by Debra Holt
She was right. He wasn’t coming. “Yes, but I can cancel it.”
“No… what made you think you needed to cancel it?”
“I thought you might have to work… that was why you were calling.”
“Sorry, but no, I am not working tonight. Although I’m not sure you’ll be happy to hear what I did a little while ago.”
“Go on.” What was she not going to like?
“I bumped into dad and mom at the barbershop. I mentioned grilling and—”
“Did you invite them over? I hope you did. She was so nice to send that casserole over the first night and—”
“If I can get a word in edgewise here, I’ll tell you yes, they are coming tonight. Mom is bringing dessert and said you weren’t to worry about that. Are you sure you’re okay with the change in plans?”
Was he really worried she might not like it? How odd. “I’m really glad they’re coming. I enjoy being around them. They were really sweet to me.”
“I know.” Something changed in his voice. “It’s clear I have some work to do to rate as high as them and Charlie on your list of favored people.”
“There’s always hope.” She tried to play the moment off, but he was not jumping onboard. “Anything else?”
“No. I better get some work done so I can get there and get the grill going.” He clicked off.
Why should it matter to him if she liked him or not? They had just decided to be civil to each other. He was a mystery. But she wasn’t going to unravel it at that point. Get moving. There were more potatoes to wrap and more corn to pull out of the bin. Her phone rang again. It was Mae.
“Are you sure it’s okay we come over for dinner?”
“Of course, I’m sure.” Besides, she wanted to add… she was only the hired help, not a member of the family or a wife or anything… and that thought shut down her thought process for a moment or two. Where had that come from?
“Hello? Emma, do you hear me?” Mae’s voice brought her back to the matter at hand.
“I’m sorry, yes… you were saying?”
“Cole told you I’m bringing dessert? And how about a macaroni salad? He does like that.”
“That sounds good.”
“And Vernon wants to know if you want him to walk you through the making of the marinade for the steaks? They only have a couple of hours, instead of the usual six, but they’ll still be good.”
“Okay, yes. That would be great.” She listened as Vernon got on the phone and took her step by step through the process, beginning with finding the ingredients in the large pantry. The steaks were soon covered and marinating on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
This would qualify as her first dinner party, as it were. That realization hit Emma as she set out the stoneware they would be using. She had found a red and white checkered tablecloth at the store and she was glad she had bought it. It made the table look more festive. She wanted to make it a little special. The others wouldn’t realize why, but she would know. Having a backyard barbecue with family and friends gathered around was one of those daydreams she allowed herself a time or two growing up. Now, it had become reality… in a manner of speaking. The place settings were laid out, with Charlie’s help. Then they both went upstairs to get ready for their guests.
She helped Charlie get ready first in a pair of denim overalls and bright purple shirt with ruffles at the cuffs. The child chose a pair of purple shoes to go with her ensemble. Emma found a couple of purple hair ribbons in Charlie’s closet and brushed her hair into cute ‘dog ears’ on either side of her head, secured with the ribbons. Charlie was most pleased with her reflection in the mirror, tossing her head back and forth to watch the dog ears swish around.
“Why don’t you wear your hair like this tonight, too?” She turned to face Emma. “I think it would be cute. We could match.”
“You do? Well, I think I might just do one ponytail for me. You can be special and have two.” Another coup in child psychology? Who knew she might be good at this?
Twenty minutes later, Emma was done. She had a sundress that she hadn’t worn. She had bought it on a lark one day and it was on sale. Someday, there would be a chance to wear it. Well, the weather was holding steady and the evening would be nice, so why not? It might be the last chance for a while.
It was pale yellow with little blue flowers embroidered here and there on the full skirt. The neckline was square cut with wide straps that left her shoulders and arms bare. She had a pair of gold flats to wear with it. She slicked her hair back into the ponytail as she promised Charlie and found a yellow ribbon which Charlie graciously allowed her to borrow. When she spritzed on some of her lavender body mist, Charlie asked if she could also. Emma indulged her.
They were both in the kitchen when there was the sound of someone coming in the backdoor. Cole appeared in the doorway, and was met by a happy Charlie running to him to be hoisted into his arms for a hug and kiss.
“You’re home! Emma said you would come and you did.”
“Well, I should come more often if this is the greeting I get from my pretty princess.”
“Look at my hair, daddy. Do you like it?” And she swung her head to give him the full effect of her dog tails as she called them. Cole laughed at the display and pronounced them perfect.
“And, smell me. Emma put some of her perfume stuff on me, too.” He did as he was told.
“Very nice, indeed. I like that fragrance.” His eyes met Emma’s over the child’s head and he mouthed a soft “thank you” to her. It was clear he appreciated what she had most willingly done for Charlie. He didn’t need to thank her, but she was glad he made the effort.
“Hop down and let me change right quick. It won’t take me long.” He took the stairs two at a time.
Emma checked the potatoes in the oven and they were right on time with the rest of the meal. By the time the steaks were ready, the potatoes would be, too. She finished making the pitcher of iced tea. And she put on a fresh pot of coffee because she noted Vernon was a coffee drinker. What had she forgotten?
Cole came into the kitchen and noted the look on her face. “What’s wrong?’
“I hope nothing. I’m trying to think if I forgot anything.”
“Relax. This is just a cookout.”
“But it’s with your family and I want it to be nice.”
Cole gave her a silent look. He moved to stand closer than he had ever been to her before. Just inches separated them. She had to look up and then up some more. Next time wear heels!
“Everything will be perfect. You’ve done a good job. Everyone here likes you. Just relax.”
“Everyone?” The word came out before she could stop it. She saw the darkening of gray in his eyes.
“Yes, Emma. It seems everyone does.” Then he turned away and put his attention on the refrigerator. She was both relieved and disappointed. What was wrong with her? Was she coming down with something? She couldn’t. Shake it off.
Cole bent to lift out the tray with steaks. Emma’s gaze was caught by the pull of muscles evident underneath the pale blue shirt he had changed into. He obviously kept in shape for his job. His choice of jeans wasn’t bad either. Was it too warm in the room?
“Does it look good or what? Nothing like prime beef.”
Emma dropped the onion she had been slicing and the knife along with it. Thankfully, she had the island between her and the man. She needed to get herself composed. Of course, he was talking about the steaks… what did she think he was talking about? What an idiot. That was what she got for allowing such things to cross her mind. She needed to get used to the fact that he was a good-looking man and leave it at that. Anything else would only lead to trouble she did not need. She retrieved the knife and went back to the onion.
“You okay?” He was standing in front of the island with the steaks ready to go outside. He looked concerned.
“I’m fine. The onion is just making my eyes water a bit and I dropped the knife. All is okay now
.”
“I’m firing the grill and then I’ll be back for these. How did you know about dad’s marinade?” He turned from the door to ask.
“He walked me through it over the phone.”
“Well, I hope you wrote it down. He never gives that out to anyone. I don’t even have it. Guess that makes you special.” He shot her a wink and turned to leave, but he stopped again. “Before I forget to mention it, you look very pretty this evening, too.” Then he was gone.
No matter what else happened, the evening had just been made for her. Two simple compliments, yet they were as meaningful to her as any bouquets or gifts. She was special to someone. And someone thought she was pretty. Why did she also have the feeling that she was treading in awfully deep water… and she had never been a good swimmer? If she wasn’t careful, she could lose her footing and fall in over her head. Remember… you’re leaving. He’s just being nice probably to make up for his rudeness. It’s just dinner.
*
“That was an incredible meal, young lady. I’m glad my wife twisted my arm to come over tonight.” Vernon accepted the coffee cup from her, and handed her the compliment at the same time.
“Twisted your arm?” Mae spoke up. “He couldn’t invite himself fast enough when Cole mentioned the word ‘grill’.”
“Well, I’m glad you liked it. I really didn’t do all that much. I’m just happy I didn’t ruin the potatoes. I’ve never claimed to be a cook.” She sat down in her chair again. Charlie was busy playing on her swing set with Angel close by. Cole had pushed back in his chair with a satisfied sigh.
“Growing up, did you not have anyone teach you to cook?” Mae asked it benignly enough. She couldn’t know she had touched a raw spot inside Emma. Truth is always best.
“My mother never learned from my grandmother. And she didn’t really have time to teach me anyway. We moved around quite a bit and she worked a lot. I did pick up some things from watching the cooks in the diners or truck stops she worked in. But nothing like casseroles and nice family meals.”
Mae smiled. She wasn’t being judgmental or showing anything close to pity. “Then if you’re game, I would love to share some of my recipes with you. I could come over and we could do it right here. We might even get Charlie involved.”
“I think that would be fun. But I’m going to be busy starting tomorrow on the office. I don’t want to take time away from that.”
“Don’t be silly. You don’t need to work seven days a week. You do get time off for good behavior, you know.” Cole spoke up. “I think you could manage a cooking class at least one afternoon. If you really want to do that. It’s up to you.”
“Then I would love to give it a try,” Emma said, a broad smile underlining the words across the table to Mae.
“Well, come on woman. The sun will be up in a few hours and I need my beauty sleep.” Vernon rose and clapped his hands. “Where’s Grampy’s sugar and a hug?”
Charlie came on the run with Angel at her heels. Emma was both surprised and honored when Mae and then Vernon stepped forward and gave her a goodbye hug. “We like to hug those we care about around here,” Mae explained as she drew Emma in for a hug. “Thank you for everything, pretty girl. I’ll call you about the cooking lesson.”
The smile did not fade from Emma’s face even as she cleaned up, with the help of Charlie and Cole. She took the placemats from the child. “Thank you, Charlie. Now I think it’s time for you to run upstairs and get ready for your bath. I’ll be up in a few to help with your hair.”
Charlie hesitated. Darting a look over at her dad and then back to Emma. “Should I do it now? Ask the question?”
Emma understood. She nodded her head. She stepped back to what she was doing at the sink, even though her ears were tuned in to the daughter and her father.
Cole leaned his hips back against the cabinet beside her, folded his arms over his chest, and gave Charlie his full attention. “What is this important question you have to ask me? If it’s about you dating boys, the answer is no way. You must be at least twenty-five.”
“Oh, yuck, Daddy. I think boys stink too much.”
“I’ll remind you that you said that in another ten years.”
Emma stifled a grin.
“So, what’s this about then?”
“I’m teaching Angel some stuff. Good stuff and she’s smart and she’s trying really hard.” She paused for a breath.
“Okay. That’s good.”
“And when she gets real, real good and learns stuff like not going to the bathroom inside the house, Emma said you might let me keep her in my room with me. Please, daddy, pleeeeeese? I promise I’m working hard and she’s going to be a good girl.”
Emma cringed a bit inside. She wished she had been left out of the conversation altogether. There was a long silence from the man beside her.
“So, Emma said I might allow Angel to stay inside with you?”
The child nodded her head. “It was kinda like that.”
“I see. You are teaching the dog manners and housetraining her? Just so she can sleep inside?”
“Yes, Daddy. She’ll be good. Can I pleeeeese do that and you’ll let her stay inside?”
A deep sigh escaped him. “I shouldn’t be surprised this day came. If I asked for a show of hands on this subject, I’m sure I would be outvoted.” Emma could feel the look he tossed her way. She kept her eyes on the dirty pan she was scrubbing.
“If… If… you are successful in teaching that dog where it needs to go to the restroom, I will consider the question again at that time. But I have to be convinced she is trained.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Charlie fastened her arms around his waist as best she could in a tight hug.
“Now go upstairs and do what Emma told you to do for your bath.” Charlie skipped from the room.
“Nice double-teaming there. You might have given me some warning.” He picked up a drying cloth and went to work on the pan she just sat in the drain board.
“She asked me and I told her it was all up to you, and she had to do the work. But she had to ask you first before any of it could begin.”
“I suppose I should be grateful it was about housetraining a dog this time and not about dating.”
“Don’t worry. Those days are still to come.” She threw the teasing words over her shoulder as she headed upstairs.
They had finished the bath routine and Charlie was all tucked in. Emma picked up the story book and then paused. Cole stood in the doorway.
“How about your dad reads a story tonight?” Emma asked the question and Charlie’s face lit up when she saw the man move into the room. Emma handed off the book and then left the pair to it. She went back downstairs and ended up in a rocker on the front porch. The night was growing chilly again. She allowed her mind to free itself and she simply just sat and rocked. What would it be like to enjoy every evening in such a way? Family gathered around a dinner table, laughter, the ritual of bedtime, and then a nice porch with a rocker. What else could she want?
“Want some company?” Cole had come outside and his voice was low and soothing.
“It’s your porch. But, since you asked so nicely, yes, company is nice.”
He eased his long frame into the rocker next to hers. Neither said anything for a few minutes. Then a slight giggle escaped from her. To her surprise, one did the same from him. They looked at each other.
“Are you thinking the same thing?” he asked her first.
“Well, I was thinking isn’t this weird? It’s like we’re two old people rocking away here…”
“And it’s okay.” He finished the sentence for her. “I think it’s more than okay.” They shared an easy laugh.
“Guess I’ve gotten old. Time was when you couldn’t catch me sitting still on a porch. If it was the weekend, I was out and gone to wherever there was a dance floor.” Cole shook his head at the memory.
“Guess I was born old, then,” she replied. “I always loved it wh
en I found a rocker to rock in and daydream.”
“I imagined that changed when you got older and the boys started coming around. I’m sure your dad had to sit on the front porch with a shotgun.”
Emma was quiet for a moment. She felt Cole’s gaze on her. “My dad wasn’t around when I was growing up. He didn’t think being a dad was his thing. Besides, I was more of a bookworm in high school. I studied and read books and that was about it. Then, when I could get an afterschool job, I spent my time doing that.”
“What does your mom do now? Where does she live?”
“She died the day before I graduated from high school.”
“I’m sorry, Emma. That had to be very difficult.” His gaze had grown somber as he regarded her. “You’ve been on your own ever since? No other family?”
“None. I worked and saved and went to school. That is the sum total of my life.”
“Thanks for sharing that with me. I don’t mean it to sound condescending in any way, but I think you can be proud of what you accomplished from such an early age.”
Emma stood up and so did he. “It’s chilly and you said you’d show me your office?”
“Let me grab my briefcase from the SUV. It’s got some mail that came today that you’ll need to have for one of the reports.”
Emma entered the house and decided to wait inside the office. Opening the doors, she saw that the mess hadn’t improved all that much since she’d seen it two days ago. She shook her head and moved closer to the desk. Her eyes moved over the stack of paperwork, and then they stopped. Her name jumped out at her. She reached for the paper. It was a police report… he had run a background check on her. Cole stepped inside the room and stopped when he saw what she held. She looked up at him.
“All the things you asked me on the porch and all the things I told you… you already knew most of them. Yet, you interrogated me just the same. Trying to see if I would trip up in my answers?”
“Interrogation? I wasn’t doing any such thing. As for a background check, I think you can understand that I would check out any stranger who comes into my home and is around my family. Just because my mother liked you wasn’t a recommendation that someone in my line of work takes as solid evidence. However, I didn’t find anything that proved her wrong. The man who did this check for me, Davis McKenna, you met him. He was thorough and he found nothing but people who had positive things to say about you. I purposely had him do it and not someone from my office. Your information is safe and sound.”