Rent a Millionaire Groom

by Judy Christenberry

  “Oh, James, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to rant and rave. You must be tired,” Elise said.

  He could hear in her voice the intent to hang up.

  “No! I was enjoying your opinion.” Deciding baseball was no longer a good discussion subject, he switched to movies. “I wanted to ask you about a new movie coming out. Some friends said it was good, but I’m not sure it would be worth the money.” Unless you’re with me.

  Maybe he could convince her to continue their charade for the summer. He’d had more fun in the past week and a half than he’d had in years. That was it! He’d tell her it would be better if her family thought she was engaged for several months. Then when they broke it off just before their fake wedding date, she could pretend to be heartbroken for several years.

  That would work.

  Unless he was heartbroken.

  Couldn’t happen, he hurriedly reassured himself. But she was a fun companion. He enjoyed talking with her, having her beside him, discussing the twists and turns of life.

  When they’d finished discussing the movie, he asked about Daisy’s love life.

  “I don’t think we’re making a lot of progress. She’s going out with Dave tomorrow night, but she’s not enthusiastic.”

  “What about Phoebe’s research at the gallery? Did she find anyone?”

  “You were right. Several men tried to hit on her before she could explain about Daisy. And she found one guy she thought would do, but it turns out Daisy already knows him and refused to even consider him.”

  “It’s not easy to find someone who…a match. Find a match, I mean.”

  “Do you believe there’s only one person in the world for each of us?”

  “No, definitely not. I think we may be predisposed toward a certain type.”

  “Was your wife your type?” she asked softly.

  James swallowed. He hoped she wasn’t. He’d hate to think he’d make that mistake again. If shallow, selfish women were his type, he’d definitely remain monastic.

  “No,” he said firmly. “I was young and idealistic. I didn’t realize what kind of woman Sylvia was.”

  “So it was all her fault?”

  “No, sweetheart, it’s never all one person’s fault. But I wasn’t the right person for Sylvia, either. We were a bad combination. Like you and that Richard.”

  “I don’t want to talk about romance anymore.”

  “Okay, let’s talk about your career.”

  And they did. Among many things. James enjoyed the conversation. It was Elise who finally put an end to it.

  “I really have to go. It’s after eleven o’clock. I didn’t mean to keep you on the phone so long.”

  “You didn’t. I’ve enjoyed myself. What do you have planned for the weekend?”

  Silence.

  Then Elise said, “James, I don’t think it would be a good idea for us to—I’ll see you Tuesday evening, if you can get the tickets.”

  He’d known better than to try, but he hadn’t been able to resist, especially after they’d talked so comfortably for so long.

  “Okay. I’ll check on the tickets and call you on Sunday.”

  “Or you could just call Bill. I’m sure he’d pass on the news.”

  “No, I’ll call you.”

  They said good-night, and he reluctantly hung up the phone. He hadn’t wanted to let her go.

  At least he felt relieved that he and Sylvia hadn’t had that kind of conversation in the six years they’d been married. Which meant his relationship with Elise was different. In fact, his marriage had gone more smoothly the less they’d talked.

  With Elise, he could’ve talked all night.

  Or found an alternative activity, if she’d been interested.

  SATURDAY NIGHT at The Prickly Pear.

  Phoebe and Elise sat together at their favorite table, dining on their favorite meal, served by their favorite waiter.

  Neither of them was happy.

  “Well,” Elise began, then stopped.

  “Yes?” Phoebe asked, but she didn’t show much interest.

  “Nothing.”

  Phoebe grimaced. “Why do we have the blues?”

  Elise knew why she was unhappy, but she really didn’t want to share the reason with Phoebe, or anyone for that matter. It might require that she admit something she didn’t want to admit even to herself.

  “Is everything all right at school?” she asked.

  Phoebe looked around before she answered. “Not so loud. Remember, not many people know I’m in school.”

  “I don’t think you should be so secretive about it, Phoebe. I’m proud of you for pursuing a degree.”

  “Yes, but you’re female. Men don’t… They think I’m too stupid and it’s a waste of my time.”

  “So ignore them.”

  “I want to, Elise. I’m trying to. But my mother…Never mind, we’ve been over this before.”

  They had. Elise knew how Phoebe’s mother had convinced her that her only asset was her looks. For a beautiful, brilliant woman, Phoebe didn’t value herself very highly.

  Phoebe interrupted her thoughts. “Everything’s fine at school. I’m having a little trouble juggling my schedule at the spa, but I’ll work it out.”

  “So if school or work isn’t making you blue, what is?”

  Phoebe shrugged. “I want Daisy to be happy but…I’ll miss her.”

  Elise sighed. “I know. Things will be different if—when she marries and has a child. I know we’ll still be friends but—”

  “But there’ll just be two of us hanging out here.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Maybe only one, if James has anything to say about it,” Phoebe added, staring at Elise.

  “Don’t be ridiculous! You know the situation. When—when Sharon’s wedding is over, James will go back to Sandra and I’ll concentrate on my career again. I feel I’ve neglected it the past few days.”

  “Will you miss him?”

  Elise hated that question. It was too close to the pain she was holding at bay. Too close to the truth she didn’t want to admit.

  “He’s an interesting person. Just think, Phoebe, when he goes to Hollywood and becomes a star, we’ll be able to say we knew him when.” Hopefully that idea would distract Phoebe.

  “You’ll even be able to say you were engaged to him,” Phoebe said. “Get him to give you a keepsake or something, autographed. Then, when he’s famous, you can sell it. Or better yet, you can write a confessional book about how he stole your heart and then abandoned you for fame and fortune in Hollywood.”

  “All the while protesting how young and innocent I was?” Elise suggested, grinning. “I don’t think I’d be believed.”

  “Not that you’d do it, anyway, even if it were true. That’s more my mother’s type of behavior.”

  Elise smiled. “Don’t be too hard on her. We all have dreams that—well, we weren’t all taught that hard work is the best way.”

  “I know.” Phoebe propped her chin on her hand and sighed. “I think they need to write a book about 2001 ways to grow up. I could’ve used it when I was a kid.”

  Before Elise could agree, Phoebe waved at some new arrivals.

  Elise’s heart thumped in her chest as she spun around. She hated to admit how much she’d hoped it was James. Instead, Rolland and Helen Madison were making their way toward them. It was rare for them to eat out.

  “Helen, Rolland, what are you doing here?” Phoebe asked.

  “We felt like an evening out, dear. Are you waiting for some young men to join you?” Helen asked. “We don’t want to interfere with your plans.”

  Phoebe and Elise denied having plans and asked the couple to join them.

  “We were feeling lonesome because Daisy isn’t here this evening, so we’d appreciate the company,” Phoebe added.

  “Where is she?” Rolland asked.

  Phoebe and Elise exchanged a look. They hadn’t told the Madisons about their search for a man for Daisy because they k
new the couple would immediately recommend their grandson Wyatt.

  “She has a date tonight,” Elise said, keeping her voice casual.

  “Oh? Someone as nice as your James?” Helen asked, beaming at Elise.

  “Well, of course, I don’t think so—but he’s a professor at the university. He’s a nice man.”

  “Good for her,” Rolland immediately said. “Helen and I often say we don’t know what’s wrong with the men of today that you three aren’t married. It just doesn’t seem right.”

  “But we don’t have to worry about you, Elise, dear. After all, you’ve found James.” After saying that, Helen picked up the menu and asked what she should order.

  Elise much preferred discussing food to talking about James and their future together. She heartily recommended the chicken Caesar salad.

  Rolland asked Phoebe about her classes. Though Phoebe didn’t tell just anyone about her classes, she’d told the Madisons, asking them not to mention it to anyone else. Elise thought it was a good thing for Phoebe.

  “Oh! We forgot to tell you our exciting news!” Helen burst out, after George had taken their order and departed.

  “What exciting news?” Elise asked, glad to have the conversation turned on the Madisons rather than herself.

  “Wyatt’s going to come see us!” Helen absolutely beamed, clapping her hands together.

  “That’s wonderful, Helen,” Phoebe said, smiling, though she quickly exchanged a look with Elise.

  “Now, Helen, you’re jumping the gun,” Rolland cautioned. “He said he’d try to get away.”

  “I’m sure he will this time, Rolland, honey. He hasn’t been to see us in so long.”

  “He does seem to be a little lax about visiting,” Phoebe agreed.

  A mild statement, Elise thought, knowing Phoebe’s feelings about what she termed Wyatt’s neglect of his grandparents.

  Helen protested. “Phoebe, dear, Wyatt’s a very busy man. Besides, he was here in January, the weekend you three went skiing near Flagstaff. We were so disappointed you missed meeting him.”

  “Yes, of course, I’d forgotten that trip. And we were sorry, too,” Phoebe said.

  Elise hid her smile. The three of them had even discussed the possibility that Wyatt was a fictitious character, made up by Rolland and Helen to satisfy their need for family.

  Rolland leaned forward. “The boy’s even talking about moving to Phoenix.”

  “Moving to Phoenix?” Phoebe asked faintly.

  “Nothing’s decided, but he wants to,” Helen assured them, her smile even broader. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

  “Yes, wonderful,” Elise murmured.

  “We’ve told him about you three. We’ve even hinted, delicately, of course, that you’d all three be wonderful candidates for his wife. We want Wyatt to marry and settle down.”

  This time when Elise and Phoebe exchanged a look, they each saw panic in the other’s eyes.

  “Oh, no, I’m not interested in marriage,” Elise hurriedly said.

  “I can’t— I have plans for a career,” Phoebe added.

  “Well, how about Daisy? I heard her say she wants to marry and have a family,” Helen suggested, though she looked disappointed at their protests.

  “Daisy does want to marry,” Elise said hesitantly, not wanting to sic Wyatt on her friend without talking to her first. “But you never know. She may fall in love with Dave, the professor she’s with tonight.”

  Helen actually seemed upset, and Rolland reached out to take her hand in his.

  Elise’s heart ached at his tenderness. Over fifty years together, and he still cared about his wife’s happiness. Still loved her. Elise wondered if that kind of love was even possible in today’s world.

  “There’s Daisy, now,” Phoebe pointed out.

  Elise whirled around. “Is she alone?”

  Phoebe grimaced. “I’m afraid so.”

  Daisy joined them, pulling up an extra chair. “Hi, guys. I was hoping you’d still be here,” she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

  Elise didn’t bother asking how the date had gone. It wasn’t difficult to tell that it had been a bust. And she didn’t think Daisy would want to tell them the details in front of Rolland and Helen.

  “We got a late start and just got here a few minutes ago,” Phoebe told her. “Have you eaten? Rolland and Helen just put in their order so—”

  “No, I don’t want anything to eat. I’ll get a cup of coffee when George comes by,” Daisy said.

  Helen had to repeat her announcement about her grandson for Daisy, watching her like a little bird looking for its first worm of the day.

  “That’s nice,” Daisy said with a patient smile, but no enthusiasm.

  Rolland changed the subject.

  Not five minutes later, Frannie found them and asked to join them for dinner. Of course, they agreed. Helen hadn’t heard anything about Frannie’s date with Bill and wanted all the details.

  Elise noted that Frannie sat so she could see the door. Elise knew who she was looking for.

  She shouldn’t be so obvious, Elise told herself. That’s why Elise’s back was to the door. And because James wasn’t coming. She’d made it clear she didn’t want to see him until Tuesday night.

  So she shouldn’t have hoped he’d come when Phoebe waved to Rolland and Helen. And she shouldn’t still be hoping. Hoping he’d come, he’d call, he’d— She sighed.

  “You all right?” Rolland asked, leaning toward Elise, a caring look on his face.

  She gave him a quiet smile. “I’m fine. And Rolland, Helen is a lucky woman to have you.”

  “Well, Elise, it’s kind of you to say that, but it took her a lot of hard work and long years to train me properly. Don’t give up on these young men. Your James seems eminently trainable to me.”

  She gave a shaky smile. “Maybe I’m the problem. I don’t think I have Helen’s talents.”

  “You’ve got more talent than you realize. Trust your heart, young lady. That’s all you’ve got to do.”

  She wished life were that simple. Her heart wanted James. But he was all wrong for her. An actor, younger than her, involved with another woman. Even if she wanted to commit herself to marriage—and she didn’t, she hurriedly told herself—she couldn’t find that happiness with James.

  If she gave in to the lust that filled her, she felt sure she’d be sated, satisfied, by James’s lovemaking. But she’d be emptier than ever when he moved on.

  She’d have her career, she stoutly assured herself. She enjoyed her students. She loved the French language. Just because her students left her, year after year, didn’t mean she wasn’t doing something meaningful with her life.

  That pep talk got her nowhere. She wanted to find a phone and call James.

  “Oh, look! There’s Bill!” Frannie exclaimed, the look on her face telling everyone how excited she was to see him. Then her expression collapsed and she subsided in her chair, her half-raised hand falling to the table. “He—he’s with a woman.”

  Everyone at the table turned to stare, as Bill escorted his companion to a table on the other side of the room, his hand solicitously at her back.

  “Nice-looking woman,” Rolland said with approval, until small, delicate Helen elbowed him in his ribs. “Uh, I mean, I, uh, I think George is bringing our meal.”

  Fortunately for Rolland, he was right, and the delivery of their meals distracted everyone for a few minutes. Except Frannie. She gave George her order, but it was obvious her heart wasn’t in it.

  It was painful the rest of the evening to see Frannie’s heartbreak. She picked at her food and seldom spoke.

  Elise reminded herself she certainly wasn’t going to wear her heart on her sleeve. Besides, she wasn’t really in love with James the way Frannie seemed to be with Bill.

  Jeff, on break from his bartending, strolled over to their table. “Well, well, looks like most of the gang’s here.” Then, as if he took count, he added, “Where’s Bi
ll?”

  Frannie burst into tears and ran to the ladies’ room.

  Chapter Twelve

  MaryBelle frequently watched television in James’s den instead of her own sitting room because she loved his big-screen television. Once he’d offered to buy her one, but she’d flatly refused. Later she’d told him she’d assumed he’d offered because he didn’t want her invading his space. It had taken him months to talk her back into his den.

  Saturday night they were watching an NBA basketball game between the Phoenix Suns, the local team and the Chicago Bulls. It made him think of Frannie and her plan to ensnare Bill. Which, of course, made him think of Elise.

  Did she like basketball? He had front-row seats for the Suns’ home games, too. Maybe he should have offered— No, she wouldn’t agree to that. Unless he could talk her into a longer…pretense.

  “Why are you squirming so?” MaryBelle asked.

  “I’m not,” he assured her. Then he got up and headed for the kitchen. It was impossible to sit still.

  MaryBelle followed him. “You should’ve said you were hungry. I’ll fix you a snack. After all, you hardly touched your dinner.”

  “I’m not hungry. I just wanted to—to get a drink of water.”

  “Are you sure? I think you’re losing weight.”

  It was tempting to tell his housekeeper that he already had a mother and didn’t need another one, but he couldn’t do that. “I’m fine. Just a little restless.”

  “Wondering what your lady is doing on Saturday night? I thought you’d take her out tonight.”

  “MaryBelle, you’re fishing for information again,” he pointed out, frowning at her.

  “You bet I am. I promised Bobby I’d find out who she is.”

  “Well, you can just forget keeping that promise. I’m not telling you anything.” He walked to the refrigerator to get some cold water.

  “Maybe she’s got another boyfriend. Could be she’s out with him tonight.”

  He could feel her gaze fixed on him. “Nope. I don’t think so.”

  “But you’re not sure. You could call her,” MaryBelle suggested.

  His spirits leaped at the suggestion, but he’d told Elise he’d call Sunday. He didn’t want her to think he was anxious. But he’d better get away from MaryBelle before she tempted him to do something foolish.