Take My Dress Off

by S. Gilmour

  “Fine.”

  “I’ll leave you alone, okay? I get it.”

  I reached out and touched his arm. “Dillon, we can be friends but you have to respect my relationship with Chaz.”

  “I can’t.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his letterman jacket.

  “I’m tired of being caught in the middle of your war with him. What’s going on?”

  He closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s complicated.”

  The same answer Chaz had given me.

  “Is this about a girl?”

  “Isn’t it always?”

  I turned away from him and marched down the hall. I didn’t need this. He continued the other way, putting greater distance between us.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  I held my hands up to the vents but the air didn’t feel very warm. I grabbed the dial and turned it all the way up.

  “That’s not going to do anything.”

  I pointed the middle vent toward my face but the air barely reached me. “I’m freezing, Chaz.”

  “That’s as hot as it’s going to get.”

  Reaching over the seat, I grabbed the dark wool blanket from the back. I was wearing a ballerina pink sweater dress and gray leggings with gray slouchy suede boots but hadn’t bothered to grab a jacket.

  “It’s not that cold.”

  “Maybe we should drive my car in the winter. I have heat,” I said and tightened the blanket around my shoulders.

  “Did you hear that, Misty?” Chaz asked as he patted the dash affectionately. “Paige doesn’t like you anymore.”

  “Misty?” I chuckled. “Your car’s name is Misty?”

  “Sandy named her when she first got her. When the car was passed down to Kelly she kept the name. Then I got the car two years ago. I guess it stuck.”

  “No offense, Misty, but you’re a little frigid.”

  Chaz stared over the wheel, his smile slipping away as we pulled off the highway. His gaze became more focused, more intense as he guided the car down the long road that led to his family’s ranch. His mother had invited me for Thanksgiving. Since Dad always worked holidays I usually went with Maddie to her sister Allison’s house in Santa Barbara for the holiday. But she encouraged me to go to Chaz’s home this year. I knew it was going to be really difficult for Chaz being it was his first Thanksgiving without his father. Even though Chaz was the youngest of his three siblings, his mother was really leaning on him to take over as the family’s patriarch.

  I tightened my grip on the bottle of wine that Maddie had chosen for me to contribute to the event. I looked over to Chaz. He slowed the car and we wound around the circular drive. Several cars lined the drive, Uncle Oscar’s huge lifted truck being the only one I recognized. Chaz continued through to the back of the garages and parked. He sat silently, his long fingers still curled around the steering wheel.

  “This is going to be so weird,” he said, his chest expanding on a deep breath. “I don’t want to go in.” I rubbed his thigh. I didn’t know what to say. I rested my head on his shoulder and he caressed my cheek. “Thank you for coming.” His eyes shined like sea glass as he squeezed my hand. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Chaz’s home was alive with the hustle and bustle that comes with having a large family. They were all in the family room sprawled over a comfortable looking sectional sofa. A fire was roaring in the large stone fireplace and I desperately wanted to sit in front of it and warm up. Everyone was watching football on the big screen TV but all eyes turned to me when Chaz and I entered. I was introduced to his older sister Sandy again, (I don’t think she remembered me from the funeral), her husband James, and their adorable twins Lauren and Taylor. Uncle Oscar was there, of course, with his wife Liz, another uncle, Victor, who I had met at the funeral, and Chaz’s sister, Kelly, and her boyfriend Tim.

  “There will be a quiz later,” smiled Tim over his glasses. Chaz ushered me past the family room. We walked through a large formal dining room that was beautifully decorated with vases of fall foliage and the usual assortment of place settings for a formal gathering. Floor to ceiling windows were draped in shears streamed with sunlight, casting an ethereal glow over the room.

  “Paige, it’s so nice of you to come,” greeted Chaz’s mother, Carlene, when we entered the kitchen. She wiped her hands on her apron, her smile reaching green eyes that reminded me of Chaz.

  “Thank you for inviting me,” I said and hugged her. “It smells wonderful in here.” I presented Maddie’s bottle of wine and Carlene slid her glasses onto her nose.

  “Pinot Noir, perfect,” she smiled and handed it to Yoli. I turned back to Chaz, his arms were crossed. He was watching our exchange with an amused and curious expression.

  I stared in awe at the kitchen. It was the biggest kitchen I had ever seen! An older Hispanic woman was rolling out dough at the marble island and behind her were stainless steel appliances that looked like they belonged in a restaurant, not a home.

  “Chaz, take this out to the living room please,” she said and handed him a platter of grapes, cheese, and crackers.

  “Sure,” he said and motioned for me to follow him.

  The living room was abuzz in laughter and chatter as people sat in groups, their voices competing with the football game on the TV and the conversations around them. The twins chased each other through the curtains until James noticed and scolded. Chaz and I took seats on the far end of the sofa, silent observers of the gathering. He leaned away from me onto the armrest and I watched him slowly retreat into himself as if he was observing the family and not a part of it. I didn’t know what to do but I couldn’t let him slip away like this. I took his hand into my lap and entwined my fingers with his. He looked down to me, offering a weak smile.

  “Chaz, I’ve never had a tour of your house.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  “You want a tour of my house?” he asked. “Now?”

  I nodded.

  We rose from the sofa and he led me out of the family room back to the entry hall. On the left I noticed a masculine looking office concealed behind glass French doors. We turned to the right and paused at the arched entrance to a formal living room. The powder blue velvet furniture and heavy cascading drapes looked stuffy and stiff. It didn’t have the relaxed feel of the family room.

  “This is the room we never come in,” he said without elaborating. We continued down a hallway that was flanked with the same arched windows I had recognized from the pool patio outside. In the hallway were lighted alcoves showcasing statues of various catholic saints. I slowed to look but Chaz pulled me behind him. The hallway deposited us in an open, round, vestibule. The dome of the ceiling was painted with brightly colored flowers and an iron lighting fixture hung down from the tall ceiling. Several smaller hallways jetted off the alcove and Chaz gestured as he turned and pointed.

  “Bedroom, bedroom, bedroom, gym.”

  “Gym?”

  “Gym.”

  His house reminded me of a Spanish mission with its reddish-brown Saltillo tiled floors, rustic beamed ceilings, rough plastered walls, and iron accents.

  “My father designed it,” Chaz said proudly. “When my parents were married they spent their honeymoon visiting the missions along the coast. He designed this home, inspired by their trip.”

  “That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

  Chaz nodded his head. “I guess it is, isn’t it?”

  I turned to him, slipping my hands under his folded arms. He relaxed and wrapped his arms around me. I rested my head on his chest and stilled against the beating of his heart.

  “Thanks for getting me out of there,” he said. “I can’t believe how they’re carrying on.”

  “How do you mean?” I said and tightened my grip around his waist.

  “It’s like nothing has changed. Everyone’s talking and laughing. Like Dad’s still with us.”

  I looked up to him. “That’s how they’re dealing C
haz. They’re not forgetting him, they’re remembering him. Isn’t that what your father would want?” His green eyes met mine, his brow furrowed as he tried to reason with my statement. “I’m sure your dad wouldn’t want everyone moping around,” I added.

  “True. Art Serna always made sure everyone had a good time at his home.”

  “I wish I could have met him.”

  “Me too. He would have loved you, Paige. He was such a flirt with pretty girls.”

  “Hmm,” I grinned, my eyes searching his. “I know someone else like that.”

  He leaned down and kissed me softly at first but then his kisses became more urgent, demanding, as his hands caressed my back and molded me against his hard body.

  “Hey, you guys,” called a voice. We quickly disengaged. Chaz’s sister, Kelly, grinned back at us. “Sorry to interrupt.”

  “What’s up?” barked Chaz.

  “Momma wants you in the dining room, time to eat.” We stared back awkwardly and I could feel the heat rising up my neck, my pulse quickening.

  “Thanks,” said Chaz with a voice that was almost too

  calm. Kelly continued to stare. “We’ll be right there,” he added. She nodded and turned back down the hall.

  “We’ll have to continue the tour some other time.”

  “So far it’s been great.” I took his hand into mine. “My tour guide is pretty cute too.”

  ***

  When we entered the dining room everyone was already seated at the large table. The chair at the head of the table was vacant. Carlene sat to the left of the chair and the chair to the right was vacant also. Chaz stared at the vacancy left by his father as everyone else sat quietly, watching.

  “Go on, Mijo, sit,” Chaz’s Uncle Oscar encouraged from the opposite end of the table.

  Chaz paled. “No, I can’t sit there. I…I won’t.”

  Uncle Oscar rose from his seat and walked over to us. He pulled out the heavy wooden chair for me, the legs echoing as it slid over the tile floor. Señorita, he smiled. I sat down obediently. He slid out the other chair. Mijo, he said squeezing Chaz’s shoulder. “It’s your place now.” He urged Chaz forward. Por favor.

  Chaz looked over to his mother. She nodded. Chaz sat stiffly in the chair and took his mother’s hand. She squeezed his hand, her eyes glassy. Gracias Señor, said Uncle Oscar. He patted him on the back and returned to his place at the table. Everyone folded their hands and bowed their heads. I followed along.

  Tio Victor, bendiga la comida por favor? asked Chaz.

  I was startled to hear Chaz speak Spanish. I don’t know why considering his father’s side of the family but it was like I was getting a glimpse of another side of Chaz, a more intimate side that I rarely saw.

  Si Señor, said Uncle Victor. He crossed himself and began speaking a prayer in Spanish. When he was finished, platters of food were passed from person to person. I looked over to Chaz and could tell he was reeling from his newly appointed position in the family. He took small scoops of every dish that went by, not paying attention to what was on the plate. I was surprised at how many Mexican dishes had been prepared. Along with the turkey were chile rellenos, rice, beans, tamales, enchiladas, as well as traditional dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. This family liked to eat!

  Somehow we had room for dessert. There were empanadas, pumpkin and pecan pies, and biscochitos for the younger children. I felt like I was going to explode but I didn’t want to appear disrespectful so I didn’t decline when Yoli plopped a huge piece of pie down in front of me. Chaz laughed as my eyes widened at the site of it. When we finished I began to collect the plates from the table.

  “Thank you, Paige,” Carlene said taking the plates from me. “You are a guest in our home, please, Yoli can take care of this.”

  Uncle Oscar and Uncle Victor asked Chaz if he would join them in his father’s office. The rest of the family made their way back to the family room while Yoli and the other woman started clearing the table under Carlene’s supervision.

  “Paige?” called Chaz’s sister Sandy from the entryway to the dining room, her hips flanked by tow-headed twins. “Can the girls visit your horse?”

  “Sure,” I said walking toward her. “Would they like to ride?”

  “I don’t know if they’re ready for that.” Lauren and Taylor began to jump up and down pleading that they were ready to ride. “We’ll see,” she relented.

  The rest of the family settled in front of the big screen TV and I followed Sandy and the girls through the kitchen and out a back door onto the patio. We made our way past the guest house and out to the barn, casually chatting about horses. I grabbed Dusty’s halter and two brushes from the small tack room while Sandy whistled to Dusty from the gate. Dusty trotted over, eager for attention. I tied her to the fence and gave each of the girls a brush.

  “So you and Chaz seem pretty serious,” Sandy smiled, her brown eyes twinkling. “How long have you been going out?”

  “Since summer, about four months I guess.”

  “We are thrilled, Paige. He hasn’t seen anyone serious since Miranda. We’ve been worried about him,” she added. I guess she figured I was aware of the Miranda situation since she didn’t ask if I knew about her. “He keeps to himself most of the time. Living out in the guest house only adds to his seclusion.”

  “Momma, can I sit on Dusty?” asked Lauren.

  “Me too,” asked Taylor, jumping up and down on her tiny feet.

  “If it’s okay with Paige,” said Sandy. “How is Dusty with kids?”

  “She’s fine.” I stood at Dusty’s shoulder and held her still as Sandy loaded each girl onto her back. They squealed in excitement and Sandy reminded them to quiet down.

  “She’s a very gentle horse,” I reassured. “Even Chaz has ridden her.”

  “What?” laughed Sandy. “He hates horses!”

  “I know. But we’ve ridden together a couple of times. He manages.”

  “The things you do for love,” she smiled and shook her head, the tips of her dark hair brushing her shoulders. We walked the girls around the paddock a few times then let Dusty go back to grazing.

  “What do you say to Miss Paige?” asked Sandy as I closed the gate.

  “Thank you,” they both chimed. They started whispering and giggling as we walked back to the barn.

  “Secrets aren’t polite,” warned Sandy.

  Lauren, the more outgoing twin tugged on the sleeve of my sweater dress. “Are you Tio’s wife?” she giggled.

  “Lauren!” cried Sandy. “I’m so sorry,” she said as she took each of their hands. I felt the blood rise to my cheeks. I knew I must have been turning as red as a beet.

  “It’s okay, really,” I said. I turned to the girls. “No, I’m not his wife.”

  “Not yet,” Sandy winked.

  “I’m his friend.”

  “We want you to be our tia. Then we could ride your horse all the time.”

  “Lauren!” said Sandy shaking her head. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her. You never know what’s going to come out of the mouth of a five year old.”

  We were almost to the house when Chaz came out onto the patio. “There you are,” he said, his voice rich with concern as he leaned in to kiss me.

  “Tio are you going to marry Paige?” asked Lauren as she dangled from Sandy’s arm.

  Chaz smiled down awkwardly at the little girl. “Maybe someday,” he sang and tickled her under her chin.

  “I’m going to tell Grandma,” squealed Lauren and ran into the house, her twin trailing behind her.

  I shot a fierce look to Chaz and he rolled his eyes.

  “Kids,” laughed Sandy and she dashed into the house after them.

  Chaz took both of my hands in his. “I need a break from here, c’mon.” We walked to the guest house. I plopped down onto the sofa and Chaz went into the kitchen. He returned with a bottle of champagne and two crystal flutes.

  “Where did you
get that?”

  “Stole it from the kitchen last night.” He pointed the bottle away from us and twisted the top. It flew off and hit the ceiling. I let out a yelp and Chaz chuckled as he filled my glass. Then he took a few gulps from the bottle and filled his glass. He raised his glass to me.

  “What are we toasting to?” I asked raising my glass.

  “Getting shit-faced.”

  “Is that what we’re doing?”

  “Why not?” His eyes darkened as he slowly twirled the glass between his thumb and index finger. He stared as the bubbles danced and popped in the dainty crystal.

  “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. I need to thank your mom and say goodbye to your family first. You’ll have to drive me home later.”

  “You can stay here. Maddie won’t be back until tomorrow, right?” He tipped his glass to mine and tossed back the champagne.

  “True,” I said and took a sip.

  “C’mon then,” he said taking my glass and setting it on the coffee table. He took my hand and we walked back toward the house.

  I thanked Chaz’s mother and said goodbye to Uncle Oscar and Uncle Victor who were reclined on the sofa watching football with Kelly and Tim. Kelly smiled at me like she knew a secret and Tim gave me a casual wave. Sandy had just finished packing up the girls’ toys and James was carrying bags of leftovers to the car.

  “It was so nice to see you,” said Sandy as she leaned in to give me a hug. “Please take care of Chaz,” she whispered into my ear.

  “Don’t be a stranger,” she said to Chaz and kissed him on the cheek. “I don’t get to see my baby brother enough.” James nodded to me, shook Chaz’s hand, and they gathered the girls to leave.

  ***

  “Finally, I get you to myself,” said Chaz when we returned to the guest house. “Are you okay? My family can be annoying.”

  “You have a great family, I’m jealous. I’ve only got Maddie and Dad and I don’t see him very often.” I sat down on the sofa and picked up my glass of champagne.

  “A big family’s not all it’s cracked up to be, believe me…everyone making demands of you, giving their opinions. Hell, they’ve practically got us engaged.” He sat next to me and refilled my glass.