by Robyn M Ryan
“And everything changed in less than a week.”
“That’s not your fault.”
“Nor yours.”
“I need to prove I can take care of myself.”
He reached to brush the hair back from her face. “Why? To me?” Andrew challenged gently. “You don’t need to prove anything to me. I know you can take care of yourself. To your father? Do you think he’ll know—or even care—if you’re still involved with me?”
“What about me? Maybe I need to prove it to myself.”
“Honey, you’re twenty. Isn’t it more important that you complete your education? Don’t throw it all away to prove a point.”
“I’m not throwing it away. I can work part-time now, then full-time next summer. Maybe I can get a work-study or something. I will graduate.”
His eyes held her gaze. “You’ll use your mom’s money to pay tuition?”
“I don’t have a choice unless I take winter semester off.”
He nodded, but didn’t speak.
She turned her iPad toward him. “There are a lot of students looking for roommates next semester.”
“You’ll make the right decision, Cary.” He pulled the iPod she had given him from his pocket and handed it to her. “After I leave, just push play. I want you to listen to a song.” He gently drew her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her. “Remember, I love you.” He reached for his luggage, then nodded at the iPod. “Don’t forget to listen.”
She walked with him to the front door and watched him get in the car, following it with her eyes until it turned the corner. She shivered, the cold wind biting as she closed and locked the door. She leaned against it for a moment, taking in the warmth of the apartment, seeing his presence everywhere she looked.
Conflicted emotions bombarded her mind. Her father’s ultimatum, Andrew’s offer, her need to prove she could take care of herself without the security of the trust fund or Drew’s help. She didn’t even have to continue the pre-determined educational path; she could change majors, do what she wanted. Caryn laughed bitterly. Naturally, she didn’t even know what she wanted to study if left to her own devices.
She took a deep breath, suddenly needing to get out of the apartment and the security it offered. Grabbing her coat and pulling it on, she picked up the key and locked the door. Turning her back to the wind, she walked as quickly as she could, hoping to clear her mind.
If she could do anything she wanted for a career, what would she choose? She’d long ago accepted her parents’ plan for her life, taking and mastering the subjects deemed important, even before entering the university. Maybe every once in a while, she chose an elective, but never discovered a passion for any of those subjects. She thought of her mom’s talent for fashion design, realizing she’d never taken the opportunity to discover if those creative instincts were part of her own DNA. Was it too late?
Needing to talk to someone, she reached into her pocket for her iPhone to call Lauren, laughing out loud when she remembered it was back on the counter at Andrew’s. Perfect, just perfect. She headed toward campus, hoping to find her friend at home, slowing her pace as she admitted she truly didn’t want to share this with anyone, not even Lauren. She didn’t want to explain why she needed to move, why she needed a job. She wanted to remain Caryn the student, not the daughter of William Stevens.
Her energy sapped, her spirits plummeting, she returned to the apartment. It was dark when she entered, flipping the light on, wishing Andrew were there. She hadn’t even told him that she loved him before he left. Too stubborn to accept his help, rejecting him bluntly. Certainly proved my point, didn’t I? She hung up her coat with a sigh and walked toward the kitchen to fix something warm to drink.
She glanced at her iPhone, seeing Andrew had called, but hadn’t left a message. She checked her texts. Nothing. She quickly typed a note to him, hoping he had WiFi on the plane.
Her eyes fell on the iPod and she reached for it, remembering Andrew’s request that she listen to the song he’d selected. Settling on the couch, she inserted the earbuds, then pressed the triangle to start the song as she curled up with the blanket. She smiled as she recognized the notes of a guitar strumming. Garou. Of course. His English album. She’d listened to it hundreds of times since its release. Andrew good-naturedly let her select the playlist whenever they were in the car. She loved all the songs, but this was her favorite.
She closed her eyes, letting the music wash through her…Was this Andrew’s message? Was he offering his heart, his soul; asking me to make them my home? Shame over her earlier outburst burned in the pit of her stomach. Of course Drew supports any decision I make. Not because he feels “obligated,” but because he loves me and believes in me.
Caryn grabbed her phone to send him a second, much longer note. She apologized for her actions and told him how much she loved him. She hoped that maybe, just maybe he’d receive it before the plane landed hours later.
Her phone chirped a few minutes later, and she could imagine his voice as she read his message. “Okay?”
She responded, “Confused. Not sure what to do.”
She laughed when she saw his quick reply. “???”
“Figured out I don’t have to follow the path I’m on at school. Problem, no idea what I want to study.”
“Take your time…You listen to the song?”
Caryn smiled as she replied, hearing the lyrics in her mind. “Yes. Perfect. Glad you didn’t give me Seul.”
“Jamais—you’ll never be alone.”
“Just lonely.”
“Call you as soon as we reach the hotel. We can talk all night. Love you.”
Caryn responded, ending her message with a string of x’s and o’s.
TWENTY-ONE
She found a job the next day, waitressing in a bar catering primarily to students. It was not too far from campus, and the evening hours allowed her to attend classes during the day. Caryn curled up on the sofa near the fireplace, looking again at the roommates listing on her iPad, noting the numbers of several to call. Could she manage on what the manager of the bar had indicated she could expect each night in tips? Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts, and she reached for it, her heart lightened at the prospect of hearing Andrew’s voice.
“How’s my love?”
“Perfect at this moment. Are you at the arena?”
“Just about to leave. Tried to call you earlier, after morning skate. Hope I didn’t interrupt you in the library or something.”
Caryn laughed softly. “That would have been a welcomed interruption. Finance exam Friday. I must have been out of cell range. I also interviewed for a job between classes.”
“How did that go?”
“We’ll see. I’ll start waitressing at a bistro over near campus. I’ll work evenings, Tuesdays through Saturdays. The manager said I should make a lot in tips.”
“You have time to study?”
“It’ll be okay, really. Finals are not too far off. Then, I’ll have plenty of free time.” She changed the subject abruptly. “We’ll need to start decorating for the holidays, if you don’t mind me staying here until I save enough for an apartment?”
“You know that’s not a problem, Cary. But, you’re on your own with Christmas decorations. I have nothing to contribute.”
“I’ve got enough for two places over at the townhouse. Forgot about everything in the attic.”
“I’ll help you get it if you can wait a week.”
“I can wait for that. I’m not sure I can wait that long to see you, though. I miss you, Drew.”
“Our longest road trip of the year sure came at a bad time. When do you start work?”
“Tomorrow. On the job training. Hope I don’t drop a tray of food.”
Andrew laughed softly. “Just flash that smile of yours, and you’ll be fine.”
***
Working as a waitress was much harder than Caryn anticipated, and she was exhausted after her first two shifts. Her body ached
from the unaccustomed physical labor. She found a quick friend in the burly manager and bartender Mike, who offered words of encouragement and advice in handling the sometimes-boisterous clientele. She found it hard to smile and laugh off customers’ innuendoes, and several times knew her cheeks were flaming after being asked to share the after-work hours with an inebriated businessman. Still, most of the customers were university students, and she enjoyed their easy-going good natures. Tips were good, far exceeding the amount the manager had promised.
Caryn was busy serving drinks to a large group of businessmen in Toronto on convention when Andrew and Tom entered the bistro the following week. Loud, constantly demanding her attention, the men enjoyed watching her cheeks redden after commenting on her figure and patting her hips, sometimes sliding their hands lower and squeezing her skin below the skirt.
She saw Andrew at the bar as she placed another round of drinks on their table, feeling warmed inside as he met her glance and winked affectionately. She slipped away from the table, hoping he hadn’t noticed the men’s attention as she hurried to his side.
“Hi, Cary.” He drew her to his side and leaned to kiss her briefly. “You look sensational,” he added, fingering the silk shirt and glancing again at the bright skirt that barely covered her thighs. “I don’t remember the uniforms being so…skimpy. I’m not so sure I like you running around looking so hot.” He pressed his lips against her forehead.
Mike set beers in front of Andrew and Tom, and then grinned as he looked at Caryn. “This must be Andrew?”
Caryn nodded, then introduced them, blushing as Mike indicated that she had talked almost nonstop about him since she started the job. Andrew laughed softly, running his hand against her arm. She leaned her head against his shoulder briefly, wishing she were alone with him, her skin tingling from his touch.
Mike nodded toward the table of businessmen. “They’re looking thirsty again, Caryn.”
She nodded with a sigh. “I wish they’d call it a night,” she said, reluctantly pulling away from Andrew’s side. “Don’t go anywhere.”
He gently brushed the hair away from her face. “Not a chance.”
***
Caryn perched on the bed and watched as Andrew unpacked later that night, reluctant to let him out of her sight for even a few minutes. She smiled as he turned toward her, then her eyes widened in surprise as he held a bag out to her.
“What is it?”
“Open and see. I found it in Vancouver, an early Christmas present.”
He watched while she opened the package, realizing again how much he’d missed her during the road trip. He saw her delighted expression as she lifted the silken robe from the bag, and then laughed softly as she hugged him tightly in thanks.
“It’s beautiful, Drew! The colors are perfect.”
“Saw it in a store window and knew it was for you.”
She held it in front of her, running her hand against the material. “I love the colors; the blue background and the flowers are gorgeous. Thank you.” She reached up and pulled him toward her as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.
He held her close, his lips caressing hers, and then suggested softly, “Why don’t you try it on? I’ll start a fire and pour some wine.”
Caryn nodded. “I won’t be a minute.”
Andrew quickly lit the fire, then opened the bottle of wine, pouring two glasses and setting them on a table near the fireplace, then turned and smiled as Caryn walked toward him.
She looked more beautiful than ever, he thought. Her hair nearly matched the flowers on the robe. The sash emphasized her waist, and her enticing figure was barely visible beneath the silken material. He drew her into his arms and held her close, pressing his lips against her temple. “You look smashing, sweetheart.” She turned her face toward his, seeking his lips, tenderly expressing her deep love. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, then gently guided her to the sofa beside him.
“Good coming home to you,” he said as he handed her a glass of wine. “I liked knowing you were here.” He reached to brush the hair away from her forehead. “I missed you, Cary.”
“I couldn’t wait for you to get home. I thought today would never come.”
He met her glance, his tone serious. “Are you sure about that job, Cary? Why not wait and look for a job where you can use some of those business skills you’ve developed.”
“I’m trying not to use any more of that money than I absolutely have to. No one’s hiring right now, except restaurants and bars.”
“That should change after the holidays. Unless you’re that eager to move out of here.”
Caryn laughed as she shook her head. “Not at all. That would be the easy thing to do.”
“Offer’s open.”
“I think I want to try this job. It’s not my first choice, but maybe I can earn some extra cash until something better comes up. I’m looking for a roommate next semester.”
“Where do I place an ad?”
Caryn eyed him speculatively. “University website. What would your ad say? What kind of roommate do you want? How much rent?”
Andrew pretended to think. “Definitely female. Preferably blonde. And short. Rent negotiable.” He looked over at her. “My standards are pretty high. No wild parties when I’m on the road…”
She punched him playfully. “You specifying only fifty-years-plus need apply?”
“And you’re looking for what kind of roommate?”
“I really don’t know, Drew. I’ve never had a roommate. It will be hard sharing a place with a stranger. I’ve always had my own space.”
He drew her close to his side. “It’s nothing you need to worry about tonight.” He handed a glass of wine to her. “Though I do have that second bedroom…extra bath,” he added with a grin.
Caryn laughed, and then sipped her wine. “Probably not in my price range, though.”
“I said, ‘rent negotiable.’” He brushed her hair away from her temple. “Think we’d be compatible roommates?”
“Not sure,” she teased him. “I wouldn’t want to cramp your style or be in the way if you have a guys’ night out.”
“Hey, you split the bills with me, I won’t complain.” He took the glass from her hand and set it back on the table, then gently stroked her cheek, tipping her face toward his. He cupped her face in his hands and leaned to kiss her gently, his tender expression of love quickly turning to passion as Caryn’s arms closed around his neck and she returned the kiss with the depths of her love. When their lips finally parted, they lay on the sofa in front of the fireplace, Caryn’s amber eyes darkened by emotion as she looked up at Andrew. “I love you so much.”
“You’re so beautiful,” he said as he slipped the silky robe from her body, her skin shimmering golden in the firelight. His fingers lightly brushed against her skin as he leaned to kiss her again.
Caryn smiled as she reached to unbutton his shirt. “Aren’t you going to join me?”
TWENTY-TWO
After practice the next day, they stopped by the townhouse to pick up Christmas decorations. “Now all we need is a tree,” Caryn said as Andrew put the final box in the trunk.
“You mean, there’s not a tree somewhere in all this?”
Caryn laughed as she hugged him. “No, you’ll have to pick one up while I’m at work.”
“And get it home how?”
She glanced at the sleek roof of his car. “Maybe they’d deliver?”
“Maybe I’ll borrow a truck.” He pressed his lips against her forehead. “You just write down the specifications and I’ll find your perfect tree. It will be set up and waiting for you when you get back from work.”
He took her home to change into her uniform, and then drove her to work, staying a few minutes as she started her shift. The evening dragged for Caryn, in spite of the overflow crowds that seemed more boisterous than ever. She was annoyed with one group of men who had occupied the same table from the time her shift began throughout the evening
. Loud, demanding, and openly speculative about how she would spend the after-work hours, the men attempted to monopolize every moment with requests to fill drink and snack orders. “I already have a guy,” she finally responded to one comment.
“Serious?” One of the men raised his eyebrows as he dragged his eyes across her body.
“Absolutely serious.” Normally Caryn would have shrugged off their innuendoes with an innocent smile, deliberately pretending she didn’t understand, but after spending the day with Andrew, she had no desire to play games. Just get through the shift.
“Hey, baby, you haven’t told us your name,” one man said as she set another round of drinks on the table.
Caryn shrugged. “That’s right, I haven’t.”
“That’s no way to earn a tip, honey,” another admonished her, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her to his side. “Loosen up a little. You won’t regret it.”
Caryn gasped as he slid his hand under her skirt, lightly running his hand along her thigh. Her temper flaring and without thinking, she took the drink she’d just set on the table and tossed it in the man’s face.
“Why…you…” the man sputtered, wiping the liquid from his eyes. “Who do you think you are?”
“I’ll ask you the same question.” Caryn retorted.
She turned to walk off, but the man grabbed her arm.
“Not so fast, sweetheart. Where’s the…” He broke off as Mike approached the table.
“Let her go, Pete.” He looked at Caryn. “Baxter wants to see you in his office.” He turned his gaze toward the group of men. “How about a round of drinks on the house?”
Her cheeks flushing, Caryn walked toward the owner’s office, knocking on the door, and then reluctantly entering when the angry voice barked, “Come in.”
Baxter was livid and he vented his anger the moment she entered. “I should fire you for what you did. Throwing a drink on a customer? What in God’s name were you thinking?”