by Girard, Dara
He blinked again and cleared his throat. “Oh.”
“She’s an older woman.”
He waved his hands. “Hey, no need to explain. I used to go for older women myself.”
“It’s not like that,” she snapped. “She’s my employer and I want to impress her with my knowledge of antiques so she’ll take me to Europe with her this year.”
Alex grinned. “Why you sly little fox.”
“What?”
“You pretend to be against playing games, yet here you are involved in one of your own.”
“I’m not playing games.”
“Oh really? Then why not just ask your employer to take you with her? Why go through the pretense?”
Isabella opened her mouth then closed it not having a ready reply. When she did finally come up with a response, Alex put his finger to his lips indicating that the class was about to start.
The instructor — Mr. Benjamin Yanders — had no chin, a long, reedy body, thin brown hair and a deep voice that belonged on radio. He readily captured their interest the moment he spoke.
“I’m pleased that you’re all here,” he said. “I hope you all have the two volumes of An Introduction to the World of Antiquing. These two books will be your bible in this course, and for those of you who are serious, it will be an excellent lifetime resource. If you don’t have these books, they’re still available for the bargain price of seventy-five dollars.” He lifted several out of a box and set them on the table.
Isabella nearly snapped her pen. Seventy-five dollars? She didn’t even have two dollars in her purse. When signing up for the class, she’d hoped that the books weren’t compulsory. She glanced around. Everyone had their pristine volumes on their desks. She wondered if there was a way she could get it on loan. She was so busy worrying that she didn’t notice Alex leaving his seat.
Isabella kept her gaze on the desk until a book slowly moved into her line of vision. She turned to Alex, but Mr. Yanders began the lecture before she could say anything, “If you want to get the most out of this class, you will need to make a 100 percent commitment.” Isabella glanced over the syllabus feeling a little insecure. The lecture topics were listed: Understanding the World of Antiquing; Pricing and Labeling of Antiques; and American Antiques. Weekend assignments included visits to antique shops, assessing period pieces and writing reports about them. The final lesson would involve purchasing an item and presenting it to the entire class. Luckily for those individuals with financial hardship, Mr. Yanders had a personal collection of eclectic antiques he would “loan” out for the final assignment.
By the time the class finished, Isabella was afraid her hand would cramp from all the notes she had taken. She gathered her things then waited for Alex in the hall, but after ten minutes she grew impatient. She glanced inside the classroom and saw him talking to other students — mostly female. He didn’t look as though he would leave soon. She ripped a sheet of paper and scribbled: Thank you. I’ll pay you back. Izzy. Then she went out to the parking lot and searched for his truck. Once she found it she slipped the note under his windshield wiper.
“A love letter?” he said coming up behind her.
She paused then turned.
“No, don’t tell me.” He took the note and read it then smiled. “It’s even better than I thought.” He cleared his throat and began to read it aloud. “My dear Alex, words cannot express how thankful I am for your generosity.”
She tried to snatch the note. “I didn’t write that.”
He moved it out of reach and continued. “I was wrong about you and sincerely apologize for my gross misjudgment.” He glanced at her. “I noticed you underlined gross twice. Nice touch.”
She folded her arms and shook her head.
“If there is any way I can repay you, just ask. Your humble servant, Isabella.” He tucked the note in his jacket pocket. “Apology accepted.”
“You have an amazing imagination. Do you usually hallucinate?”
He tapped her nose with his finger. “No, that’s not how this game works. I’m nice to you then you’re nice to me. Try it.”
She took a deep breath then said, “Thank you for the books.”
“Consider it a peace offering.”
“I didn’t realize we were at war.”
He unlocked his truck and got in. “Not any more.” He closed the door then started the engine. When Isabella knocked on his window, he lowered it. “Yes?”
“Why do you drive a truck? Shouldn’t you drive one of those luxury cars?”
“I like trucks. I buy what I want to, not what I’m supposed to.”
“No, you never liked doing what you were supposed to.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Any more questions?”
“Yes, how did you make your money?”
He grinned then put his truck in gear. “Good night, Isabella.”
Gabby glanced at her clock as she drove her car into a space in the parking lot of Alex’s apartment complex. She was a few minutes early. She sat and stared at the building, then the ring on her hand. She was engaged. She still couldn’t believe she had managed it. She had succeeded in saving her family and her home. She’d made a good decision. Alex was not only rich, but he was sensible. Others might have thought he would rent an expensive condominium or grand home while he renovated his dream house, but he preferred to stay in an apartment.
She got out of her car and headed inside. Alex wanted her to come by and visit him so that they could go over some plans for the wedding. Even though he said his mother and others would take care of everything and she was fine with them doing so, he told her that he also wanted her input. Once at the door Gabby raised her hand to knock, but it swung open and Tony appeared. They both jumped in surprise. Gabby recovered first. “I’m here to see Alex.”
“He’s not here yet. But he’ll be back soon.” He glanced inside then at her. “I guess you could wait. Or…” He hesitated.
“Yes?” she urged.
“I’m going for a walk into town. Care to join me?”
“Sure, but can you…” Her words trailed off and her gaze slipped to his bad leg.
“A walk always does me good.” Once outside he said, “Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you. So where do you need to go?”
“I’m not going anywhere in particular. I just wanted to go for a walk. I hate staying inside when the weather is this nice.” He glanced up at the pristine blue sky and inhaled the fresh scent of grass. The hand of winter still gripped March, but spring was slowly prying its fingers away with the arrival of new leaves and blossoms.
“I know a nice path close by.”
He gestured with his hand. “Lead the way.”
She did, taking him to a popular walking path that was close to the river. Gabby slowed her pace when his limp became more pronounced. He didn’t say anything, but she knew he was grateful for the consideration. There was a lot he didn’t have to say. He had a calm air about him that made her feel comfortable. She understood why Alex had him as his friend.
“So what do you do for Alex?” she asked eager to know more about him.
“Many different things.” He rubbed his forehead. “I came home after the war a little lost.”
“You were in Iraq?” she asked, thinking about the recent conflict. “When did you come back?”
He grinned at her naiveté. “Many years ago. I was in The Gulf War,” he clarified.
“Oh.”
“You were probably in elementary school then.”
She stared at the ground.
“I did my time willingly and came back a little the worse for wear.” He ran a hand over his graying hair. “I should be flattered that you think I’m young and fit enough to fight now.”
She stared at him for a long moment, trying to imagine him younger, without the limp and gray hair, but failed. What she saw before her, the man who walked beside her was perfect as he was. “I’m glad you came back.”
&n
bsp; He laughed.
“I’m serious.”
He looked at her, a smile tugging on his mouth. “You don’t even know me.”
“Do I have to know you to be glad that you lived?”
He turned away.
“Did I say something wrong?” she asked, wondering if there had been others who hadn’t felt the same way.
He shook his head, then returned his gaze to her. “No, you’re very sweet.”
“I wasn’t trying to be sweet. I was being honest.”
He moved his shoulders in a manner to dismiss the seriousness of her words and looked away again. “Yes, well, uh…anyway I came back and did odd jobs. I met Alex at one of his construction jobs and we got on well and have worked together ever since.”
“Alex has a lot of plans for the house.”
“You don’t have to worry. He doesn’t plan to make too many changes.”
“I’m not worried. I trust him. He said that you have some ideas of your own. He really respects your opinion. I’d love to see what you’ve come up with.”
Tony opened his jacket and pulled out a large folded piece of paper. “I have some sketches here.”
Gabby took it from him and opened it up. It revealed a layout of the house with the proposed ideas. “That’s incredible. It’s a perfect blueprint.” She looked up at him impressed. “That’s wonderful. You’re very good.” She handed it back to him.
He folded it up, agitated.
Gabby watched concerned. “Did I say something wrong again?”
“No, you’re very —”
She held up a hand. “Hold it. I’m not being sweet or kind or cute. I’m being honest. I think you’re very talented. Now stop treating me like some child.”
He tucked the paper in his jacket. “I’m old enough to be your —”
“But you’re not and that makes a difference.”
His gaze challenged hers. “What kind of difference?”
Gabby lowered her gaze suddenly feeling flustered.
Tony briefly shut his eyes and softly swore. “I’m sorry. I —” He stopped and turned. “I’m sure Alex has returned. If I’d brought my cell with me we could have called him to find out.”
“I don’t have one, either. We’re too broke for a cell phone and the extra charges.”
“Marrying Alex will change all that for you.” He smiled, but to Gabby it felt a little sad. “I’m truly happy for you.”
Gabby touched the leaves of an evergreen, wondering why she wasn’t ready to go back yet.
When they returned to the house, Tony listened to a voicemail message from Alex, saying that he would have to cancel his meeting with Gabby and that he needed Tony to prepare dinner for two business associates.
“Do you need help?” Gabby asked him.
Again Tony hesitated then said, “Sure.” They spent the next several hours planning the menu, shopping for the items, taking the groceries home and preparing the meal. Alex came through the door as Gabby was setting the table. “Mmm, something smells good,” he said. When he saw Gabby he kissed her on the cheek. “I left a message at your house that I had to cancel.”
“I know, but since I was already here I thought I would help Tony.”
Alex stared at the table and sniffed the air. “You two make a great team.”
Tony and Gabby shared a look, then quickly looked away.
Gabby walked to the door. “I’d better go. I told my sisters I’d only be gone a few hours and it’s nearly dark.”
Alex walked her to the door. “I’ll make this up to you next time.”
“You don’t have to make anything up to me.” She glanced at Tony. “I had a wonderful time.” He waved then disappeared into the kitchen.
Gabby drove home in a mental fog. Twice she missed the turn to her street and when she finally reached home, she didn’t remember getting there. Mariella met her at the front door. “Where were you? We expected you home hours ago. Alex called here to tell us he needed to cancel.”
“I know,” Gabby said in a soft, distant voice. She walked to the living room where Isabella sat curled up on the couch studying and Sophia and Daniella lay on the floor flipping through a fashion magazine.
“But where were you?” Mariella demanded.
Gabby flopped down into the side chair. “With Tony.”
“Why?”
She sat. “I helped him.”
“Do what? Find his dentures?”
Gabby glared at her. “No. First we went on a walk and then I helped him prepare dinner for Alex’s guests.”
“Why? That’s his job. You’re going to be Alex’s wife soon, I doubt he expects to find you in the kitchen with Tony.”
“I didn’t mind helping him. He’s very nice company.”
Daniella flipped a page. “I don’t see how you two could have much in common.”
“He’s very smart.”
Daniella frowned. “But he’s old.”
“He’s not that old.”
“And he’s poor,” Mariella said.
“He’s not that poor.”
“And he’s plain.”
Gabby folded her arms and tapped her foot. “I think he’s handsome.”
“Gabby, you’re being silly,” Mariella said. “I know he’s Alex’s friend, but you don’t have to make him sound better than he is.”
She set her mouth firmly.
“Leave Tony alone,” Sophia said. “He’s a very nice guy.”
Mariella rested a hand on her hip. “He’s a personal servant.”
Gabby jumped to her feet. “He’s an assistant and he makes a good living and he’s very talented and kind and…”
Mariella waved her hands. “Hey, there’s no reason to get upset. I was just saying —”
“I don’t like what you’re saying. I don’t want you talking about him like that. He deserves better.”
Isabella watched her sister closely then said, “You like him.”
“I do.” When Mariella opened her mouth, Gabby quickly added, “But not like Alex, so don’t look at me that way.”
Mariella, Daniella and Sophia seemed pleased with Gabby’s statement, but her words made Isabella curious.
Chapter 10
Isabella looked at her quiz grade and groaned. After four classes she knew one thing: She was failing. She looked at the giant red D on her paper and felt like crumpling it up. Mr. Yanders’ words echoed in her mind: “I want you to see me after class.” He probably thought she didn’t belong there. She agreed with him. Why couldn’t she grasp anything?
Alex leaned towards her. “Let me see that.”
She covered the paper with her hand. “No.”
“I can’t help you if you don’t let me see where you went wrong.”
“I don’t need help.”
He clicked his tongue. “We wouldn’t want to be arrogant would we?”
“It’s embarrassing,” she grumbled.
“Failing the entire course would be even more embarrassing, plus a waste of money.” He kept his hand held out. She reluctantly handed him the paper.
He took it and studied it for so long that her cheeks began to burn.
“Mr. Yanders wants to see me after class,” she said, desperate to fill the silence.
“I’ll talk to him for you.”
“But I don’t need —”
Alex stopped her with a stern look. She bit her lip.
He looked at the paper again. “I’m going to offer to tutor you and don’t tell me you don’t need one.” He held up the paper. “This makes it obvious.”
“I don’t think I can pay you.”
He stilled then abruptly stood. “I’m sick of this. I’m trying to be nice to you, but you keep getting on my nerves.” He leaned over her, his eyes like flashes of lightning. “What’s the point of being so proud that you’re willing to fail a class just to spite me?”
She opened her mouth to protest.
“I’m not finished.”
She closed
it.
“You don’t have to like me. That’s okay because right now I don’t like you very much, either. But I can help you. Close your mouth. You’ll know when I’ve finished talking.”
She folded her arms and waited.
“I’m going to be at the library at seven tomorrow. I’ll wait for five minutes. No more. I don’t care if you come at six minutes past seven, I will be gone. It is your choice to show up or not. Do you understand? You don’t need to say anything, just nod your head.”
She frowned, but nodded.
“Good.” He grabbed his books and left.
Isabella broke from her paralysis and followed him out into the hall. “You’re a —” she began, but the words froze in her throat when he spun around.
He walked towards her, large and intimidating. “I’m a what?”
She gripped her books to her chest. “You’re a bully.”
“And do you know what you are?”
She boldly met his eyes though her knees trembled. “What?”
He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Desperate.”
“I am not desperate. You obnoxious —”
He covered her mouth with his hand then said in an ominous tone, “One more word and I might not show up at all. Now go home.” He turned and walked away.
Isabella threw her books in her car and pounded the steering wheel. Arrogant, pompous jerk. She didn’t need his help. She just needed to study harder. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of showing up at the library. His ego was inflated enough. No, she wouldn’t go.
That night she tossed and turned in her bed, debating her decision. She really needed to pass the course. More importantly, she needed the knowledge to impress Mrs. Lyons and knew that Alex could help her. For some reason he knew everything although he spent half of the class with his eyes closed. She remembered a prior class when Mr. Yanders called on Alex.
“Mr. Carlton?” Mr. Yanders had said.
Alex lazily opened his eyes. “Yes?”
“Could you answer the question?”
Isabella watched him with a smug grin certain he’d say, “What question?” Instead, he surprised them all by stretching and answering the question and adding a tidbit nobody knew.
The teacher stared stunned as did everyone else.