The night she got lucky sfdg-2

by Susan Donovan

  In fact, during their emergency dash to the dentist's office just an hour before, Josh had held the bloody towel to his jaw and said he worried the injury might dilute the photogenic quality of his smile, or alter his profile.

  Ginger sighed. I know Joshua can be annoying sometimes, but that doesn't give you the right to beat him bloody. She shook her head. Besides, you already said this whole thing was about your dad. What did Josh say that made you so mad?

  Her son's eyes flashed before he turned away.

  Tell me what got you so upset.

  Jason ignored her. Ginger was about to demand he answer her question when she felt the creepy stare of the guy three seats down. That was all she could takeshe heard a distinct snap! inside her head. She knew it was the sound of her last nerve, now officially shot to hell.

  Ginger swiveled her head to catch the man admiring her spandex-clad hips. She cleared her throat and smiled at him pleasantly. Then she spoke in a voice loud enough to be heard by everyone in the crowded waiting room and most of the office staff. Excuse mearen't you here with your wife?

  The man dragged his eyes from her butt and frowned. Huh?

  I thought so, Ginger said sweetly. I am here with my son, who required emergency dental work.

  The man seemed confused. Okay, he mumbled.

  And I was exercising in the privacy of my home when he was injured, so I didn't have time to change.

  His mouth fell open.

  Do you know where I'm going with this? she asked, waiting for an answer that didn't come. No?

  Uh

  If you don't stop ogling me, I will march right in there and interrupt your wife's appointment and tell her what a sleazoid pervo scumwad you are. Don't think I won't.

  The man stared at her, stunned.

  Ginger pointed a French-tipped nail in his direction. You picked the wrong damned day to mess with me, she hissed.

  That's when the man gathered his Sports Illustrated and his wife's purse and moved to the other side of the waiting room.

  Pleased with the results, Ginger returned her attention to Jason.

  Gee, Mom, he said. That was kinda disturbing.

  She laughed. Oh, yeah? Well, the same goes for you, Jason. You've picked the wrong damned day to mess with me. Ginger lowered her voice. It's time to spill it. What in the hell is going on with you, Jase? It's like you're trying to screw up your life just to make a point.

  Jason remained silent.

  I'm so worried about you. Ginger tried not to allow her voice to break. First the curfew violation and the drinking, then the destruction of property and the cheating at school. What's this about, honey? You can tell me. You have to tell me.

  He shrugged and looked away, saying nothing.

  Answer me!

  He slowly swiveled his head in her direction. In a surly, exhausted-sounding voice, he said, I'm a teenage boy, Mom. Get over it. So, is Dad coming or not?

  The dentist chose that unfortunate moment to enter the waiting room and motion for Ginger and Jason to join him. He escorted them to his office at the end of the hall, where Joshua waited, sporting a metal wire across his top and bottom teeth, much like the one he'd sported when he'd had braces.

  The teeth will reattach just fine, the dentist said. But no solid food at all for about ten days. Just liquid. And after that only soft foods. He won't be eating anything like hard pretzels for about four weeks.

  Ginger nodded, her brain frazzled.

  I'll need to see him back here next week.

  Okay, she said, her worried eyes darting from the dentist to Josh and Jason.

  Why isn't Larry here? The dentist looked at all three members of the Garrison family for a reply. Didn't you page him?

  He's stuck at the hospital. Jason jumped in before Ginger could think of how to respond. Clearly, her son was protecting Larry's reputation with a man who happened to be one of his dad's golfing buddies. Medical emergencyyou know how it is, Jason added, smiling.

  Sure. The dentist nodded. While writing out two prescriptions for Joshua, he added, No more right hooks to your brother's face, got it?

  Jason swallowed hard. Got it, he whispered.

  The dentist looked up over the rims of his glasses. Out in the real world, that's a felony. You know that, right? I'm sure your dad has explained that to you?

  Jason stared blankly for a second, then nodded enthusiastically. Yeah. Sure.

  At that point in the conversation, Joshua let out a distressed wail. All eyes turned to him. Then he said something that sounded like, What am I supposed to eat for ten freakin' days?

  The dentist smiled. I recommend milkshakes and smoothies. And I'm sure Jason would be happy to make them for you. Am I right about that?

  Jason sighed deeply. I live to serve, he said.

  Herehave some more, my friend.

  Lucio held out his wine glass and smiled. Sometime after the disastrous meeting, Piers had revealed the depth of his compassion and loyalty by going outon his own, no lessand purchasing two bottles of Rioja from a little wine shop in the city. The gesture had required research, Lucio knew. Piers had gone out of his way for him. Lucio raised his newly refilled glass in gratitude. Muchisimas gracias, mi amigo.

  De nada, Piers said, raising his glass in concert with Lucio. So, go on. What happened next?

  Where was I?

  She had just run out the door with her purse.

  Ah, yes. Lucio had been rambling on to Piers for nearly an hour, describing the series of strange encounters he'd had with the delectable Ginger Garrison. Of course, he'd not gone into great detail. He'd skipped over how, the night of Rick's wedding, he'd drunk from Ginger's vessel of love right out on the front lawn of the ranch. He also left out how he felt inexplicably drawn to Ginger every time he saw her. In addition, he'd failed to mention the power of that afternoon's kiss, or how his heart had stopped at the vision of her stretched out on the tile in that see-through scrap of fabric that passed as underpants. He only wanted his friend's advice, and he could get that without stooping to locker room stories.

  Well, she runs out of the house and leaves me dressed in only my socks and shoes!

  You mean that was it? Piers looked disappointed.

  Lucio shrugged, taking another sip of the rich red elixir and letting it mellow in the back of his throat. For a man who knew virtually nothing about wine, Piers had made a fine selection.

  But where did she go? How serious was her son's injury?

  What do I know? Lucio gestured to the world in general. She has not contacted me since. I am concerned about her sonand I can only assume those were her sonsbut what do I know? I know nothing!

  Piers grinned. No time for formal introductions, I take it?

  Lucio laughed. Perhaps we will save that for when I am clothed.

  And when no one is bleeding, Piers added.

  Both men laughed.

  She is divorced. Did I tell you that? Lucio went on. Her ex-husband was a dickhead. He still is, I hear.

  One of Piers's blond eyebrows arched high on his forehead. Rick told you that?

  Oh, no, I believe Rick is still on his honeymoon. But I did have a lovely discussion with the lady who performed Rick's ceremony. She was an unusual old womanquite an intense gaze for one of her age.

  What did she say?

  Lucio switched his wine glass to his left hand so he could gesture with his right. It's a story we have both heard before. An unfaithful husband caught in the act. But in Ginger's case, she caught him in the driveway. In the back of the family minivan.

  You're joking! Piers's lips parted in disbelief.

  Lucio sighed with the burden of the truth. But my point is thisI wonder, with all the lovely lady has gone through, whether perhaps I should leave her alone.

  Piers's eyes widened.

  Perhaps I should never bother her again, yes?

  Piers thought for a moment, then gave him a confused look. But didn't you say she was your first client?

  Lucio laughed.
Holy God, I forgot all about that! All I've been thinking about is Ginger the woman, not Ginger the paying customer!

  Hmm, Piers said.

  But that is what she must remaina customer. After all, I do not have the kind of stability a woman needs from a man.

  Unfortunately, you do not.

  I have no money. No career. No home. I'm a hairbreadth from prison. I would set a poor example for her sons, yes?

  Yes.

  Today's events took a wrecking ball to my life! Lucio's voice became louder and more excited, which he knew only intensified his accent. If he were having a conversation with anyone but Piers, he would fear he couldn't be understood. Now I must pick up the bricks, one by one, and try to rebuild something, but I do not think my life will ever look the same!

  Piers nodded some more, propping his pale, sandaled feet to the balcony railing. I know how you feel, he said.

  Suddenly, Lucio had a brilliant idea: The steadfast Piers Skaarsgard would make a much better match for a woman like Ginger. He nearly made that observation out loud when something inside stopped him. He did not want any other man near Ginger Garrison. Not even a man of the most stable circumstances or unsullied history. Not Piers. Not anyone.

  Lucio looked over at Piers, the glimmer of the city bathing Piers's white face and long, lean body in a pale glow. His old friend was six foot four, three inches taller than Lucio. He was his opposite in many ways, and always had been. Where Lucio had a tendency to be loose with his tongue and his anger, Piers remained stoic. Where Lucio went through women faster than rolls of film, Piers had only loved onceand it was Sylvie Westcott. While Lucio plunged headfirst into jobs, relying on gut feelings to guide him, Piers had always taken a studious and cautious approach to his work. Neither way was better. Just different. And both men had built formidable careers in a brutally competitive industry.

  Lucio took another sip of wine, admitting to himself that this was the real reason he wanted the Erskine award. It wasn't just the money. It was the recognition. The honor. Each November, every professional nature and wildlife photographer on the planet sent work to the Erskine committee in Stockholm. Then every March, they would await the announcement of who won, and in what category. This year would mark Lucio's first win. That is, if they chose to allow him to keep it.

  Suddenly, Piers dropped his feet from the railing and doubled over, his head hanging to his knees. Lucio heard him cry.

  The Host! Lucio set down his wine glass and turned his full attention to his friend. How selfish he had beenthinking only of himself and his ego when Piers was still filled with sorrow over Sylvie's death. It had only been six months. And to think, when Lucio had just complained about his house tumbling down, it had only been a metaphor. For Piers, the destruction had been literal. His home had collapsed when Sylvie died. He had lost his wife, his place in the world.

  Lucio put a hand on Piers's bony shoulder as he cried. He did not know what to say. He hoped just being at his side was enough. It was the kind of support he should have offered six months ago.

  Lucio was suddenly filled with shame, hot and heavy in his chest. He had learned about Sylvie's illness a year before she died, when he was on assignment on Easter Island. He'd sent an e-mail, but did not have the opportunity to speak to Piers and Sylvie for another three months. By the time he'd called, her leukemia had worsened, and Lucio was already on his way to Papua New Guinea with plans to move on to northern China.

  He never made it back in time to say good-bye to one old friend and to comfort the one who remained. The truth hit Lucio hardhe'd had one chance to do the decent thing by Piers and Sylvie, and he'd blown it.

  I am so sorry I was not here for you, Lucio whispered.

  Piers did not respond. His crying continued, and, out of embarrassment, Piers turned his head away and pulled his shoulder from under Lucio's touch.

  So Lucio waited. He poured himself another glass of wine and kept vigil over his grieving companion.

  Eventually, the sobs began to subside. When Piers straightened from his crouch, Lucio said, I should have been here for you and Sylvie. I beg your forgiveness for my selfishness.

  Piers nodded gently and wiped his eyes with his shirtsleeve. Sorry for my outburst. The grief came out of nowhere and I could not fight it. It happens that way sometimes.

  Piers raised his head and leveled his gaze at Lucio. Maybe the diffuse light of China Town was playing games with him, but Lucio could have sworn he saw peace in his friend's face. Piers looked almost serene. I know you well, Lucky. And I know you would've been here if you were able, he said.

  CHAPTER 6

  Ohmigod! They're here!

  Ginger swiveled her head to where Roxanne had pointed, past the palm trees and toward the northeast corner of Dolores Park. Sure enough, Josie and Genghis were heading up the sidewalk. Ginger got a lump in her throat at the sight of her smiling friend and her goofy Labradoodle.

  It was awfully good to see her home safe.

  Genghis arrived first. He bounded up the hill, tongue and ears flying, his dark brown eyes lit up with excitement. Ginger laughed, relieved to see that five months after Genghis's disastrous grooming, his coat had grown back to its normal disheveled and wild state.

  HeatherLynn began wiggling in Ginger's arms, demanding to be put down. The instant the little bichon's paws hit the grass, she ran off toward her long-lost friend. In dog years, a six-week absence must feel like full-scale abandonment, Ginger decided, and HeatherLynn was beside herself with delight.

  Josie! Up here! Bea jumped up and down in her Reeboks as she waved.

  Ginger watched Josie jog up the hill, her face as happy as her dog's. When she reached them, they fell into each other in a raucous group hug. They laughed and cried and screeched with joy. Eventually, Ginger held Josie out at arm's length so they could get a good look at her.

  Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes sparkled and her gorgeous hair fell in soft spiral curls just below her shoulders. She looked fit and hardy. Relaxed. In love.

  Yes, she was glowing.

  So what if it was a cliche to say that a woman could be so in love that she glowed? The truth was the truth, and in Josie's case, there was no other way to put it. Josephine Sheehan had been glowing since the day she met Rick Rousseau. She'd glowed on her wedding day. She was glowing now.

  Ginger kissed her glowing cheek. Was the North Pole completely wonderful? she asked.

  Are you exhausted from the trip? Roxie wanted to know.

  So, are you pregnant yet? Bea seemed shocked that her question would be met with bug-eyed stares of disbelief. I have money riding on this, you know.

  A triplet of car-horn beeps caused the group to turn toward the street. Rick drove by, waving and blowing kisses to the group. Teeny will be back in an hour, baby! he shouted out.

  Okay, Rick! Josie returned his kiss and waved. When the newlywed turned back toward her friends, a distracted smile played on her face.

  Ginger sighed, wondering how it would feel to be so outrageously happy, so delirious with love.

  He drove you into the city? Roxie asked.

  Yeah. He's going to bring Genghis and me into town early on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays so we can keep our usual walking schedule. Isn't that thoughtful of him?

  Bea lifted an eyebrow. That's a damned fine man you got there, Joze.

  She giggled. Yeah. I know. He's incredible.

  Huh. Take a look at that, would you? Roxanne pointed toward Lilith and Genghis. Everyone went still, afraid to breathe or move or do anything that might upset the delicate balance at work.

  Genghis licked Lilith's face in greeting, while Martina and HeatherLynn stood nearby as witnesses. Lilith didn't growl. She didn't snarl. She wasn't frothing at the mouth. Instead, she was happily licking Genghis in return, as much as was possible through her muzzle. Lilith was wagging her tail! These were all new developments.

  Holy shit, Bea whispered. I thought she hated anything with a penisyou know, as a matter of princip
le.

  Shush! Ginger hissed.

  This is incredible, Josie said. Did I miss something with Lilith while I was gone? Did you start those behavior classes with Eli Gallagher?

  Roxanne's eyes flashed. No! Why? Did Rick say something about what happened with Eli and me?

  Josie squinted. Uh, no. I was just wondering about the change in Lilith's you know personality.

  Bea leaned close to Josie for effect. You wouldn't know this, of course, seeing that you were kind of busy getting married and all, Bea said, but Ginger and Roxie made a couple of new friends at your wedding.

  Josie's eyes went big.

  Roxie met Eli and Ginger met Rico Suave, Bea said, her shoulders bouncing as she giggled.

  Immediately, heat spread through Ginger's body. It felt as if she'd caught fire from the inside out. Of course, part of it was because she was pissed at Bea for bringing up Lucio the instant Josie got home. But most of it was just her usual responsewhenever she thought of him, heard his name, or pictured him in her mind, she heated up. She couldn't control it. The man lit a flame in her.

  No kidding, Josie said, smiling kindly. She turned to Roxie. So what happened between you and Eli? Rick certainly didn't mention it.

  Roxie interrupted Lilith's breakthrough moment with a jerk on her leash. Forget it. Let's walk, okay? You only have an hour, right?

  Hey, wait. Josie placed her hand on Roxie's tensed-up forearm. Are you okay? What's wrong?

  It's nothing, she said, shaking her head.

  Hey, Rox, seriously, I was just teasing. Bea added her hand to Roxanne's arm. I didn't know something had really happened between you two.

  Ginger stayed back, listening. She had been readying herself to field questions from her friends about Lucio and his trip to the sexual buffet, but instead, Roxanne was on the hot seat. Ginger didn't even know Roxanne had something to get hot about.

  I asked him to join me for lunch a couple weeks ago, Roxie said. His answer was no.