Mothers of the Year

by Lori Handeland

  It wasn’t long before she heard footsteps in the hall. Brittany raced back into the office, winded. “She said she’ll be glad to do it!”

  Abby couldn’t control a thrill of excitement. “In that case I’d better turn off the computer and hurry upstairs to change. What should I wear?”

  “I’m going to wear what I’ve got on.”

  “That’s easy. Why don’t you wait out in front. I’ll join you in a minute.”

  “Okay.” Brittany filed out the door ahead of her.

  On the way up the stairs, Abby felt like a teenager who’d been asked to a party where she knew the hottest guy at school was going to be there.

  After burying her husband and suffering a miscarriage, she hadn’t expected to feel this young again. It took her completely by surprise.

  RICK HAD JUST DRIVEN into the garage when his cell phone rang. Brittany. “Hi, honey.”

  “Hi, Dad. Where are you?”

  “Headed toward the elevator. Sorry I’m running a little late.”

  “I am, too.” He smiled. His daughter, the tycoon. “How about I meet you at the marina?” she added.

  He blinked. “I thought you weren’t keen on taking the boat out today.”

  “I’ve changed my mind. We can get tacos after.”

  The winds of change blew faster than he could keep up with.

  Abby must have accepted the invitation for Sunday, the last thing he’d expected. That was the only explanation to account for his daughter’s mood.

  There was no way Liz could come with them now. He’d never be able to explain Abby. Any way you looked at it, Liz would feel like an unwanted third party. The problem now was to manufacture a damn good reason for uninviting her.

  “Sounds like a plan. See you soon.”

  Once he’d informed Jennifer of their arrangements, he changed into shorts and a T-shirt with Buddy looking on. The day had been exceptionally hot. The dog would be better off staying out of the heat.

  He rubbed behind his ears. “After we get back, I’ll take you for a walk.”

  Five minutes later, he reached their small boat, then thought he must be hallucinating. Seated inside with his daughter was the woman responsible for the disruption of his formerly peaceful existence.

  Their charming hairstyles were identical. Brittany was in the denims and yellow T-shirt she’d worn to school. Abby had put on a pink one with a pair of jeans her figure did wonders for.

  His daughter smiled up at him. “Abby’s busy on Sunday so I invited her today.”

  Abby eyed him tentatively. “I hope it’s all right.”

  “Of course. Welcome aboard,” he murmured. While he waited for his heart to stop slamming against his ribs, he hunkered down to undo the ropes.

  “You need to put on your life preservers,” he reminded them.

  “I know,” Brittany said, “but it’s so hot we were waiting for you first.”

  His gaze sought Abby’s. “Have you done any sailing?”

  “No, but I’ve always wanted to.”

  “Then you’re in for a real treat,” he said.

  “Dad can do all the work himself. He’s teaching me.”

  “You’re a fortunate girl,” Abby said, struggling to get into the life jacket.

  By the time he jumped in the boat, everyone had fastened their preservers.

  “What do you two say we sail up to Laguna and have dinner at El Charro?”

  Brittany looked as if she was on the verge of exploding. “Have you eaten there before, Abby?”

  “Not for several years. That sounds fun.”

  “Good,” Rick said. “It’s settled. Stand over there and hang on. We’re going for a ride.”

  He used the motor to take them beyond the protection of the bay, then shut it off. The swells were perfect for this outing. While Abby watched, Brittany helped him undo the white sail with its royal-blue stripe.

  As soon as the breeze filled it, the tug on the boat caused their guest to let out a surprised cry. She gripped the railing tighter. Rick laughed. So did she. A beautiful sound he’d never heard come out of her before. In the full sun her eyes glinted the green of a south sea grotto. He felt as if he was already flying before the boat took off across the water.

  Brittany and Abby chatted like two old friends totally at ease with each other, their long matching braids hanging down their backs. One brunette, one champagne. Rick liked the sight before him. He liked it very much.

  Halfway to Laguna, he let Brittany take over. He knew she was anxious to show off in front of her favorite person. Now it was his turn to stand next to Abby. Their arms brushed. He felt her warmth.

  “What do you think?” he asked.

  “It’s exhilarating. After being landlocked in Escondido, no wonder you wanted to come here for the summer.”

  Landlocked. The very word. He slanted his gaze at her. “You live right by the marina, I’m surprised you haven’t done any sailing.”

  She was staring out to sea. “I’ve been too busy.”

  “Not even when your husband was alive?” He found he wanted to know everything about her.

  “After our wedding, we moved to San Marcos to open a tiny restaurant in a strip mall.”

  Just then Brittany waved to him. He waved back. “You’re doing great!” he called. “I drive through San Marcos all the time.” Odd to think she’d once lived that close to Escondido.

  She nodded. “It wasn’t until after he died that I moved to the coast.”

  Rick sucked in his breath. He was relieved to hear that her memories had nothing to do with Oceanside. “What brought you here?”

  “The ocean. I was born in San Diego and missed the water. A Realtor I was working with told me there was a business opportunity in Oceanside on the pier. A pizzeria had just closed. If I could swing the loan, it would be a sweet deal. So I pounced on it.”

  “I…I have to confess…I did a little research on you,” he said, watching as her eyes widened. “Discovered your restaurant was featured in Oceanside’s Fine Cuisine Guide last December. That’s a real accomplishment. Bravo.”

  “Merci.” She flicked her gaze to him. “So what did you think of our fondue?”

  He couldn’t help staring at the voluptuous curve of her mouth. “Superb. Just the right amount of kirsch. A touch underplayed so it doesn’t overpower.”

  “So you’re a connoiseur.” A trace of a smile formed on her lips. She had no idea how provocative she was.

  “I’ve attended enough business dinners to know the difference between an American facsimile of fondue, and an authentic Swiss dish. The fendant was unequaled.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed your meal.”

  A rosy flush that had nothing to do with the sun tinted her cheeks. The desire to press his lips to the little pulse throbbing at her throat was almost overwhelming.

  “I understand you’re leaving for Switzerland soon.”

  She nodded and looked away. “Next week.”

  He was missing her already. “Who runs Chez André when the owner’s away?”

  “Sylvia.”

  “Ah. Good. Brittany likes her.”

  “Your daughter likes everyone,” Abby said, smiling over at the teen, who was taking her captain’s duties very seriously. “It’s a wonderful quality. She’ll go far in life with such a positive nature. You know what the good book says about the peacemakers.”

  “I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your notice that she loves you.”

  Abby looked down at the water. “She’d love anyone who gave her her first ‘real’ job.”

  “Maybe. But in all these years, she’s never invited a woman to do anything with us. You, Abby Chappuis, are the only person who holds that distinction.”

  She laughed nervously. “You shouldn’t have told me. When she discovers I have feet of clay like everyone else, you’ll know she’s finally growing up.”

  A small change in wind direction made them look again at Brittany, who’d been handling the boat like
a pro.

  “You’re a fabulous sailor!” Abby called to her.

  Brittany broke into a smile. An infectious smile. “Thanks, but I think Dad better take over. It’s getting tricky now that we’ve reached Laguna.”

  So they had.

  He’d been miles away. But once they’d eaten dinner, he’d try to figure out what Abby was hiding. Because he knew in his gut something lay much deeper beneath the surface.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  EL CHARRO PROVIDED some of the best fine dining in Laguna. Located on a rise that overlooked the Pacific, the large, elegant restaurant with its palm trees and flowering gardens was a real showplace.

  “If you and your wife will come this way, Mr. Jakeman, we have a table for you now.”

  Abby waited for Rick to correct the man. Instead he put his hand at her wrist—his touch felt like a current of electricity—and guided her through the tables as the host led them to an inside table next to a bank of windows with a spectacular view of the ocean.

  When they were seated outside beneath the striped awning, he said, “Could you direct my daughter out here when she finishes in the powder room? You can’t miss her. She and my wife have the same hairdo.”

  “Yes, sir.” The man handed them menus. “I’ll send your waiter over.”

  “You’re terrible,” Abby grumbled the second the host walked away.

  Rick stared pointedly at her left hand. “If you insist on wearing your wedding ring, prepare to be linked to the wrong man.”

  “I’m assuming it didn’t take you as long to remove yours,” she said in her defense, smarting from the remark.

  “I never had one to worry about,” he said offhandedly. “Brittany’s mother and I didn’t marry.”

  While she digested what he’d just told her, Brittany came and sat down. Her eyes flicked back and forth between the two of them, as if she sensed tension.

  “Sorry I took so long, There was a lineup.”

  Abby was glad for the interruption. She assumed Brittany knew the truth. Maybe she never talked about her mother to avoid the inevitable questions people asked.

  “No problem, honey,” Rick said.

  Another college-age guy approached their table. “Hi, everybody. My name’s Derek. I’ll be your waiter.” He put salsa and chips on the table.

  Abby felt Rick’s eyes on her. “What do you ladies feel like eating this evening?”

  “I think I’ll have the Playa del Sole,” she said.

  “Me, too,” Brittany chimed in.

  Her father chuckled. “Do you even know what it is?”

  Brittany wrinkled her nose. “Not really, but Abby’s a chef, so she knows what to order.”

  “In that case we’ll make it an even three,” he said to the waiter.

  “Would you care for wine with dinner?”

  “None for me,” Abby spoke up. “Just water.”

  “You’re sure?” Rick asked, eyeing her over the small vase of fresh flowers. From another room he could hear the sounds of a mariachi band.

  “I have to close up tonight, so I need to keep a clear head.”

  By the sudden set of his jaw, it appeared she’d irritated him again.

  “Dad? Can I have a Coke please?”

  “Make that one Coke and an iced tea with lemon.” Rick handed the menus back to Derek.

  To Abby’s relief the band began to play in their section, preventing in-depth conversation. By the time the group took a break, the three were ready to go back to the boat. They reached Oceanside as twilight faded into night.

  Abby helped them secure the boat, then they walked along the dock to the shore. She slowed down and turned, smiling at both of them.

  “Thank you for a marvelous outing. I haven’t enjoyed myself this much since I can’t remember when. See you at work tomorrow, Brittany.” She wanted to hug her but didn’t dare.

  “I’ll be there.”

  “’Bye for now.”

  A jumble of nerves, Abby took off for the restaurant. Rick Jakeman was an enigma. There were moments when being with him set her on fire—and they weren’t even touching. But there were other times when he seemed to close off and she felt to blame. They were in a strange relationship that needed to end.

  Much as she adored Brittany, she couldn’t let the teen into her heart any further.

  It was a good thing Abby was flying to Geneva next week. She needed to put some distance between them and get her head on straight.

  She let herself in the service entrance in time to say good-night to the waitresses. When she found Sylvia, she slipped a big tip into her pocket. “I appreciate your taking over on such short notice.”

  “Anytime, Abby. I’m almost through here.”

  “Okay. I’ll be in my office.”

  Chet came in while she was tallying the night’s receipts.

  “Want me to stay and help?”

  Oh, dear. For some time now she’d been aware of his interest, but had hoped he’d realize she saw him only as an employee.

  “I appreciate that, Chet, but you go on. I know you’ve got studies.” She kept running the numbers.

  “Did you have a good time with Brittany’s father?”

  He’d come close to the line several times. Tonight he’d overstepped it. Her hand stilled on the machine. She lifted her head. “What’s going on with you, Chet?”

  “I’m trying to find out if there’s any chance for me.”

  “Chance for what?”

  His lips tightened. “I’ve been hinting at asking you out for a long time.”

  She let out a sigh. “Then you realize I’ve been ignoring those hints because you’re a good worker and I wouldn’t want to lose you.” Abby sat back in her swivel chair. “Romance in the office doesn’t work. Besides, I’m too old for you.”

  “But not too young for Brittany’s old man?”

  There was movement at the door. “Rick!” she gasped. He was here? How much had he heard?

  “You owe your boss an apology.”

  Obviously he’d heard enough.

  Brittany’s father made a daunting adversary. “If I were the owner, which I’m not, I’d sack you right now.”

  A curse flew out of Chet’s mouth. Angry, he glanced back at Abby. “I don’t plan to give you the chance because I quit.” He stormed out the door.

  Still in shock, she looked up at Rick who stood there with his hands on his hips in an aggressive stance. “He’s been needing that lesson for a long time,” Rick finally said, shifting where he was, beginning to look uncomfortable.

  “A good dishwasher is hard to come by,” she said, shaking her head. The man had no right.

  Rick looked back to where Chet disappeared “I’m sorry…Since I’m to blame for bringing things to a head, would you allow this old man to offer his services until you can find a replacement?”

  Abby laughed. She couldn’t help it. “Am I to deduce that the crack commercial developer is a jack-of-all-trades?”

  His smile turned her heart over. “I washed dishes at a diner to help put myself through college. It’s like riding a bike. You never forget. Brittany can bring me up to speed. With the two of us, the restaurant won’t feel a ripple.”

  She cocked her head. “What will the Jakeman company do without its commander and chief?”

  “I’m a good delegator.”

  Her smile slowly faded. “Why did you come over here?”

  He took one last look back down the stairs. “Do you wish I hadn’t, Mrs. Chappuis?”

  The atmosphere sizzled between them like a live wire snaking along the ground.

  “No, of course not. Since you’re willing. I won’t say no.” Abby got to her feet, but her legs barely supported her. “Why did you come over here now?”

  “In case you hadn’t noticed, I can’t seem to stay away from you. Does that tell you anything?”

  A panicky feeling swept over her. “Sit down for a minute. I have to say good-night to Sylvia.”

  “I’ll com
e with you to make certain Chet left.”

  Secretly relieved he was staying, she rushed past, careful to avoid touching him. Her dishwasher had become increasingly difficult over the past month. When he’d stalked out a few minutes ago, it worried her he might still be around waiting to talk to her.

  She wanted to believe Chet ran on a short fuse, nothing more. But you never really knew what another person might be capable of. When André was alive, this kind of situation hadn’t arisen.

  Sylvia was on the verge of leaving. Her attention darted to Rick, then Abby. “What happened with Chet? He tore out of here without saying good-night.”

  “He quit.”

  The other woman gave her a knowing glance. “I see…. Well, for what it’s worth, it’s for the best.”

  Abby nodded.

  “You didn’t hire Brittany any too soon. If you want, I’ll take over the three nights of his shift until you find someone else.”

  “What would I do without you?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing. I need this job.”

  After locking the door behind the other woman, Abby turned to discover Rick on his cell phone. When he finally hung up he said, “I called one of my assistants—”

  “At night? At home?” Abby asked.

  “It’s okay,” Rick replied. “Barb’s used to being on call for me. Anyway, she knows an all-night locksmith with a mobile unit. The man will be here within fifteen minutes.”

  She could only marvel at his quick thinking. He ran circles around other men. “Thank you.”

  “It’s the least I can do. How about I buy us a cup of coffee while we wait?”

  She couldn’t refrain from smiling. “Why don’t you come up to the apartment and I’ll fix us some.”

  Abby made a detour to the office for her purse, then hurried up the dimly lit stairs. At the top she had to stop and get out her key. Aware of Rick standing so close behind her, she fumbled trying to get it in the lock and it fell.

  As she turned to retrieve it, he caught her in his arms. Several steps higher than him, she could look straight into his eyes, their faces mere inches apart. The desire she saw in his eyes nearly melted her bones.