Only Just Begun

by Vella, Wendy

  For some reason, Ted thought he should tell Mandy that her face was out there.

  No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t dislodge Mandy from inside his head. He found himself thinking about her at random moments. Wondering what she was doing. He could close his eyes and feel her body and taste her lips.

  It was getting really annoying.

  And now her aunts suspected there was something between them. He’d denied it… yet, he wasn’t sure he could continue to do so. Sure, he’d told Mandy that there could be nothing between them, but since that day something had been nagging at him. Change, he’d begun to realize, was not something that only Mandy needed to do. But could he change? Ted had always believed he was who he was and nothing was going to alter that.

  Was he wrong?

  Main Street was busy, but he found a park outside the pharmacy further up the street from Tea Total.

  “You never told us you were Senator Hosking’s son.”

  He’d just locked his car when that voice reached him.

  “It’s not really anyone’s business but mine, Mrs. Howard. And from what I heard, you were quite happy to speak with the press as if I was one of Ryker Falls’ favorite sons.”

  She stood before him, arms braced, her mouth in a line.

  “Well what else was I supposed to do!”

  “Say nothing?”

  “Leave him alone, Mom.” Dylan was holding Gracie’s hand as he reached them.

  “Hi, Ted!”

  “Hey there, Gracie. Nice shoes you’ve got on there.” He dropped down beside the little girl, ignoring her grandmother.

  “I got them because I was good this week.”

  Ted straightened and looked at her dad with a raised brow.

  “She went to bed when she should have and ate her vegetables. You do that next week, and I’ll replace those Velcro things you wear.”

  “I’ll think about it,” Ted drawled.

  “Where’s the entourage?” Dylan pretended to look around him.

  “Strangely not amusing.”

  “Sore spot?”

  “And then some.”

  “Your sister-in-law is a piece of work, I’m not going to lie. She came into Phil’s this morning and started ordering Piper around.”

  Ted winced.

  “Yup. My girl doesn’t take kindly to that type of talk. It wasn’t pretty.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Not your fault, man. Remember that saying, ‘you can’t choose your family.’” He looked at his mother, who was walking away with Gracie.

  “Amen.”

  “We’re just about to head to the party. What time you coming?”

  “What party?”

  “The engagement party,” Dylan said. “We just picked up a gift because Grace wanted to give them something.”

  “That’s today? I completely forgot.” Mr. Goldhirsh had issued his invite personally.

  “It is. Fancy you forgetting. The man who diarizes everything.”

  “I’ve been busy.”

  “Right, your family. Got it. So, how’s things with you and Mandy?”

  Not again.

  “What things?”

  “The romance things.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Denial is not just a river in Africa, then?”

  “Mandy and I, we’re friends.”

  “Okay, so I must have got that wrong, and it explains about the bank manager.”

  “What?” Ted looked at Dylan.

  “I saw Mandy and the new bank manager in A. S. last night, having a meal.”

  No fucking way!

  “She can see who she wants,” Ted said as calmly as he could manage, when inside he suddenly had a raging case of indigestion.

  “Okay, sweet then, but just so you know, we’re rooting for you.”

  “You and who?”

  “Pretty much everyone.”

  “Like I said, nothing going on between us, so put your money on someone else.”

  Dylan tilted his head slightly, like he needed to get a better angle to see Ted.

  “I think you’re a sure thing, Teddy Bear, you just haven’t realized that yet.”

  Ted refrained from swinging at the man and instead turned and walked away with his insides boiling. How had he not noticed that they’d noticed. Possibly because when she’s around you can’t take your eyes of her.

  Mandy and the bank manager? No way in hell!

  Chapter 35

  Mandy opened the door to her apartment and staggered inside. She was exhausted. Today they’d started preparing the walls downstairs for painting. The renovations were nearly done, and it was starting to take shape.

  Tea Total would reopen in a week. Mandy and her aunts were nervous and excited about that.

  “Hey, you.” Rory appeared in her doorway.

  “Hi, Rory. What’s up?”

  “The engagement party is tonight. I was just checking you were coming because you didn’t reply to the invite text I sent you and you’ve been missing for days.”

  “I’ve been busy and had stuff to do.”

  “I just looked through the windows downstairs. The renovation is progressing. It’s going to be awesome.”

  “Isn’t it wonderful? We start painting tomorrow.”

  Rory shuddered. “I hate painting.”

  They’d closed Tea Total for three weeks, and Dylan and his friend were doing the renovations.

  “So, you need to unwind. You can come to the party and do that.”

  “No. I still have things to do, Rory. I’ll stay here.”

  “What things?”

  “Plans and things to organize.”

  “Are you too busy to talk to your friends?”

  She’d been hiding, plain and simple. Mandy had wanted to stay away from the press who were wandering around Ryker, and that just happened to mean she didn’t bump into Ted either. Another good thing.

  “I’ve had lots to organize, Rory.”

  “Okay, if you say so. Now hurry up, we need to get to the party.”

  “I’m tired, you go on. I’m just going to go to bed early. I’ll call Mr. Goldhirsh and explain.”

  “It’s only 4:00 p.m., you’re going to bed now?”

  “No, but I don’t feel up to going out.”

  “Because you’re really old and infirm?” Rory asked.

  “No.”

  “Because you don’t like Aunt Jess or Mr. Goldhirsh?”

  “No,” Mandy sighed.

  “Because you don’t like to eat outside?”

  “Will you be quiet. I don’t have to go,” Mandy said. “You can’t make me,” she muttered.

  “Sure I can. I can guilt you into it, just give me five minutes. But what I really want to know is why you won’t go.”

  “I just don’t want to.”

  “Your aunts and the hip bank manager are coming.”

  “Andrew is a nice man.”

  “So what? You’re dating?”

  “No, Rory. We had one meal together. That is not dating. Besides, I don’t like him that way.”

  “Dylan said he was really into you,” Rory said.

  “Dylan’s into me? Pip won’t be happy.”

  “Ha ha. Now let’s go. Move your lazy butt.”

  “I said no, Rory.”

  “Because of the Teddy Bear, but you can’t hide from him all the time. And besides, Jack said he’s not coming out to play tonight, because he’s being pathetic like you are.”

  Mandy felt way too relived at hearing Ted wasn’t going to be there.

  “There will be no cameras either, if there isn’t a Hosking there.”

  “Rory….” Her name came out on another sigh.

  “Go and change into that sexy little dress we got you. The fitted white one with the ruffle hem. The bank manager will be drooling before you know it.”

  “I don’t want him drooling, and I can drive myself, Rory. You go and help Aunt Jess, she must have a lot to
do.”

  “Aunt Jess is the most organized person I know. She doesn’t need help.” Rory looked at her watch. “The party will start soon, so hustle it along. I can drive you. You can get a lift home later from someone.”

  “You’re bossy.”

  “Yup.”

  She gave up and stomped away, even slamming the door to her room. Mandy grabbed the clothes she wanted, then stomped to the bathroom.

  “I like seeing you grumpy. You were too nice before. It wasn’t natural,” Rory’s words followed her into the bathroom. Mandy refused to smile.

  She wasn’t really avoiding Ted. She’d seen him several times since his family had arrived. She still felt a pain in her chest when he was around, so until that was gone it was best, as far as she was concerned, to keep her distance.

  Twenty minutes later she was ready.

  “Holy shit, you look really hot,” Rory said when she joined her.

  “Why do you have my cookie jar on your lap?”

  “Well, I took two, then realized how good they were and decided I needed more.”

  “You know that living with Jack has made your eating habits change, don’t you?”

  “That was nasty… I like it.”

  Mandy rolled her eyes. It was really hard to insult Rory.

  “Have you got everything you need in case you feel faint?”

  “Rory, we’ve covered this. I don’t feel faint constantly. That was because I hadn’t eaten.”

  “Right, gotcha. Just being a concerned friend. Let’s go.”

  “And I appreciate that, really.” And she did. Besides her aunts, she’d not really been close to anyone before… like girlfriend close. “Are you sure I shouldn’t drive?”

  “Positive.”

  Mandy locked her front door. She loved her little apartment.

  “You have silly look on your face.”

  “This is my apartment, Rory. That hasn’t got old for me yet.”

  Her friend hugged her hard.

  “I know.”

  There were plenty of cars parked in the drive in front of the Trainer family home when they pulled up. Mandy saw no sign of Ted’s.

  “Your man’s not here.”

  “Who?”

  “Teddy Bear.”

  “Rory, he’s not my man.”

  “Well, he should be.”

  “Why do you think that?” Mandy asked. First Joe and now Rory was linking her to Ted.

  “Because you guys can’t be in the same room without letting off sparks.”

  “Nothing will happen between us, Rory.”

  “Well, it should.”

  “But it’s not going to, so I’d be grateful if you didn’t bring it up again.”

  Rory shrugged but didn’t say anything, which didn’t inspire Mandy with confidence that she’d keep her mouth shut in future.

  They found the doors out to the lawn open and plenty of people milling about.

  “Hi, Mandy.”

  “Hi, Andrew.”

  He was a nice man, but she just didn’t get that feeling inside her when he was close. But then maybe that was a good thing? Maybe she’d been wrong in wanting more; after all, it had turned against her with Ted.

  “Would you like a drink?”

  “Sure, thanks.”

  Mandy tried not to compare the bank manager with Ted as he walked away. He was good looking, in a clean-cut bank manager kind of way. And that made no sense. He didn’t have Ted’s assertiveness, or ability to drop a person with a look, which was a good thing, Mandy reminded herself. Plus, Ted didn’t want a relationship with her, so she had to move on. Especially as she’d come to the decision that she wanted it all now.

  Children, a home, and a life shared with someone. Ted would never give her that, so she’d have to find it with someone else.

  Ignoring the little kick to her stomach that thought gave her, Mandy decided to enjoy the party and forget about the dark, brooding Ted Hosking.

  She spent time talking to Andrew; he was a really nice man. She spent time with her friends, also nice, and tried to enjoy herself. Mandy was doing just that when Ted walked in the door, and suddenly her heartbeat went through the roof.

  Which told her how pathetic she was. In seconds she’d cataloged everything he wore, down to his lace-up leather sneakers. She wondered where the Velcro ones had gone. She then made herself look away and focus on Andrew.

  “So, do you think Ryker Falls will be the place you settle in, Andrew?”

  “I think so. I like it here, and people are nice, plus I’m not really a big city boy. Tried that, and it didn’t work.”

  How she knew that Ted was near, Mandy had no idea. But something felt different in the air suddenly.

  “Ted.” Andrew held out a hand for Ted to shake. “Great to see you again.”

  “You too, Andrew. Hi, Mandy.”

  “Hi.” She moved slightly, which put her at Andrew’s side, so she could see Ted’s face. This close, she could see he looked tired. “How’s it going with your family here?”

  “They’re leaving tomorrow, first thing, and with them the press.”

  Which told her nothing except that they were leaving town.

  “Nice to catch up with family,” Andrew said, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around him.

  “Don’t tell me you finally ditched the Velcro shoes, bud?” Fin arrived with two beers. He handed one to Ted.

  “They’re too high-end for Ryker Falls, so I toned it down with these,” Ted said, looking at his feet.

  “High-end, my ass. They were a total fashion disaster.”

  Mandy felt Ted’s eyes on her, but she kept hers on Fin.

  “How’s the renovations going, Mandy?”

  She explained what was going on and then excused herself and headed inside. She found her aunts and Aunt Jess in the kitchen.

  “Will you ladies forgive me if I leave early? I have a headache and am so tired I’m going to fall asleep where I stand if I don’t get to bed soon.”

  “Of course. You drive carefully, my love,” Aunt Marla said. Mandy didn’t tell her that Rory had driven her. Kissing them all goodbye, she left the house.

  It hadn’t been a lie, she was tired, but also there was Ted. She had to get a handle on how she felt about him, but it was hard. In time she’d be okay, but the wound was still raw.

  “Damn you, Ted Hosking.”

  She’d fallen for a man who didn’t want her in any way other than for sex and friendship.

  “Nice work.”

  Mandy enjoyed the walk, and by the time she arrived home was more than ready to crawl into bed. Washing, she pulled on her nightdress, then fell into bed. A knock on her door minutes later had her getting back out.

  “Who’s there?” Looking at the clock, Mandy noted it was close to ten.

  “Ted.”

  Because you guys can’t be in the same room without letting off sparks. She remembered Rory’s words.

  Looking down at her nightdress, she quickly pulled on a robe and then opened the door. He was standing on her doorstep.

  “What are you doing here?” Mandy went for a light tone. “I just saw you at the party.”

  “You left before I could talk to you.”

  “I had a headache.”

  “You okay now?”

  She nodded.

  “You looked beautiful tonight.” He was giving her that intent look of his.

  “Thanks. I like your new shoes.”

  He barked out a laugh. “I was sick of the comments, so I thought I’d give in and change them.”

  “Ted Hosking bowing to pressure; what’s the world coming to?”

  “I’m not that tough, Mandy.” He yawned after he’d spoken. “How are the renovations going?”

  “Good, thanks, like I told you at the party. Why are you here, Ted?”

  “Hell if I know. All I know is that when I left the party I wanted to see you.” He yawned. “I missed you.”

  Mandy absolutely did not fee
l that flutter in her belly hearing those words. She was done with that now.

  “I was just going to make tea, if you want some?”

  Shut up and send him away.

  “Thanks.”

  Mandy went back into the apartment and he followed, closing the door softly behind him.

  She went into the kitchenette, and he took the sofa. Neither of them spoke, and on her part that was because she didn’t know what to say.

  Shooting him a look, she noticed his head was resting on the sofa back behind him and his eyes were on her.

  “Why are you working so hard, Ted? I’ve heard that you’re not sleeping and being a bear to your staff.”

  “I’m a busy man. That place doesn’t run itself, you know.”

  “Sure, but you’ve always been a busy man. Is it your family? Are you trying to stay busy and avoid them?”

  “Tell me about your renovations again. I don’t want to talk about my family or work.”

  “Have you eaten?”

  He shook his head. “I wasn’t hungry at the party.”

  She talked while she made him scrambled eggs and toast, telling him everything that was happening downstairs.

  “You’re excited. I can’t remember the last time I felt that emotion,” he said when she handed him a plate of food.

  “Sure you can. When you first walked over that land the lodge now sits on,” Mandy said, returning to the kitchen for her tea and toast.

  “I remember that day,” he said. “I walked for miles and saw exactly what I wanted to do with that land.”

  Mandy watched as he took a bite of toast.

  “It was like I finally found something I really wanted in my life. Something just for me.”

  They ate and talked, and for the first time he opened up about his life and what it had been like to grow up a senator’s son.

  “It wasn’t all bad. Some parts of it were really good. The parties, and the girls.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “But it was like living in a goldfish bowl.”

  “Will you tell me about your sister, Ted?”

  He ate the last of his food, then cradled his mug as he leaned back on the sofa again.

  “Emily was six years younger than me. With three older brothers, there was always a chance she would be spoilt.”

  “That’s a given.”

  “It was, but for all that, she was sweet and funny, and I… I loved her very much.”

  Mandy put down her cup and moved to take the seat beside him, holding out her hand. He took it, sliding her fingers between his. She could give him comfort. The comfort of one friend to another.