“He’s really good, too. Got twenty bucks off me his first dance,” I said.
Mom choked and Dad’s fork hung lifelessly by his lips.
Brett smirked. “Don’t worry,” he said to my parents, “it’s only temporary.”
“I guess if you have the looks, you may as well use them,” Mom said, taking another gulp of wine. “Those thong things don’t cut off circulation, do they? I need grandbabies soon.”
“Mom!”
“Diane,” Dad said softy, “perhaps you should go easy on the wine.”
Mom shrugged and stuck a fork of pasta in her mouth.
The rest of the meal was finished with small talk. I spent the time looking back and forth from Mom to Dad. It was odd to see them sitting at the same table. They didn’t seem to find it awkward at all and even bickered like old times.
“Brett, come on back and let me show you the stars,” Dad said.
We deposited Mom on the couch. She curled up with her wine glass and a throw blanket.
Dad led the way outside, with Brett and me trailing behind. Brett took my hand in his and we strolled through the backyard.
“Do you know about the power of ten?” Dad asked Brett.
“I can’t say that I do.”
“It helps to comprehend how big the universe is.”
“How so?” Brett asked.
“Let’s just say you have ten bananas and you multiply those by ten, it would equal one hundred. But then you multiply again my ten and you get a thousand bananas. If you keep multiplying by ten, you would get ten thousand, then one hundred thousand, then one million, then ten million. Each time you multiply, it would increase drastically and yet you only started out with ten bananas. What do you think of that?”
Brett grinned. “That’s a heck of a lot of bananas.”
Dad tapped the side of his nose. “Bingo. It’s a lot of bananas and a lot of space,” he said, giving me the approving nod to signal that Brett had passed his second challenge question.
Dad pulled out his sky map, handing it to Brett. “Sit here,” he said, motioning to the Adirondack chairs. “This is a sky map,” he explained. “It shows what is viewable in the night sky at this time. Mars, why don’t you show him how to use it. I’ll make sure your mom is settled in, and then I’ll grab the binoculars. We don’t need a telescope tonight. I think the sky is going to cooperate with us. Then Brett will have another reason to come back. Everyone loves telescopes.”
“Only if the telescope is pointed at you,” Brett whispered in my ear. If my face wasn’t already red, I’d have blushed.
I took the sky map from Brett. He pulled me over to his chair and onto his lap.
“You have to choose the month we are currently in and then line up what time it is, and there,” I pointed, “is the map.”
“Point out stars for me,” he said. “What are your favorites?”
“I love Orion and the Pleiades,” I said. “But you can’t always see the Pleiades.”
“Then why do you like them?”
“The Pleiades are a group of stars also known as the Seven Sisters,” I explained. “Since I never had any sisters, the Seven Sisters became a sort of mystical sisterhood. I know it sounds dumb, but I thought they were out there watching out for me.”
Brett was quiet. “No, it’s not dumb,” he finally said.
A knee-jerk reaction in my stomach knocked the wind out of me. I forgot his sister had died. That’s why he’s here; he’s searching for her killer, and I go on about how I never had one.
“I’m sorry,” I said softly, kissing his forehead.
“What are you sorry for?”
“I’m sorry I’m insensitive.”
He looked at me, searching my eyes, “Insensitive?”
“I’m also sorry that Eve died.”
Brett grew perfectly still. “How did you know?”
“Just like you, I make it my business to know.”
His eyes darkened, registering me. I carefully stood up to give him space, but he lowered me back down firmly. His thumb stroked the side of my neck and pulled me in. His mouth, hard and raw with emotion, took possession of mine. He released all of his anger and aggression out through his lips.
His tongue took control, exploring deeply. My mind shut out the world, and I sensed the overwhelming need in him. His hand slid up my shirt, seeking out my breast. He played rough, and I groaned, wanting more. Brett’s hand was forceful and his mouth intoxicating. He hardened beneath me. I wanted him. I wanted all of him.
“You kids want something to drink?” Dad called from the kitchen.
I pulled back; I had momentarily forgotten where I was. I looked at Brett, confused.
“Anything would be fine, Tim.” Brett called back.
I stood up and moved to the chair next to him.
He slipped his hand in mine and squeezed it. I could sense he was staring at me, but I tried to ignore it and concentrated on thoughts that didn’t make me want to rip his clothes off. We were close—too close. If my parents weren’t here, we would have had all-out hot, steamy sex in the backyard. It would have been great too. Argh, think of dirty socks!
Dad came out with mugs of coffee since it was getting cooler out. I was beginning to freeze in my camisole and shorts. The coffee was a poor substitute for the warmth of Brett. I clutched the mug with both hands.
Dad chatted about the stars for a good hour. He then proceeded to sing a song that helped students remember the constellations.
Brett was a very attentive student, asking all the right questions. He only strayed for a moment to grab me a blanket from inside. He tucked it around me and gave me a kiss on the head. I was content to sit and listen.
Eventually I nodded off, waking up with a start. “Dad, we need to go,” I said. “It’s getting really late, and I have work tomorrow.”
“Oh, would you look at that,” he said, glancing at his glowing watch. “It’s way past your bedtime, young lady.”
We shuffled back into the house. Mom was passed out on the couch with her wine glass held precariously by a couple of fingers.
“I’ll take care of her,” Dad said. “You two go ahead and take off.”
I gave Dad a kiss on his cheek and said goodnight.
Brett ushered me to the car. I settled in, resting my head back on the seat. I wanted to go home and sleep for twelve hours. Not even Brett could make me stray from those plans. We didn’t talk on the way home. It wasn’t until he parked in the driveway that he finally spoke.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m tired, but okay.” I said as I yawned. “Why?”
He studied my face, running his fingers through my hair. “I’m afraid I hurt you or scared you.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Tonight, in the backyard, I didn’t mean to attack you so aggressively. I’d never do anything to hurt you,” he said.
I smiled. “Oh, that.”
He looked confused. “You wouldn’t look at me afterward.”
A devious smile crept on my face. “I didn’t want to look at you. I was afraid I might rip your clothes off.”
“Jesus!” He slammed his head back into the seat then slid his eyes to me. “I’ve been agonizing all night because I might have hurt you or scared you off, and you wanted me to finish what I started.”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
He gave a low laugh and kissed me. “You’re beautiful.”
He escorted me to the door and let me in. I didn’t know if I should ask him in or not. I wanted him to stay, but I desperately needed my sleep, too. Luckily, he made the decision. After giving me a delicious kiss, he headed back to the car.
“I’ll be back for more,” he threatened.
I climbed the stairs to the bedroom, pulled on a T-shirt, and dove under the sheets. I was floating on a soft, fluffy cloud.
“This isn’t my mattress.”
I hopped off the bed and peeked under the sheets to f
ind a top-of-the-line pillowtop mattress. I hugged it with adoration. Tonight, I was going to sleep like a queen. Thank you, Brett!
* * *
I awoke to the creaking sound of footsteps downstairs. I grabbed my bat. It may be Brett, but why would he come back so soon? Unless he wanted to finish where we left off.
The footsteps were now on the staircase, creeping up stair by stair. It couldn’t be Brett; he wouldn’t walk so slowly. The footsteps stopped at my door . . . the handle turned.
Chapter 10
“I’m calling the police!” I shouted. I watched the door handle to see it stop turning.
I dialed Brett instead. I strained to hear footsteps, but I couldn’t hear anything past my thundering heart.
“You want me, don’t you?” Brett asked as he answered the phone.
“There’s someone outside my bedroom door!” I shrieked.
“I’m on my way,” Brett said. “Do you have your bat?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Stay on the phone with me. Don’t hang up.”
“Okay,” I said bravely. Tears welled at the back of my eyes.
“Can you hear anything?”
“No, it’s silent.”
Brett asked me frivolous questions to keep me focused. The time ticked away as I stared so hard at the doorknob that my eyes grew dry and weary.
“Brett, I need to get out of here before I go crazy.”
“I just pulled into your driveway. Stay in your room. Don’t come out, even if you think you hear me. I’ll come to you. Do you understand?”
I nodded.
“I can’t hear if you nod. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to hang up now. I’ll see you in a couple of minutes.”
I nodded and hung up.
I listened for signs of Brett while my hands formed a death grip on my bat. A couple of minutes later there was a knock on my door. My stomach lurched and I was paralyzed. There was a knock again.
“It’s Brett,” he said through the door. “I’m going to open the door. You won’t hit me with the bat, will you?”
I shook my head.
“I’m assuming you’re shaking your head no. Please, don’t hit me with the bat.”
Brett nudged the door open and peeked in before he assumed it was safe to let himself in and then shut the door behind him. He was wearing boxer shorts and a gun. Nothing else.
“You can put the bat down now. Whoever was here is gone,” he assured me.
I tried to put the bat down but my body stayed rigid. He walked in front of me, placed his hand on mine and slipped the bat out of my hand. With the bat gone, the dam from behind my eyes broke and the tears poured. He wrapped me in his arms, letting me cry on his bare chest until I was sure there wasn’t any liquid left in me.
“When I first met you, I told myself I should stay away from you because this might happen,” Brett said in my ear. “I don’t want you to end up like my sister. But, you seem to be my weakness. I can’t stay away from you. I was scared out of my mind that someone was going to take you away from me. Until this ends, I’ll be your shadow and stay next to you at all times.”
I sniffled and nodded. I couldn’t think anymore. I just wanted my pillowtop mattress and to snuggle into Brett. He granted that wish, and I slept soundly in his arms until the morning sun woke me.
I unwrapped myself from Brett’s secure arms and dragged myself into the shower. The warm water beat against my aching muscles, drowning the growing tension. After my skin started to prune, I turned off the water. I wrapped the towel around me and dropped back down to reality when I found a message written in red paint, or what I hoped was red paint, on the outside of my bedroom door.
The chase has just begun. – Hammer.
My heart plummeted. The Hammer was after me, and the town car guys were too.
I looked in at Brett sleeping and remembered what he had said last night. Brett was going to be my shadow. It wouldn’t be so bad, would it? I’ll think of him as an adorable puppy that can turn into a killer attack dog when needed. But I can’t bring puppies to work. He’ll just have to find something else to do.
The Mayor’s luncheon was set to begin in just a couple of hours. I had to get down to the conference center and help organize the room.
I dressed in jeans and a short-sleeved knit shirt. I packed a skirt, blouse, and heels in a bag to change into right before the lunch. I’ve been to my fair share of events where I hauled tables and chairs, helped in the kitchen, and fixed whatever inevitably went wrong. Too many dress clothes have been ruined, so now I go in jeans. Nice jeans. I still need to be professional.
I left a note for Brett telling him I had gone to work. I snuck out of the house and slipped into my red car. It didn’t seem like my car anymore. Red and shiny wasn’t something I normally could afford. I didn’t want to know how much I owed Brett for this. I should have asked last night.
* * *
At the conference center, I pulled out my event agenda and checklist. A quick inspection of the room showed me the tables were already set up and the edges of the chairs aligned just right with the edges of the table. I smiled. Perfect.
Curtis and Emmy arrived moments later and we sat down to figure out our game plan.
“Curtis, you take the kitchen and the waitstaff. Emmy, you’re on the floor for the guests. I’ll take deliveries and the front door for guest arrival,” I said.
“No way,” Curtis replied. “I had the kitchen last time. I hate working with chefs and their artistic temperament.”
I couldn’t really argue. Some chefs were born with a great gift for cooking sublime meals. However, more often than not, their temperaments were a bit charred.
I gave them each an agenda and their specific checklists. We each clipped a radio onto our jeans and stuck an earpiece in one ear.
“Test,” I said into the radio. Curtis and Emmy radioed their tests. We were good to go. In an hour the room would flood with guests.
Curtis grumbled and left to find the chef. Emmy started on the dining room. I looked for our deliveries. Linens had arrived and were being laid on the tables by the waitstaff. Flowers? Where are the flowers? I pulled out my phone and dialed Flower Power.
“Flower Power. How can I help you?”
“Willow, is that you?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“It’s Mars. Are the flowers on their way to the conference center?”
“They should be. Hold on a minute. Let me call Kirby and see where he is.”
I waited . . . and waited.
“Mars, are you still there? Kirby will be there in about ten minutes. He stopped, um, briefly for something.”
I thanked her and hung up. Kirby would be in for a world of hurt if he didn’t show up soon. I put him to the back of my mind as the ice sculpture arrived.
Two large men hauled the massive sculpture to the dining room, heaving it gracefully onto a tray that was placed on the table. They surrounded the base with a bed of crushed ice.
The sculpture was a massive bald eagle perched on a log. Behind the eagle was an American flag. I admired it for a little while. It floored me how much work was poured in to this, only for it to be a pool of water by the end of the day. Still beautiful.
“Mars!” Kirby called out, waving to me.
“Where were you?”
“Oh man, I had the most serious case of the munchies.”
“I gathered that from the Cheetos dust on your shirt.”
“You want some? I got the family bag.”
“No, thank you. Let’s just get the flowers inside.” I stopped, searching his eyes. “You didn’t drive while smoking did you?”
“Oh man, I never drive while H.U.I.”
“H.U.I.?”
“Happily Under the Influence.”
I rolled my eyes and helped him unload his van. I never think I’ve ordered enough flower arrangements until I have to help haul them in.
After a
ll the flowers were in place, Kirby flashed me the hang-ten sign and left. I looked at the time. Guests should start arriving any moment.
I radioed to Curtis and Emmy. “I’m off the floor to change. Someone watch the door.”
Emmy replied a confirmation. I ran to the ladies’ room with my bag. I ducked into a stall and stripped off my clothes. The restroom door opened. A guest had already arrived?
I tried to dress faster, but my fingers weren’t moving as fast as my brain. A button popped off my blouse. “Shit!” I said, slapping a hand over my mouth. Oh, God. Did I just say “shit” in front of a guest?
The lock on the stall door turned and the door swung open. I gasped.
“You didn’t wake me up,” Brett said, taking an extra-long glance at my opened shirt.
“And that gives you the right to barge into a ladies’ restroom?”
“You know why I’m here.”
“Yes, but I have to work. You’re cute and everything, but I have to pay my bills. I can’t have you hanging around while I’m working.”
“Then put me to work.”
“You’re not dressed for it.”
“What do I need?”
“Well,” I sighed as I fumbled with my buttons, “if you had black dress pants and a white dress shirt you’d be fine.”
“Done,” he said, helping me button the rest of my shirt. “I like unbuttoning better.”
He left me to finish dressing myself. I quickly regained my composure and walked out to see the first guests arriving.
Emmy greeted them and checked their names off the list. Since it was Mayor Fenwig’s luncheon, we had to take precautions about who entered. Only invited guests and their plus ones could come into the dining room. Media had to remain out in the lobby but could later attend the speech.
Brett stepped next to me. He was wearing black dress pants and a white button-down shirt. He even had black leather dress shoes on. I gave him a suspicious stare.
“I’m always prepared,” he said with a hint of grin.
I handed him our spare radio. “We keep it on channel one.”
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