lived with loving families, I always knew my situation was temporary." She offered him a tentative smile. "I can remember wishing and praying I could have a puppy or kitten for my own. Just to have something to love that was all mine."
Her words were unraveling him. He tried not to let his feelings show, but it was a tough call. "Didn't you ever talk to your foster parents about that?"
"No. Never. I just figured it wasn't worth it. I was lucky enough they'd agreed to give me a home, let alone a pet too."
As the light turned to green and they were off again, she detected a play of emotions on his face. Sadness. Concern. Tenderness, perhaps?
He reached out and touched her hand. "Cheer up, Lisa. You've finally hit the big time. Now you've got a whole menagerie of pets to call your own."
She couldn't help smiling. "You're certainly right about that," she answered him. “I’ll have more animals than all the pet stores combined.”
"And time to spend with Ebony too," Michael reminded her.
"Oh yes! I've thought about her so often!" The black Arabian was Edward Figaro's most prized show animal. "How's she doing?" Lisa asked. "Did she recover from the infection?"
"Ebony's great." His brows knit together in a frown. "Hopefully she'll never get sick like that again. She had us all plenty worried, especially my father."
"I remember. Your dad was nearly beside himself."
"That's putting it mildly. Pop's got a lot invested in that horse--in more ways than one."
"What do you mean?"
Michael swung into a narrow alley and slowed the truck to a crawl. "Last week my father found out he's been inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame. All because of the trick's he's taught Ebony."
"That's wonderful!" She turned to face him squarely. "When can I see Ebony again?"
"Maybe later tonight after the show."
Michael parked behind a long string of trucks and trailers. He reached out again to touch her hand. "Lisa?"
"Yes, Michael?"
"After this, I may not be seeing much of you...I mean, we're both going to be busy."
Her heart turned over. Michael's dark eyes, those deep pools of midnight blue, were driving her insane--and if he kept touching her like this, she might fall apart completely.
"I realize that," she said and swallowed hard. "Just because you gave me the grand tour last year in Madison Square Garden, doesn't mean I expect you to do that this time too."
He hesitated, running his tongue over his lower lip. "Good. So now that we understand each other, there's one more thing...."
"What?"
"Just in case I don't get the chance to say it later...I...I want you to know I'm really glad you're here. It's great to see you again." His expression remained closed.
"Thanks." The words caught in her throat. "It's great to see you too."
She averted her gaze, struggling against panic. Maybe she should ask him to drive her back to the airport. Maybe she should say she changed her mind. But no...this was the opportunity of a lifetime. She was here now, and that's where she would stay.
She had no choice but to face the consequences.
Chapter Two
The coliseum and surrounding lot covered six city blocks. Everywhere Lisa and Michael walked people rushed about getting ready for the next performance.
As they wandered behind the dome-shaped building, a shiver of excitement surged over Lisa: the pungent smells of sawdust and animals, the deep-throated roaring of a lion, the shrill trumpeting of an elephant. She adored the kaleidoscope of exotic sights, sounds and smells that only a circus could offer.
In the back lot, they passed by the menagerie tent, animal cages and trailers. Joey, a cage boy, was tossing the tigers raw chicken while a couple of animal keepers were refilling the watering trough with long hoses. A white-whiskered tiger bared its teeth and stared back at them through the cage. Though the huge cats were captivating, Lisa had to admit, it made her nervous just to think about getting close to them, much less attending to their medical needs.
Joey said to Michael, "Looking for your dad? He's over there, hosing down the elephants."
"Thanks, Joey." Michael flashed him an appreciative smile.
As they drew nearer, Lisa spotted Ed Figaro filling a bucket of water while three leathery elephants crowded in. A young woman was tossing carrots into a baby elephant's mouth, laughing at its antics.
“Hi! We're finally here," Michael greeted them.
Mr. Figaro reached out to shake Lisa's hand, his dark eyes sparkling. "Welcome, Miss Prentice."
"It's good to be here. Please call me Lisa," she answered.
Michael turned to the young woman and proceeded with introductions, though Lisa had already guessed she was Estelle.
"Michael's told you about my trailer?" Estelle asked eagerly. "He's let you know you're welcomed to stay with me?" She dropped the bag of carrots and extended her hand.
"Oh, yes! Thank you!" Lisa exclaimed. "But...but, are you sure there's enough room? Doesn't Claudette share the trailer too?"
"Heavens, no! Not my sister," Estelle answer
ed, wrinkling her nose, then giving a quick laugh. She was the first to move out of our folks' motor home a few years ago." She laughed again, then added, "Though we all thought that was cool--and were a little green with envy--I still have to admit, Claudette can be weird at times."
"Now, Estelle," Ed Figaro put in gently.
"Oh, Papa! I've heard you say it too...in so many words, at least."
"Well, I'm sure Lisa's tired from her travels and doesn't need to hear any of this," the older man said. "And by the way, it's almost time for you kids to get to work. Why don't you take Lisa's bag for her and put it in your trailer? Then you'd better get ready for tonight's show."
"All right, Papa." She turned to Lisa and smiled. "And later we've simply got to visit. That is, if you're not too exhausted by then."
"I'll catch up with you in a few minutes, Sis," Michael said. He gave her a playful punch in the shoulder.
"Did you have a good flight?" Ed Figaro asked after Estelle had disappeared out of sight.
"Oh yes, but it seemed to take forever to get here."
"And now you'll have a bit of jet lag too, I'm sure." Focusing his attention back to the elephants, the animal trainer adjusted the hose nozzle. A sudden swoosh of water exploded. "All right, Kiki ol' buddy, hoist up those feet. It's time for your shower."
As the huge animal rolled its eyes and raised his front feet, Lisa burst into laughter. Still, she couldn't help thinking about how soon she'd have to start helping Dr. Woodstock with these massive creatures. Tomorrow would be her first day on the job.
"Congratulations on getting inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame," Lisa told Ed. "You and Ebony deserve it."
His white moustache twitched before he finally broke into a full grin. "Thank you, my dear. But I give most of the credit to Ebony. She's the best liberty horse I've ever owned."
Lisa nodded. Last year Michael had explained that liberty horses were trained to perform "at liberty"--without reins and sometimes without riders.
Michael's father reached for a scrub brush, speaking to them over his shoulder. "My son is giving you a proper welcome, I trust?"
"Certainly." She felt the warmth rise to her cheeks.
"I'm sure Lisa is eager to touch base with Dr. Woodstock," Michael interrupted quickly before his father succeeded in embarrassing both of them.
Give Lisa a proper welcome? God only knew from the very first moment he saw her again, he'd wanted to crush her mouth with his, press her close to him, feel her sweet softness against him. But he couldn't keep kidding himself, he was playing with fire. Though Lisa claimed she understood what Doc Woodstock expected of her, there would be other problems too. The trainers would also regard her with a jaundiced eye. Unlike Pop, who seemed to have taken to Lisa, they'd call her "the first of May," inexperienced and naive. She'd crack under the pressure, then most likely up and leave--and he couldn't follow her. No, he'd already decided. He'd never leave the circus again.
"Doc Woodstock had to drive into the next town to pick up some supplies for the leopards," Ed Figaro said. "I expect him back any minute now, though I'm afraid he won't have much time to visit." He gave the hose a quick snap.
"That's all right," Lisa said perhaps a little too quickly. Meeting the veterinarian first thing tomorrow would be soon enough.
On the way to Michael's dressing room, they slipped inside the back entrance to the coliseum. Several men were hard at work. Some were checking equipment on the ground while the others were climbing to the top of the rope ladders. The two closest to the door were speaking to each other in a foreign language. German, Lisa quickly surmised.
"Who are they?" she asked Michael.
"They're called riggers. Some of the most important guys in the circus. They check and recheck the high wires and trapeze to make sure everything's safe."
"Hey, Michael!"
Out of the corner of her eye, Lisa caught sight of a strikingly tall woman striding purposefully toward them. With her honey-blond hair drawn back in a long French braid and her sleek black leotard and tights, the woman was the epitome of elegance.
"Claudette?" she asked Michael under her breath.
"Yep. I'll introduce you in just a sec."
"What are you doing, still dressed in your street clothes?" Claudette called to her brother.
"Hold on, Claudette. There's still over an hour."
She looked steadily at Michael, never once glancing in Lisa's direction. "So I see the little veterinarian girl has finally arrived," she said.
"Yes, she has." Michael's voice was strained, but controlled. "Sis, meet Lisa Prentice."
Claudette folded her arms across her chest, forcing herself to meet Lisa's gaze. "Hello."
"Hello, Claudette." Lisa extended her hand, but Claudette didn't take it.
"Lisa's got a slight problem," Michael went on, ignoring what had just happened. "I think maybe you can help her out."
"Oh?"
Michael went on to explain about Lisa's lost luggage. "Maybe you have a few things on hand you wouldn't mind lending Lisa," he said.
"And exactly what is it she needs?"
He was beginning to look a little exasperated. "Ah come on, Claudette. How should I know what you women need to get through a normal day? Jeans, a blouse or two, maybe--"
"Okay, okay. I get it." Claudette cut him off with a wave of her hand. "I'll see what I can do...though she might have to hem up a few things." She shifted her gaze to Lisa and added, "Of course, we can't let Lisa get off to a bad start, now can we?"
“Thank you, Claudette," Lisa said tightly. "But I already told Michael that I'll be fine. I plan to find the nearest shopping mall as soon as there's time."
"Suit yourself." Claudette shot Lisa a condescending look, then tugged at Michael's shirt sleeve. "Let's go, Michael. Time to tear yourself away. Need I remind you, there are more important things to do?"
Michael turned to Lisa and caught her hand. "You gonna stick around and watch the show?"
Beneath Claudette's steady gaze, she looked him straight in the eye and managed a smile. "Of course, Michael. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
*****
Inside the coliseum, Lisa found an unreserved seat and sat down. The band was playing a lively tune. Vendors selling popcorn and cotton candy worked the side aisles.
As the lights dimmed and the music swelled, a rainbow of colors filled the arena. Lisa's meeting with Claudette soon forgotten, new anticipation flowed through her. It was time for the Spectacle to begin.
With rapt attentiveness, she clasped her hands together. Animals in bright head dresses and performers wearing sequin-spangled costumes paraded by. Then came the first act, which soon gave way to the next. Lisa laughed with the crowds at the chimps bouncing on pogo sticks, clapped for the tiger jumping through a ring of fire, and gazed in awe at the red-sequined showgirls performing an aerial ballet.
Next the Flying Figaros emerged. Dressed in glittering silver capes, holding hands and smiling their most dazzling smiles, they sprinted into the center ring. In seconds the troupe was ascending the high rope ladder, Estelle sitting on Michael's shoulders. While Claudette began to swing from a trapeze, Michael and Rudolph, perched on high rungs, balanced poles from their foreheads.
In an instant, the blue spotlight shifted back to the two young women. Lisa watched first one, then the other spin through the air, skillfully performing their famous double somersaults. The most difficult trick--Michael's triple--was only seconds away.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages,” the ringmaster boomed, "world-renowned Michael Figaro will perform one of the most daring acts in circus history! The triple somersault!"
A hush blanketed the coliseum. The drums rolled. From somewhere overhead, the spotlights dimmed, casting a dramatic hue over the performers. Lisa's heart pounded. Every nerve in her body stood on end. Oh, Michael. Please be careful, she silently pleaded.
Michael dusted his hands with resin. Then he began to swing. The intensity w
as etched clearly on his face. His taut muscles revealed the strength in his torso and upper arms. Last year when she'd witnessed Michael's performance, she'd secretly vowed he was the most gorgeous man alive. Tonight was no exception.
Higher and higher he arched. With a quick thrust, he tucked himself into a ball and whirled through the air.
The drums stopped rolling. Lisa felt her hands grow clammy as she braced herself on the edge of her seat. Suddenly Michael's body straightened and his hands connected with the catcher's. The applause exploded.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the ringmaster hollered, "you have just witnessed the most important feat on the face of the earth!"
While the crowds went wild, Lisa went limp with relief.
Oh, Michael, no wonder you came back,
her heart cried out. His performance was commanding. Michael Figaro was destined for stardom. How easy it would be to fall in love with him--only to end up heart-broken once again. There must be at least a hundred women, watching him this very moment, who would give their souls just to touch his hand. She could no more hold onto Michael than she had Charles.
One by one, the flyers dropped into the safety net, then onto the floor. The crowd rose from their seats and cheered louder as the troupe took sweeping bows, then disappeared behind a royal blue curtain.
Suddenly the beating of hooves sounded. The air stirred as three gorgeous black horses without riders or reins streaked past. The ring seemed charged with their electrifying energy.
Lisa blinked twice. Ebony! The leading horse had to be Ebony! In the center of the ring stood Mr. Figaro dressed in white and grasping a long whip.
The blue spot lights shifted to red. While the other horses took their places opposite each other near the edge of the ring, Ebony cantered gracefully to the center. She reared up. Like a magnificent mystical creature, she pawed the air. The other show horses immediately followed Ebony's cue.
Step-by-step she led them through one trick after another. Then the lights dimmed as the horses made their exit.
After the show had ended, Lisa hurried down the broad hallway that led to the performers' dressing rooms. She found Michael outside, laughing and talking with one of the showgirls who'd performed in the aerial ballet. Inclining his head to one side, he grinned charmingly again at something she had just said, then said something back to her that launched her into peals of laughter.
Summer Magic Page 2