Roses Collection: Boxed Set

by Freda, Paula

  A knock at the door. It was Abby. "Are you ready?"

  One last look in the mirror. Casual and comfortable. Good enough, she shrugged. It wasn't as though she were leaving to meet the love of her life....

  American Museum of Natural History

  East entrance from Central Park West

  CHAPTER FOUR

  They took the subway uptown. Despite previous visits, Julie still experienced a thrill each time, anticipating and viewing the exhibits within. She and Abigail hurried up the wide flight of stairs to the broad terrace, past the bronze equestrian statue of Theodore Roosevelt on horseback, flanked by a Native American Indian and African American. No matter the different opinions as to the meaning of the statue as a whole, Julie's interpretation was the equality of the three figures all heading in the same direction to a future of peace, compassion, tolerance and respect for each other's culture. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

  They entered the Museum and in mutual agreement took the elevator to the fourth floor to the Dinosaur exhibits, Julie's favorite. They planned to work their way back down to the first floor to Abby's favorites, the African Mammals, and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life with its famous 94-foot long] blue whale model, suspended from the ceiling. Their plan included lunch at Cafe One, usually less crowded than the other eateries in the museum. And finally on to a show at the museum's Hayden Planetarium, before heading home.

  The plan, as they entered through the revolving doors, was for the two of them to enjoy a girls' day out together, and arrive back home each to their own apartment, have takeout delivered, and separately enjoy a restful evening, watching their favorite TV shows. The two of them had reached an understanding never to infringe on each other's privacy or unnecessarily sacrifice major likes and dislikes for the benefit of the other. The keywords were major and/or unnecessary, although Abby was always there for Julie, and vice versa. Theirs was an easy-going friendship, much easier, Julie thought, than that of the Tyrannus-Rex, in front of whom she stood, neck craned backwards. Did it have any friends, she wondered, imagining the huge skeleton with pulsating organs and flesh, and tough scaly skin. Did it consider its mate a friend? Did it understand the concept? She turned to voice her thoughts to Abby, but her friend had wandered to view the glass display of the bones of a baby raptor.

  The force and jolt to Julie's lower legs, and the two small arms wrapping around her thighs, knocked her against the fortunately sturdy pedestal holding the bones of the Tyrannus-Rex. "What the—"

  Julie looked down. A small boy, probably no older than five or six years old, glanced slowly up, large brown eyes wide in shock, to see who he had collided with, and whose denimed legs he still grasped.

  "Oops. You okay?" Julie asked. She'd have liked to ruffle his short brown curls, but that might scare him more, she thought. "Where's your Mom?"

  He let go, slowly, like a kitten ready to scurry away at her slightest movement. She asked gently, "Can I help—"

  A slightly older boy came running toward them and stopped inches from the younger boy. "Drew, remember we're supposed to stay together," he scolded with seniority. He raised his gaze to Julie. "Sorry, Miss."

  Julie smiled. Must be his brother, she thought, noting their resemblance. "No harm done. Where's your Mom?"

  "Working?"

  "You're here by yourselves?"

  A man's voice called, "Michael?"

  "We're over here," the older boy turned and beckoned to the tall man standing near the opposite wall.

  That must be their Dad, Julie thought, as he turned his head in the direction of the older boy's voice, spotted them, and came toward them.

  "What did I tell you about staying together," he scolded, shaking his head in exasperation.

  "Sorry," Michael said. "Sorry," little Drew added, no longer afraid now that familiar faces surrounded him. He was at that special age, at the brink of losing that sweet tone of voice that could melt the sternest heart and definitely overwhelm a lonely one. Julie gazed down and ruffled his short curls. "No harm done," she repeated.

  "They're just rambunctious boys," the man said.

  "Of course they are," Julie agreed, glad his voice held a note of fondness. She gazed up. They're fine now; their dad is—" Julie swallowed nervously. "... here," she finished.

  "I wish they were mine. They're my sister's. I'm sitting with them today."

  "Yeah," Michael said with a pout. "Mom and Dad said they needed a day off. Uncle Ev always likes being with us."

  "Michael, what are you insinuating? You know both your parents love you dearly. They both work hard to take care of you and your brother. They need some time to themselves as well."

  He gazed back at Julie. "They'll understand someday, when they become parents."

  She had to ask, or forever wonder, "Ev ... Evan? You're Evan. Evan Foster." His eyes were hazel with a hint of blue. They gazed at her askance. "Do I know you?"

  "It was you!" Julie affirmed.

  "Pardon?"

  Julie fought to gather her wits. "Sorry," she said. "You caught me by surprise. It was you I spotted from the bus, on my way to work."

  "A lot of sorrys today," he chuckled. "A hint would help."

  Julie nodded. "Yes, of course. Miss Twisty Piggy Tails."

  His eyes widened. "Julie?"

  "Have I changed that much?"

  "Very much," he added.

  "For the better, I hope."

  He laughed, adding, "Definitely for the better."

  "Thank you." She couldn't hide the blush. He'd never guess how much she needed that compliment.

  "You always were pretty, even with the pig tails."

  O Lord, there it was again, that quiet, calm expression, and gentle smile. She swallowed and forced herself not to show how it affected her. "So, where are you living now?" she asked, immediately regretting her words. Unduly forward, and her query might be taken the wrong way.

  Actually, I rent an apartment on the Island, and work at Grumman's as an engineer. You mentioned spotting me from the bus. That must have been the morning I came into the city for a meeting with one of Grumman's affiliates." A little surprised he added, "You recognized me?"

  Dare she tell him how well and how long she'd remembered him? She settled for, "It's easy for me to remember the few who were kind to me."

  He didn't reply immediately. Julie thought, I'm embarrassing him. Quickly she added, "I rent an apartment midtown and work downtown as a secretary to a fine old captain at the Cargo Bureau. Merchant Marine.

  "Nice," Evan said. "I can tell you like your job from the tone of your voice."

  "Yes, I do," she agreed, glad to be off the subject of her feelings in high school.

  They both heard a weary sigh

  "Bored already?" Evan asked, glancing down.

  "Well," Michael defended, "we haven't eaten since breakfast."

  "That's right," Evan chuckled. "A whole two hours ago."

  Two very small innocent pouts made him say, "All right, boys, let's go eat."

  Abby's voice enjoined, "Oh, we were just about to head for lunch ourselves."

  Evan turned a questioning glance to the strange woman approaching.

  Julie quickly introduced, "This is my good friend, Abby. We're neighbors in the same building."

  "Oh, I see. It's a pleasure to meet you." He paused a moment, then added, "Well if you're both heading for lunch, why not join us."

  "Sure, why not?" Abby exclaimed, glancing askance at Julie.

  "Uh, yes, that-that's fine," Julie stammered, face reddening. Part of her wanted to jump for joy, part of her wanted to throttle Abby. Talk about being forward—

  He had to be aware of her face reddening because he gazed at her and laughed warmheartedly. "That's good, let's go," he said.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The long line at the restaurant near to the exhibit decided them to try The Cafe One on the first floor near the entrance. Its reputation of being less crowded than the oth
er eateries in the museum held, and before long, they were seated at a table eating burgers and franks.

  The boys did most of the questioning and by the end of the meal, they all knew exactly where the adults lived, where they worked, from where and for how long Uncle Evan and Julie knew each other, and exchanged phone numbers. As for Abby, they didn't have to ask. She was as gregarious as they were. Her parents were retired and lived in California. Her mother had been an actress in the 50's, mostly supporting roles. She met Abby's father while starring in a film he was directing. Feeling she was getting nowhere as a film star, she left the movie business to marry him and have children. Abby's father's continued to try his hand at directing, then editing, and finally decided on working a desk job for the studio, one that guaranteed a weekly salary to support his family — his wife, two boys and two girls. With the nest emptying, both had sold their home and rented a condominium in the sunny state.

  Although Julie cringed as Abby shamelessly suggested they finish the tour together and attend the show at the Planetarium, she felt her heart plummet when Evan apologized that he and the boys had a prior commitment.

  Not one to be undone, Abby totally demolished any self-respect Julie believed she had left, by asking Evan and the boys for a picnic and a boat ride in the park next Saturday afternoon. Julie wondered if Evan caught the murderous glance she cast Abby. Perhaps not, she thought, when he said, "I'm not sure what my nephews' parents have planned for the weekend, but I will let you know either way."

  "Abby, how could you!" Julie reproached after Evan and his nephews had left. "What must he think of us, of me?

  "Hey, how else could I guarantee you'll see him again? I don't care what he thinks about me, but you're the shy, quiet one. At least you'll know if he's interested in seeing you again." Before Julie had a chance to protest, Abby added, "Look, if he does call — and by the way, I didn't give them my correct number, so he's going to have to try to reach you to give us an answer — I'll beg off with a bad headache at the last minute, so you will have them all to yourself."

  "Oh, fine, that will really be convincing, especially since I already told him I spotted him from the bus on my way to work."

  "Julie, he seems very nice; he's single, likes children, and of course, didn't you see the way he was looking at you?"

  "How was he looking at me?"

  "Well, if you'd stopped being so embarrassed and kept your eyes on him more than the floor, you would have seen that warm, calm, gentle look you mentioned you can't forget from high school."

  "I know I get easily embarrassed, but I'm not a wimp. I'm just not as forward as you. Blame it on my raising, but I'm kind of old-fashioned. I like the man to do the asking."

  "Well, good luck on that," Abby exclaimed. "After today, what chance would you have to meet him again?"

  "I don't know, maybe he would have asked if you hadn't beat him to it?"

  "Hmm? Sure, with two boys in tow tugging at his jacket, a chatty friend, and you blushing left and right. I'm more of the mind he was thinking, she's feeling frustrated and uncomfortable as hell around me."

  "You're right," Julie said. "I did feel frustrated and uncomfortable. But not because of him, but because I wanted so much for him to want to see me again, for himself."

  "That would make a great tongue twister, though it makes perfect sense to me," Abby said. "Well, not to worry. If he has any regard for his given word, he will call to let us know either way. No use worrying about it. Let's finish enjoying our day off."

  Julie let Abby pull her to her feet, and shoulder her in a sisterly fashion and lead her from the eatery back into the museum.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Just when she'd given up hope and was sure Evan had forgotten all about her, she came home from work to find his message on her answering machine. "Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, but my sister didn't give me the okay until this morning for letting the boys join us on a picnic and boat ride in Central Park. I hope I'm not too late and you've made other plans for tomorrow."

  A heady pause had her thinking, maybe he's waiting to see if I'm home and undecided as to whether I should pick up the phone or not. "Call me," he said. "You have my number. I remember my nephews giving it to you." Another pause, and, "Anyway, here it is again, in case you lost it..."

  Julie realized he wouldn't know if she had Caller ID and if his number showed up on the small screen at the top of her answering machine. The time read 7:30. She picked up the receiver and dialed his number.

  On the third ring, the other end clicked open and a man answered. "Hello."

  "Evan?" She wasn't sure it was him, never having heard his voice on the phone.

  "Julie?"

  "Yes, it's me. I just got your message."

  "Glad you called. Am I too late?"

  "No, I ... Abby and I haven't made any other plans for the weekend." She hesitated, then with determination, added, "Although, Abby hasn't been feeling that well this week, and she might not make it." Lord, it's not really a lie. It's what Abby told me to say, sort of a mental reservation — she's not feeling well for Evan. Julie grimaced, Please don't hold it against me, Lord.

  "Julie, if you'd rather not see me without Abby, I'll understand."

  "No, it's okay. Abby told me herself to keep the date ... I mean the outing ... if-if you called."

  Ugh, what I must sound like to him. He's probably sorry he called.

  "Julie, do you want to see me?"

  Who am I trying to fool? Julie thought. The man sees right through me. Time to tread over my shyness and be honest. "Yes, I-I'd like very much to see you again. I'm sorry if I've sounded less than eager. Truth is, I'm not as forward as my friend. Though at heart she's an angel."

  "Yes, she did seem to be a kind person."

  "And," Julie added, throwing all reticence aside, "I was afraid we were stepping on your kindness."

  This wasn't your average date request and acceptance, Julie thought, wincing. She would not blame him if he suddenly remembered a previous commitment for that weekend.

  He said bluntly, "If I didn't want to see you again, I'd have told you, especially Abby."

  Julie swallowed nervously, unsure of what to say next.

  He must have caught her hesitation. "I'll meet you at the park entrance across from the Museum at 10 a.m.. With the boys in tow, I might be a few minutes late. Wait for me ... Is the time okay?"

  Julie breathed deeply. He did want to see her, at least this time. She would not blame him if after Saturday, she never heard from him again. "Yes, the time is fine," she said, controlling the urge to say, thank you.

  "Thanks, Julie. I'll see you there."

  "Okay, Bye." She hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief, ecstatic at the results, but glad the conversation was over, the toughest in which she'd ever participated.

  She dialed Abby.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Bright and early the next morning, Julie sat in the park bench near the entrance, across from the Museum. Tucked under her right arm was the picnic basket she had prepared with the choicest cold cuts and sliced bread. She'd baked chocolate chip cookies, using all-milk-chocolate morsels. The thermos was filled with hot coffee. A small plastic tub held sugar, artificial sweetening packets and assorted mini creamers. For the boys, she'd brought juice boxes and fruit snacks, along with lunchables she had heard them mention a week ago, while they waited on line to order lunch at Cafe One in the museum.

  No sign of Evan and the boys as yet. The time on her wrist watch read 10:30 a.m., but he had mentioned he might be a bit late. Niggling at the back of her mind was the fear that he might have thought better of their date and decided not to come. Perhaps he'd misplaced her number and had not been able to call her in order to cancel. She had just begun to shift nervously while she chided herself about worrying prematurely and uselessly, when Evan and his nephews turned into the cobbled walkway between the low sandstone walls.

  "There she is," little Drew hollered, running ahead to
wards her, his older brother, Michael, hurrying after him, with a worried "Drew, stay together, remember!"

  He'll probably grow up to be his younger brother's guiding spirit, Julie thought, smiling.

  Her gaze went to Evan, quickening his long strides to catch up.

  They reached her and Drew climbed on the empty side of the bench and unto her lap, and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Hi, Aunt Julie," he greeted, planting a large soft kiss on her cheek."

  Julie needed the hug and instinctively returned it, planting a kiss on top of his head. She ruffled his brown wavy curls that gave evidence to a recent haircut.

  "Drew, get down." Michael tried in vain to pull his resisting brother off her lap.

  "It's okay," Julie laughed, glancing up at Evan to see if he concurred. There it was again, that gentle, quiet look that she remembered so well, that filled her with calm and reassurance.

  She returned her attention to the small boy hugging her. "Drew, sweetheart, I'm not your aunt. Would you settle for good friend."

  Drew looked at her curiously, then turned his head and glanced up at Evan, as curiously, and with the innocence of a child, he asked, "Why Not?!"

  Evan lifted him off Julie's lap and placed him back on his feet. He tousled his hair affectionately. "Because, nephew, we're not married," he said.

  "Why not?" Drew asked.

  Julie held her breath, waiting for his answer.

  Michael took advantage of the sudden pause in the conversation. "Hey, I'm hungry. What's in the picnic basket?"