“I don’t know. It’s about the same, I guess. Both are a place to eat and sleep between jobs and to get my messages. I just stay where it’s most convenient.”
“Is your place in Dallas like this?” Stacey gestured with her hand.
Cord thought for a minute. “Not exactly, but you’d probably think so. It’s professionally decorated, too. In a western motif, I think they said. Are you ready to go?” He wanted to get going. The longer he remained alone with her, the more he wanted to drag her to bed.
“I have to fix my hair and get my bag.”
“Well get at it, woman.” As she left the room, he went to the phone and checked his messages. Thankfully, nothing urgent required his attention.
Her hair pulled back in combs like she wore it the day before, she quickly returned to the living room. Her large handbag hung from her shoulder.
“Stacey, you should put your cash in your pocket and shorten the strap so that your bag fits closer under your arm,” Cord suggested.
She did as he said. “Ben told me about the pickpockets and purse snatchers. I should have remembered.”
“I know this is all new to you, sweetheart. Don’t worry about it. I thought we’d walk to the café then catch a cab for a quick tour. We’ll stop when you see something you like.” He led her out. Downstairs they checked in their keycards, spoke to Wilkes, and walked to the café.
During a wonderful morning together, Cord showed her the Empire State Building and various other landmarks. As she spotted interesting looking shops, Cord had the taxi stop and they wandered through them, searching for just the right things.
After several purchases, he ordered the cab to wait for them. Cord was relieved when it didn’t take Stacey long to find what she liked or pass by what she didn’t. He never shopped like this and began to enjoy the day more than he ever thought possible. Their final stop before lunch was a small art gallery.
Immediately bypassing the modernists and impressionists, Stacey went directly to more traditional landscapes. She studied several very carefully and asked Cord what type of art he really liked.
“Actually, I like those pictures of the dogs with big eyes playing cards while smoking cigars or sitting around a bar.”
“Cord,” she laughed and turned to look at him. “You’re serious. Then we better look over here.” She led him to a section containing large whimsical posters and prints framed to mimic serious artwork.
He immediately raised his hand and pointed to one of a group of different breeds of dogs sitting around a table with cards, cigars, and drinks. One had on a visor and was obviously the dealer. “I like that one,” he leaned to whisper in her ear.
She studied it for a minute and smiled at him. “It could replace that line thing at the end of the bar.” Moving around, she looked from a different angle. “You know, I like the idea. It will add some character.”
Cord called over the clerk and made the purchase, insisting they take it with them. It was larger than either of them thought and she and Cord had to ride up front with the driver to give the poster room in the back seat. They decided to drop by the apartment and unload their purchases before having lunch.
Wilkes opened the cab doors and offered his assistance.
Cord called upstairs and asked Stanley to come down to help.
Ben held the door and watched for unwanted visitors sneaking in while Cord, Stacey, Wilkes, and the cab driver carried their purchases into the vestibule.
Stanley couldn’t believe the grin on his employer’s face or the stack of packages near the entry. Miss Parker was definitely bringing about some changes.
Cord paid the driver, tipping him generously. He carried the large poster and Stanley and Stacey filled their arms with bags.
Ben also gathered up some packages, “Hey, Fred, I’ll be right back. Need to help these folks get all this upstairs.”
“I see you had a successful morning, sir,” Stanley commented with a big grin once they were in the elevator.
“We still need a few things, Stanley, but I think you’ll approve,” Cord agreed.
“It was definitely interesting. The shops are so international—and so many different people. Some barely speak English. Was it like that for you when you first arrived, Stanley?” Stacey’s enthusiasm and curiosity bubbled over.
“I did not speak well when I first came. I took classes to work in the hotel. It was very difficult. Too many words are the same, but mean different things,” Stanley answered.
“I bet that would be hard.” Stacey thought about it as they got off the elevator and Cord opened the apartment door.
Ben wouldn’t enter, but set his packages just inside the door and turned to leave.
Stacey called out her appreciation and he waved a hand in response before the door closed.
“I have prepared lunch if you wish to dine here,” Stanley told them as he dumped packages onto the living room floor. “If you prefer to eat out, the food will keep.”
“Do you want to eat in or out?” Cord asked as he ripped the paper cover off his new artwork.
“Let’s stay in. I can’t wait to unpack and see how all this looks,” Stacey pulled small cushions out of large bags.
Cord laughed, “I thought you’d say that. Help me hang this, first. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it.”
Stacey giggled and went to help him. They took down the painting of colorful lines and he propped it against the back of the bar. The poster took up more space but fit on the hooks already in the wall. She directed until it hung straight then they both stepped back to look. The one change made the bar much more inviting. It now looked like a place to tell jokes, have some fun, and enjoy a drink after a hard day.
“It’s great. Just what it needed,” Cord hugged her. The hug turned into a kiss that didn’t stop until they heard Stanley.
“Wow,” Stacey whispered. “I hope you like everything else as much.”
Stanley wanted to know, “Do you stay for lunch?”
“Yes. Let us know when it’s ready,” Cord answered.
As Stanley turned to go back to the kitchen, the poster over the end of the bar caught his eye. He stopped for several moments then they heard him laughing all the way to the kitchen.
“I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard him laugh like that,” Cord grinned at her. “What should we unpack next?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Stacey answered as she placed brightly colored cushions on the black sofa. “It all has to be done.”
As Cord un-wrapped the ceramic items she chose, she replaced some of the strange marble statuettes with them. The more attractive pieces she rearranged and left on display. The new lamps were large teal ginger-jar styled bases with traditional soft white shades.
Cord lifted and moved the chrome lamps for her because of their weight. The round glass end tables took on a whole different look with the addition of the new lamps and ceramic pieces she had chosen. The ceramic pieces featured outdoor scenes and children. The children in the pieces brought some life to the room. A soft, hand-crocheted throw in teal and white tossed casually onto the back of the sofa made it look less severe and more inviting.
Stanley called them to a lunch of roast chicken sliced on top of a crisp salad and tossed with a special dressing he made. Fresh rolls, crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside and large glasses of iced tea complemented the meal. They finished with fruit squares, cheese, and coffee.
During lunch, Stacey asked Cord if there was a place to buy plants nearby.
“They would die, Stacey. I’m not here to look after them all the time and it would be a waste of time.”
Stacey argued, “But I’m sure Stanley or even building maintenance would water them once a week for you. They make the air healthier and you need living things around you.”
“I’ll think about it. What do you say we rearrange the furniture next?” Cord offered instead.
“Really? I didn’t want to ask after you let me have
my way about so much. You’re not getting the benefit of the best feature the way it is now.”
“Yeah, I thought I’d like to have the sofa facing the view.”
“I agree. What you really need are two groupings.” She thought for a minute. “No, that won’t work. Let’s just turn the sofa around the other way and go from there,” she suggested.
They worked most of the afternoon until they were finally satisfied with what they achieved. The sofa faced the wall of glass with the oval glass coffee table in front of it sitting on one of the white and black rugs. They turned the end tables around and left one at each end of the sofa. The black leather armchair was to the left and the two white leather chairs had been moved to the foyer.
“You need a small glass table between them and a grouping of pictures over them,” Stacey told him as they slid the white chairs into position against the wall of the entryway. She walked back to look over the changed living area. “You need a large rocker or a recliner at that end.” Stacey pointed to the area near the right end of the sofa. “You have room for an entertainment center on this wall and definitely a new painting or grouping over it. What do you think?”
“I like it much better, already.” The room was warmer and welcoming, a place to come home to for rest and relaxation. “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to look for some other stuff. I made reservations for an off-Broadway show followed by a late dinner. We can go out for cocktails first. Do I need to take you shopping or...?”
“I brought a dress that will do, I think,” she answered. Thank you, mom.
“What time do we need to leave?”
“Just after six should give us enough time if you can be ready by then.”
“I’ll be ready, but I’ll have to get started. I may need to touch up my dress. Do you have an iron?”
“I have no idea,” Cord told her and called for Stanley.
“If you will permit me, Miss Parker, I will see to it,” Stanley offered. “I very much like the changes to the room. You worked a miracle.” Stanley thought the miracle was not only in the room. His employer seemed happier and more relaxed than ever before.
“Thank you, Stanley. I’ll get my dress.” The men watched her hurry from the room.
“Stanley, would you prepare a plate of snacks? Stacey likes to have coffee and snacks before bed. Oh, would you order a dozen white roses to be delivered early tomorrow?”
“What should the card say?”
“Just thank you will do, I think. Oh, and chill a bottle of a light fruity wine. You can leave whenever you’re done and come at nine in the morning,” Cord told the efficient house-man.
“Of course, sir,” Stanley agreed and moved to take Stacey’s dress from her. It was a simple black scrap of cloth with tiny silver threads woven into the material. “I will be very careful, Miss Parker. I will bring it when I’ve pressed it.”
“Great, Stanley. I’ve got the tub running,” she hurried back toward her room.
Cord reached out and fingered the bit of material hanging over Stanley’s arm. “That doesn’t look like much of a dress.”
“I believe your young lady will make the difference.” Stanley went to the laundry area past the kitchen and hunted out the seldom-used iron.
After a bubble bath, Stacey washed and dried her hair. The next question was what to do with the wild tangle of hair. She wished for a sleek, easy to manage head of hair for about the millionth time in her life. As she searched for her hose and black lingerie, she heard a soft knock on her door. She opened it a small crack and stuck her hand out.
Stanley placed the straps of her dress in her hand. “Have a good evening, Miss. I have never seen Mr. McConnell this happy.”
“Thank you, Stanley, for everything. See you tomorrow?” She made the last a question.
“Most assuredly.”
She heard his footsteps move away and closed the door to finish getting ready.
CHAPTER 18
At a quarter after six, Stacey joined Cord in the living room. He faced the large wall of glass. He looked even larger than usual in the black tailored suit with his dark hair neatly combed. His broad shoulders filled the coat well and she wanted to go to him to run her hands over his muscled back. She clenched her hands instead and cleared her throat.
Turning to meet her, Cord drew in a quick sharp breath. Stacey certainly made the difference to the black scrap of cloth. Tiny straps over her smooth shoulders held up the material lovingly cupping her breasts. The deep vee of the neckline revealed the shadowy cleavage between them then the material followed every curve to a few inches above her knees. Simple black heels accentuated her shapely legs covered in sheer nylons. Her hair was piled on top of her head with wispy little curls escaping all around. Darkened lashes and a touch of silvery shadow over her eyes made them look large and mysterious. She wore make-up, but it was light and natural looking, her lips looked moist and glossy with a soft pink lipstick. Carrying a small black purse and a black silk jacket, she looked stunning.
“Will I do?” Stacey asked with a laugh before spinning around for him.
“Absolutely. You clean up pretty good, Parker,” he teased. Moving to take her hand, he caught the soft peach and wildflower smell he would forever associate with her. “You look—fantastic and you smell good enough to eat.” He placed kisses along her wrist and palm and tried to think of a good enough reason to keep from going out. But she should see something of the city other than the inside of his apartment. He forced back the urge to keep her all to himself.
“The cab should be waiting,” he told her and helped her on with her short bolero-style jacket. He kissed the back of her neck softly then held out his arm to escort her from the apartment. The evening guards stared at her as Cord turned in their keys and whisked her out to the cab.
They stopped at an exclusive restaurant where they were shown to seats in the bar area. Cord ordered drinks and an assorted appetizer tray.
“This is good. Is it very strong?” Stacey liked the exotic, fruit tasting drink he ordered for her. But she didn’t drink much and wanted to keep a clear head.
“No, very light. I want you to remember the evening, not get you intoxicated,” Cord chuckled.
Stacey adored the crab puffs, stuffed mushrooms, and tiny shrimp rolls the server quickly brought to their table. “I could make a meal of these.” She popped another in her mouth and watched the people around them while also admiring the elaborate fixtures and artwork.
Cord reveled in watching her. She made small talk with the waiter as he served them and Cord knew that by the time they finished, the young man would lie down in a puddle and let her walk on him. The effect she had on people, especially of the male gender, amazed him. He couldn’t help noticing the envious looks and the appreciative stares as they passed through the restaurant on their way out. He put his arm possessively around her waist. Cord would not allow any poaching.
The off-Broadway production drew a large crowd and proved to be very entertaining. Stacey was enraptured. “I loved it. Think of all the practice and effort the actors put into a show like this. And they do it for the applause and the enjoyment of the audience.”
“I hate to disappoint you, but they do get paid, Stacey,” Cord reminded her dryly as their cab pulled up to another restaurant.
“But would you go through all that for money? I don’t think so. Just like we don’t do what we do for the money,” Stacey continued as they got out and entered the restaurant. She slid off her jacket and Cord checked it for her.
Several people waited in the foyer, but Cord was greeted promptly and they were shown to a round table in a quiet corner. Cord moved his chair closer to Stacey’s and lifted her hand to his lips. “Would you like a glass of wine or would you rather wait until we get home to have another drink?”
“I’d rather have coffee and water, please.” She saw him discreetly signal the wine steward away before he reached their table.
A server appeared with large gilt edge
d, leather-bound menus and asked for their beverage preference. He recited the entrees not listed on the menu once they refused appetizers then left them to make their choices.
“The steak and seafood are both excellent. I always eat a steak here when I’m in town. Have whatever you like,” Cord told her.
“Steak would be wonderful, small, thick and medium.” She looked around when she felt eyes on her. Touching her hair and glancing down at the front of her dress to make sure she was properly covered, she felt a blush stain her cheekbones. “Cord, is something wrong with me? Those people are staring,” she whispered hesitantly.
He looked to see who was making her uncomfortable and saw several people he knew scattered at various tables nearby. After nodding to several of them, he turned his attention back to Stacey. “It’s not exactly you, sweetheart. But they are trying to figure out how an ugly old soldier talked a beautiful young woman into going out with him. You’re a surprise to them. They’re probably trying to decide if I’ve paid you to accompany me. Don’t let it bother you. Take it as a compliment.” He leaned over to her and planted a loving kiss on her bare shoulder.
“It can’t be that unusual for you to escort a woman out?” she wanted to know.
“It’s rare lately and you don’t fit the—image they’ve come to expect. If it makes you uncomfortable, we can leave. Or I’ll go over and remind them of their manners,” he offered with a dangerous looking smile.
“You would, wouldn’t you?” she laughed and tried to relax. “I’ll be fine. That blond with the red dress—is she your usual type?” Stacey indicated by the tilt of her head which woman she was referring to.
Cord glanced in the woman’s direction before answering, “Used to be. Now I find myself favoring a fresh-faced, mouthy, strawberry-blond who asks lots of questions.” Despite the continued looks, or maybe because of them, he leaned over again and kissed her soft lips.
Surviving With Love Page 28