by Vivi Holt
Diana laughed. “Now? Well, you’re raring to go, aren’t you? There are just a couple of things I’ll need.”
“Of course – shoot.”
“A month’s rent in advance and a letter of recommendation. I’m sure you understand …”
“I do understand – that makes sense. It’s just that … it might take me a few days to get those things, and I’d really like to move my things in now. They’re down in my car.”
Diana frowned. “I see. Have you just arrived in town?”
“Not long ago. And I was staying somewhere, but that fell through today. I’m starting a teaching job in two weeks and waitressing at the Lucky Diner until then, so I’ll be able to cover rent. I just need some time.”
“Hmmm … okay, I guess I can deal with that. If you can get me the first month and letter of recommendation by the end of the weekend, you can move in now. I’m taking a risk trusting you, but I usually have pretty good instincts about people and I can tell you’re a decent person.” Diana grinned and crossed her arms.
Gwen almost cried out in relief. “Thank you, Diana, thank you so much. You’re a real lifesaver. I mean it.” She threw her arms around Diana, almost knocking her off her feet.
Diana’s eyes widened and she patted Gwen’s back. “No problem. Happy to help.”
Gwen’s phone buzzed in her purse and she released Diana to retrieve it. “Sorry.”
Diana shook her head. “Sure. I’ve got to go study. Here are your keys and welcome.” She turned and disappeared into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Gwen peered at the screen of her phone. Edward. She dropped it back into her purse and squeezed her eyes shut. She didn’t want to talk to him. Not now, not ever if she could help it. She wished she could’ve hired a better lawyer.
Gwen set her purse on the kitchen counter and left the apartment to get her things from the car. At least her new apartment was only on the first floor. She was grateful for small mercies.
3
The ranch house seemed quiet when Heath woke Tuesday morning. After a weekend of having four men there watching baseball, playing cards or swimming in the pool, it seemed empty. He’d taken Tim to the airport the previous evening and collapsed in bed early. Adam and Dan lived in town, and Adam had driven Dan home after Heath and Tim left for the airport.
After a good ten hours’ sleep, he felt better than he had in months. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a day off work. Perhaps in April when he’d taken Chantelle for a picnic – and she’d complained the entire time about the mosquitoes and the mud on her six-inch platform heels. Never mind that he’d told her ahead of time to dress for the outdoors. He rolled his eyes at the memory of her picking her way through the field, disdain pinching her pretty face.
He pulled his truck into the parking garage beneath the twelve-story Montgomery Ranches corporate headquarters. The elevator ride to the top was quiet, as employees greeted him with silent nods or brief good mornings. It was part of the job he’d come to expect. Being the boss meant that people were reluctant to speak to or share much with him. It’d been hard at first, but he was used to it now. It was intimidating holding a conversation with the boss. Even for him, since the boss happened to be his father.
When he reached the twelfth floor, he headed down the hall to his corner office. The office next to his was Adam’s. Adam, in addition to being Montgomery Ranches’ chief financial officer, was his only married friend, a fact his father liked to point out as often as possible. Adam stepped into the hall with a sheaf of papers in his hands just as Heath walked by. “Heath, there you are.”
Heath nodded. “Morning, Adam. Did they survive without us here yesterday?” He chuckled, knowing full well the place would run like clockwork whether they were there or not. It was the way he liked things to be, and he’d purposely set it up to function seamlessly so he could focus on the most important issues.
“Only just.” Adam grinned. “Of course, Judy had no one to eat lunch with.”
“Where is she?” Adam’s wife was also their shared personal assistant. Their romance had been something of a scandal five years earlier, though the outrage had died down as soon as they married.
“I might as well tell you, since you’ll be hearing soon enough … morning sickness,” said Adam proudly.
Heath’s eyes widened and he laughed out loud. “Really? Oh man, that’s great. Congratulations!” He embraced Adam and pounded his friend on the back.
Adam returned the hug, then stepped back with a smile. “Thanks, man. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything over the weekend, but she didn’t want me to just yet. We’re really excited – cautious, but excited.”
“You’ve been trying for how long now, four years?”
“Yep. Four long years of IVF and healthy eating and wondering and waiting … and finally she’s expecting. We’re through the first trimester, so we told the family last night. She wants to wait to tell everyone else officially at work, but I thought you should know.”
“I’m so happy for both of you. That’s really brightened my day.” Heath’s heart soared. He knew how much they’d longed for that positive pregnancy test, how many tears had been shed over the possibility it might never happen.
“Lunch?” asked Adam, moving off down the hall.
“Yes, definitely,” replied Heath. He prayed a prayer of thanks, then walked to his desk, the grin still on his face. He was so happy for them. He knew that’s what his parents wanted for him – they only wanted him to be happy. But maybe it wasn’t in the cards for him, and he’d be fine with a single life. Wouldn’t he?
Adam stood by the elevator and waved to Heath as he walked toward him. “Ready?” he asked.
Heath nodded. “I didn’t think that last meeting would ever end,” he complained. He ran a hand over his eyes and squeezed them tightly shut as the elevator whirred toward their floor.
“The board meeting?”
“Yes. It was the longest we’ve had in months. There was a lot to discuss, decisions to make. And everyone has their opinion about what we should do. Plus, I think they all hate me.” He shrugged and sighed. “I felt as though I was being held hostage. And I’m starved.”
“Where do you want to eat?”
An image of a blonde waitress flashed before his eyes. “How about the Lucky Diner over on Third?”
The elevator doors swished open and they crammed themselves into the small space left between a dozen other suited staff on their way down. “The Lucky Diner?” questioned Adam with a frown. “Where we ate breakfast yesterday?”
“I know, it’s not exactly fine dining,” replied Heath. “But …”
“Fine with me … I’m sick of all the frou-frou food around here. I could use a good cheesesteak.” Adam laughed and patted his lean stomach. “Especially after all the kale smoothies and almond bliss balls my wife’s been making me eat.”
Heath chuckled. “Cheesesteak it is.”
The cheesesteak sandwich was as good as the waffles had been. Rich, moist and flavorful, it filled Heath’s growling stomach and made him a little queasy all at the same time, as all good diner food did.
“So is that all you’re worried about? Because you seem tense.” Adam could always tell when he was out of sorts.
“The board? Yeah, I guess so.”
“Don’t sweat them much. They’re not losing confidence in you, they’re just being thorough. Your dad has had the same board for almost twenty years now with one or two exceptions. They just don’t like change.” Adam took a bite of his sandwich and dabbed his chin with a napkin.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’m just stressed. Dad’s supposed to be announcing anytime now that I’ll be taking over as CEO, and I don’t want any missteps to make people think I’m not up for the job. I know some of the staff have misgivings …”
“That was years ago. You’ve grown since then. You’re the right person for the job and everyone can see that now.”
Heath
grimaced and set his sandwich down on the plate. “I hope you’re right. Sometimes I don’t feel up to it.”
“You’ve been acting CEO for two years, Heath. There won’t be any surprises. You’ll be great.”
Adam was always cheering him on. It felt good to have a friend like that. Especially when his own parents not only echoed his own internal doubts, but amplified them. “Thanks, Adam, I appreciate your support. You always know what to say to make me feel better.”
He glanced around the diner. He’d seen Gwen when they came in, but she’d soon disappeared and they’d been served by another waitress. Since then, he’d only glimpsed her rushing by at various times, busy with the lunch crowd. She looked even more fatigued today than yesterday, if that was possible. He noticed she wasn’t wearing a wedding band, but other than possibly being single he didn’t know anything else about her. There were so many things he wanted to ask her, but he wasn’t sure how.
Heath smiled and wiped his mouth with the napkin from his lap, then settled back in his seat, coffee cup in hand. “There’s something else as well.”
“Oh?” Adam finished and pushed his plate aside.
“You know Dad – he’s adamant that I should settle down and ‘become a man’.”
Adam laughed and nodded. “Oh yeah, I’ve heard him say that more than once. What does he mean, exactly? From what I can see, you’re probably one of the most mature and responsible men I know.”
Heath’s lips pursed. “He thinks I should get married.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “Marry who?”
“Anyone. Strike that – anyone suitable. He liked Chantelle.”
Adam groaned and took another sip of coffee. “Chantelle? Really? You could do better.”
“Maybe. But she’s from a good family and she knows just how to charm my folks. She has them eating out of the palm of her hand, even though we’ve been broken up for months. Mom’s constantly asking me if I’ve given any thought to calling ‘that lovely Chantelle’ up for another date.”
Adam laughed. “I’m sorry, man. I guess they don’t know her the way we do.”
“The crux of it is, I don’t think Dad’s going to let me take the ‘acting’ off ‘acting CEO’ until I’m married.” Heath chewed on his lower lip.
Adam absorbed his words. “You’re kidding. Has he said that?”
“He’s insinuated it.” Heath frowned. “So there’s a family wedding coming up this weekend in Oregon – my cousin Newton – and Dad asked if I was bringing a date.”
“Uh-huh?” Adam crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. “And …”
“And I told him I was. He’d just finished reaming me about my debauched single life and how I couldn’t expect to lead the company while I’m still living like a bachelor …”
Adam burst out laughing. “Debauched, you? Your dad really has no idea how boring you are, does he? Have you told him you’re back in church yet.”
Heath frowned and shook his head. “No clue. And no, I haven’t. Mom knows, but I asked her not to tell anyone else yet.” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I guess I just want one thing Dad isn’t part of, and I know what he’ll say about it. I should tell him, I know, but I wanted to keep it to myself. At least for a while longer.”
“So you have to find a date by this weekend. And it has to be someone who’d be willing to go away with you, even though you haven’t been dating and they don’t really know you?”
“Exactly.”
Adam rubbed his neatly trimmed beard. “Well, that should be simple enough.” He laughed. “Do you have anyone in mind?”
Heath’s gaze roamed the diner and landed on Gwen’s harried face. Perhaps? No, she’d never do it. He could be an axe murderer for all she knew.
Adam’s eyes followed his gaze. “Who are you looking at? Oh, her? Yeah, she’s cute.”
Heath’s cheeks flushed with warmth. “Beautiful, you mean.”
Adam’s eyebrows arched. “If you say so. Not really my type.”
Heath grinned. “I was thinking of asking her.”
“To Oregon for the weekend?” Adam took a sip of coffee. “Good luck with that. Do you even know her name?”
“Gwen.”
“Well, I need to use the bathroom before we go back. You can ask her while I’m gone. Good luck.” Adam winked, then stood and wandered toward the restrooms in the back of the diner.
As he passed the counter, a stack of red-and-white menus fell to the floor. Heath was up in a flash, dashing over to pick them up. Gwen got there at the same time, and they both bent to retrieve the laminated cards. “Thank you,” she stated softly.
“You’re welcome.” He studied her face as he gathered the menus. He should ask now. But he couldn’t just blurt it out – “hey, I know I’m a stranger, but would you go away with me and my entire family for the weekend?” He’d sound like a psychopath. No, it was a ridiculous idea. His father would just have to get over it. He didn’t have a date, wouldn’t have a date and they’d have to live with that. Perhaps he’d be single the rest of his life. What of it?
He sighed and set the menus on the counter, then ran his fingers through his hair. He glanced her way and found her studying him, her eyes bright and cheeks flushed. She busied herself with organizing the menus. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
He shook his head, but she wasn’t looking. “Uh … no, I just … are you okay?”
She focused narrowed eyes on him, her eyebrows drawn together. “What?”
“You seem stressed. Is everything all right?”
There was a momentary glimmer in her eyes before she looked away. “I’m fine. Just a few financial issues.”
“Oh?”
She managed a half-smile that disappeared quickly. “Waitressing doesn’t pay as much as you might think,” she quipped, her eyes flashing.
He laughed. “I’m sure that’s true.” She turned to walk away and his heart raced. It was now or never. “Actually, I have a proposal that might help you with your situation.”
She faced him with one eyebrow arched.
He kept talking, worried he’d lose his nerve if he didn’t. But his voice was low, not wanting the whole world to hear “I need a date.”
She put her hands on her hips and cocked her head. “Mr. …”
“Montgomery.”
“Mr. Montgomery, I’m not sure what kind of woman you think I am …”
His eyes flew wide. “No, no, I didn’t mean … that. I just need a date, nothing more. It’s for my cousin’s wedding, and my family is on my case. I’d pay you to come with me, all expenses, no pressure.”
Her frown deepened. “Pay me? But why? I’m sure you could have your pick of women. Why not just ask one you know?”
He grimaced and ran a hand over his face. “That would make more sense. But the thing is, the women I know …” Are either gold diggers, totally unsuitable or – in Chantelle’s case – both. “… it wouldn’t go well. I thought it might be a better idea to pay someone I don’t know. That way, there’d be no misunderstandings. It’d just be a transaction, an arrangement.” Transactions, he understood. It would be business, not personal.
She opened her mouth, shut it, then opened it again, like a fish gasping for air. She was searching for a way to tell him no, he was sure. He shouldn’t have said anything. She probably thought he was a complete creep, or worse …
“So you’d pay me … to spend the weekend pretending to be your fiancée?” Her voice was low but intense.
He nodded. He hadn’t said fiancée, just date, but whatever. Either worked for him.
“At a wedding?”
“Yes, a family wedding. Everyone will be there – my Nana, my parents, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends …” Might as well lay all his cards on the table now. It was a big favor he was asking – she should know what she was getting herself into if she agreed.
She nodded slowly, her brow furrowed. “Wow. Okay, here’s the thing. I need to pay f
irst month’s rent to my new roommate. And I need a letter of recommendation … something to tell her that I’m a good person, that I’ll pay the rent on time, and I’m not going to set up a meth lab, that kind of thing.”
He smiled. “I can do that.”
“Where would we be going for the wedding?”
“Gleneden Beach, Oregon.”
Her lips pursed. “Oregon … it’s nice there.”
“So is that a yes?”
She chewed on her lower lip before replying. “That’s a maybe. I’ll have to think about it.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I promise I don’t have any expectations other than keeping my family off my back.”
“In other words, I have to convince them we’re together.”
“And in love.”
She arched an eyebrow. “All expenses paid, you said?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“When do you need an answer?”
Yesterday. “How about noon tomorrow?”
“Fine. I’ll let you know tomorrow.”
He reached out a hand and she shook it, then folded her arms. She looked so vulnerable standing there, he wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be okay. How had a woman like her gotten to a place in life where she didn’t have rent money or anyone she could ask for a reference? He wished he could find out, but he could tell by the look on her face that she wasn’t likely to share anytime soon. He’d have to earn her trust before she’d open up, that much was clear. Whether or not he could do that remained to be seen.
After Gwen scribbled down her phone number and address for him, Heath headed back to his table to find Adam waving the bill at him. He smiled and reached for his wallet. All he could do now was hope she’d agree to his plan. If she didn’t, he wouldn’t have much time to come up with a new one.
4
Gwen awoke to the smell of toast and Diana’s humming. She smiled, then buried her face in the pillow for a second. It felt good to have a roof over her head, even if she was sleeping on a comforter on the floor. But for how long?