"I see. Well, I hadn't given thought to turning Jake's into a hangout." He was, however, surprised to actually be thinking along those lines now. True, he had seen Jake's as more than just a grocery store, and the addition of the cafe did enhance the community atmosphere he nutured. As it was, there were few places in the town to gather and socialize, and Jake had noticed that the cafe was home to a number of nightly regulars of late.
"If you're worried about the kind of crowd Cal would bring in, you could see for yourself." Lauren twisted back to her purse, searching for something. The fluid gesture ended in a bent pose that accentuated Lauren's firm bottom and long legs, shapely and barely visible as her long skirt swayed. Jake had to admit, the woman was easy on the eye.
It means nothing . Nothing wrong with admiring a pretty lady. Jake admired his share when Cindy was alive.
Admiration, though, seldom contributed to an erection, and Jake's cock seemed far from going limp. Lauren wasn't helping matters by staying. How long could he sit here?
Lauren handed him a blue flyer. "There's a group of us heading out to the beach next week. Sue and Brady and Ellie Garriston are getting some people together, and you're welcome to come with. If Red and Charlene and J.J. want to come out, too, the more the merrier."
"Really?" Jake nodded slowly at the invitation and studied the flyer. His expression fell slack at first notice of the venue. Of course, the event would have to be at Maui Joe's, where the family had celebrated Cindy's life and wrestled over fried shrimp almost two months ago. More memories for the pile. "I'm sure it promises to be an exciting evening."
"The beach debut of the Cal Briscoe Four, and Brady's buying the first round," Lauren said. Her voice then took on a softer tone. "I hope you'll come...I mean, we'd love to see you."
You'd love to see me . Yes, Lauren was pretty to look at, and pleasant with conversation. Jake had certainly seen enough of her to last years. He set aside the flyer and tried to look busy. "I'll certainly give it some thought."
"Good." Lauren smiled again. Jake felt a bit unnerved at her sudden hopeful expression; he realized he hadn't said no. "Well, I guess I should get back to work," she added, the hint evident in her tone. "Of course," he said, and moved to stand. Just as quickly, though, he clamped his
thighs together. "Uh, Lauren." Deftly he moved the flyer over his lap. "You know, you did such a good job with the payroll today, and really the day's been slow. Why don't you go ahead and take the rest of the day off? I'm sure it'll pick up tomorrow."
"But the standing orders need to be confirmed," Lauren protested, "and there are still some invoices left—"
"—that can wait until another time," Jake finished, masking the strain in his own voice. "Really, it's only three hours. Take them for yourself." When Lauren frowned and remained still, he added, "I'm not firing you, Lauren."
Lauren blinked. "Oh. No, Jake. I'm sure you didn't mean it like that. I just feel weird taking off when everybody else has to work, and there is work to be done around the office."
"Nothing that can't wait, like I said," Jake echoed. Please don't make me escort you. Dareville didn't need to see Jake led by his other head. "The one plus to being my own boss is that I get to bend the rules as I see fit, and with the adjustments in your life you deserve a little break. Go on."
"Okay, but you know I'll just nickel and dime the time back by working through lunch next week." Lauren slung her bag over her shoulder but paused at the door. "How's the new computer working?"
"Hm?" Jake's gaze fell to the dark screen. "Fine, I suppose. I-I haven't really looked at it. Did you set it up?"
Lauren shook her head. "No, it was still in the box when I left. Maybe Danny did." With a small wave, she bid goodbye and disappeared, leaving Jake to sigh with some relief.
Okay. Assuming Lauren was telling the truth, she hadn't posted her picture for him to find.
Checking the crease in his pants, Jake did wish Lauren had taken the time to close his office door. Some things, unfortunately, couldn't wait until tomorrow to fix.
Seven
"He's not coming, I just know it. What time is it again?" Brady's mouth was a straight line. He didn't bother looking up from his menu to
check his watch. "About five seconds since you last asked." "He's not coming," Lauren said simply. She could feel a fault line slowly cracking her heart, and she blinked away a threatening tear. She should have known to expect this. Jake had been acting oddly around her all week. Every step taken toward him resulted in his taking two steps away, oftentimes behind a piece of furniture or dry goods display. She couldn't help but notice, too, that Jake didn't seem so halted and unnerved around anybody else.
"He saw the pictures, that has to be why he's not here," Lauren said to her friends' labored sighs. "He saw the pictures and he freaked out. I should never have had Sue take them. Never." Any chance she had with Jake was gone, finished, thanks to her raging hormones.
"Or," Brady said, folding the menu on the table, "traffic is slow from Dareville as it always is on the weekend, and he's running late."
"And stop obsessing about those pictures," Ellie added. "What's done is done, and I can't imagine you're making Sue feel good every time you grouse about them." The party glanced as one to the stage setup, where Sue and Cal kissed for good luck. "Look at it this way, Lauren. Without the pictures, you wouldn't be working at Jake's store and you wouldn't have as much access to him as you do now. So don't complain."
"And if Jake wanted you gone, he'd have fired you long ago," Brady said. "He doesn't seem the type to string people along, particularly where his business is involved. You're fine. Relax, okay?"
"Okay." Lauren said, though she was nowhere close to relaxing. She fidgeted in her chair, so much that Brady, sitting next to her, visibly shifted closer to his wife. "But maybe—" "Lauren." Brady clamped a hand over Lauren's wrist, pinning her own trembling hand to the table. The white cloth beneath them wrinkled in Lauren's grasp, shifting silverware and half-empty rocks glasses. "Chill. Jake's likely absence doesn't reflect upon you. The man runs a business and is in the middle of starting another one. He probably doesn't need to be driving all the way out here, anyway, and I wouldn't blame him for bowing out tonight. It has nothing to do with you personally, whatever he does."
"Right." Lauren knew better to think otherwise. Jake's universe, as much as she wanted it to, didn't include her beyond a professional relationship. Not yet, anyway; she had to remain positive.
She wasn't being stood up; this wasn't a date. She hadn't seen much of Jake at work today, so how was she to know what he had planned for the evening?
All the same, though, she hoped he would show, if only to prove that his cooled behavior toward her was nothing more than a product of her overactive imagination.
"Sorry," she said finally. She straightened the shoulders of her low-cut green blouse and leaned back in her chair. "I should relax. Maybe I need another drink." "You need to get laid." Brady was blunt, but Lauren was used to such talk from him. "Yeah." "You know the offer's still open, too. Say the word, I'll fill the void." That remark, however, was not expected. Lauren leaned over the table and raised an eyebrow at her friend, who only raised her martini glass in a toast. Around them, people milled and laughed and chatted, waiting for the band to begin their first set. Some were acquaintances from home, others Lauren didn't know. Yet, anybody could have overheard the legandary Brady Garriston proposition a woman who wasn't his wife, while his wife sat next to him! "You're incredible," Lauren said. "I know." Brady winked and set down his glass. "You need help now? Speak up
while I have a free hand." "What?" And Lauren followed Brady's downturned gaze to the hem of the tablecloth at his lap. One brief flutter exposed his other hand in Ellie's lap. More specifically, Brady's hand was tucked under Ellie's short skirt, and presumably stroking the woman's clit. No wonder she had been so quiet, her face split with a goofy smile. Lauren had just presumed she was drunk.
Lauren said nothing, but fl
agged a passing waitress for a second martini. Any other day she might have taken Brady up on his offer, and let him play with her pussy. Heaven knew she needed the release, and she knew Heaven had better reward her good behavior. At home, in a crowded restaurant, in the back seat of Brady's car while Ellie drove...all options sounded better with each sip of her martini.
When Sue returned to the table, Lauren let her have the seat next to Brady to avoid further temptation. Soon after, the lights dimmed and the restaurant exploded with applause as The Cal Briscoe Four took the stage. Cal said nothing to acknowledge the reception, but fondled the maplewood neck of his bass with a general nod to the crowd. His fingers moved rapidly over the frets, pounding a seductive beat certain to set the tone for the evening.
Lauren recognized the drummer from Brady's benefit concert; joining them were a young, long-haired man on keyboards and a stocky black woman wearing long, dark reddish braids and a flowing batik-patterned gown. An amber spotlight illuminated the band, highlighting the woman's flawless skin and piercing dark eyes as she greeted the crowd before launching into the band's quick-paced, smoky rendition of "Moondance."
Someone, or something, poked Lauren in the head as the people gathered around them surged to the music. "Watch it." Lauren didn't want to be a wet blanket, and was relieved somewhat that Sue didn't hear the annoyance in her voice as the entire table swayed to the song. It would be a wonder if Sue could hear anything at all for the music. She wanted to enjoy the show, but being the fifth wheel had little appeal to her, despite her friends' assurance that she was welcome.
She grabbed her purse and tried to stand, but the crowd thickening around the tables by the stage made it impossible to move. A stray patron clutching a beer bottle asked loudly for the vacant chairs at the table, and Lauren was ready to surrender. No sense fighting people off, she reasoned. "Sorry, they're saved," Sue called over her shoulder before Lauren could react. "What?" Lauren turned back to her friend, then toward a gap in the crowd, where
Sue was pointing. What?!
* * * Isn't that a beautiful sight? You certainly are. I meant the ocean, Jake. There's an ocean? I hadn't noticed. Yes, Jake, it would be that large wet thing between the sand and the sky. Speaking of wet... You beast. Shut up and kiss me. And Cindy's laughter dissolved into the distant roaring waves. The tears remained. Jake wiped his face with the back of his hand and sniffled. He stood on the boardwalk near the back entrance of Maui Joe's, overlooking the ocean and remembering the conversation. Exactly when it had taken place, Jake couldn't say, as he was certain they had shared the exchange more than once. It was a loving routine between the couple, practiced over years of anniversary dinners and weekend outings to the beach with the boys.
His hands gripping the paint-chipped rail bordering the restaurant's patio, Jake stared into the calm sea. There were no rustling whitecaps to indicate movement along the water. With the lack of light, the ocean resembled an endless glass platform as it reflected the moon's light...perfect for waltzing with a lady love.
Cindy loved to waltz; Jake didn't much care for it. How he would gladly trade years of indifference for one last dance.
"Ugh." He felt the vibration of Cal Briscoe's bass in the metal railing; it shook his bones and set his teeth on edge. Abruptly he released his hold and rubbed the stench of metal from his hands. Why had he come here tonight? There was still much to do before the Suffolk store opening, and though he hadn't planned on working all hours, he knew better than to make a late night of it in Virginia Beach. Even though J.J. drove them here and would escort him home, Jake didn't trust the narrow road to Dareville in the wee hours. Too many big rig truckers used it as a shortcut.
Besides, he didn't drink, so why come to Maui Joe's in full bar mode? It sounded, too, as though Cal's new band favored jazz, which Jake hated.
Three quick strides had Jake rounding the corner of the building. Maybe he could catch J.J. before he crossed to Pacific Avenue, and they could just leave. He liked Cal Briscoe fine, and had adored young Sue Carmichael and Ellie and Lauren for years, but he knew he wouldn't be very good company tonight. The added memories of Cindy sunning herself in one of her modest yet arousing swimsuits, and strolling arm in arm with him along the boardwalk, only enhanced the emptiness in his heart.
He looked out to the sea again. In the distant, glowing sands a young couple reclined in passionate embrace, unaware of and unconcerned with gawking passersby. Thirty years ago, that had been him and Cindy, tucked away behind a dune shaped after a hurricane. They had embarked upon a romantic weekend by the sea, a second honeymoon to help ease the pain of a recent miscarriage. Cindy had so wanted to give little J.J. a sibling.
Jake smiled at the memory. There were fewer lampposts and fewer hotels on the shore, making it easier to slip into the dark unnoticed. He could still feel the abrasion of dry sand, grit under his fingernails and between his buttocks as he lay back and settled Cindy on his waiting cock. She was so beautiful, crowned by moonlight as her body swayed over him. They had made love for hours by the shore, with nobody to bother them. And Redding was conceived. The dream faded with a blast of ocean mist; the faraway lovers rolled one last time and rose. Jake stepped away from the scene and stifled a sob. The memories followed him everywhere; he had to leave now. J.J. wouldn't protest, he hoped.
Jake's hopes, however, were quickly dashed. J.J. met him on the sidewalk leading to the boardwalk, a line of sweat beading across his forehead. "No, we're not going, I just parked the car," he cried. "You know how much gas I wasted just to get here?"
"I'll cover the gas, son. Why are you so annoyed? You don't want to be here any more than I do." Jake knew the only reason J.J. had consented to accompany him was to protect his father from Lauren McKenna. It annoyed Jake to think his son believed he couldn't look after himself. What was Lauren going to do to him in a crowded bar, anyway, give him a lap dance? The woman had more class than J.J. gave her credit; if she did have feelings for him, certainly she knew enough not to make a public spectacle of herself. Jake was still her boss.
"Maybe, but I'm not going anywhere until I've had a drink. Come on." J.J. barged full throttle into the main bar.
The atmosphere was unavoidably obnoxious, stinging Jake's nostrils and retinas. The stench of stale beer and thick smoke hung in the air, the pink neon rope piped along edges and walls was blinding, and the rolls of flesh enhanced by unfortunate combinations of tight halters and low-cut jeans... Well, Jake couldn't think of anything positive to say about the absence of a dress code.
The noise, the language...this couldn't have been the same restaurant where he and his family celebrated Cindy's dinner nearly two months ago. Jake felt ten years older just standing among the crowd. "Oh, Christ." Jake glared at his son, surprised he could hear the oath over the music's volume. He didn't approve of such language, he didn't care how old J.J. was. However, he was ready to mutter it himself when he followed J.J.'s gaze to a large round table near the stage.
Why hadn't Lauren mentioned that Marlene Robeson would be joining them this evening? She looked more out of place than Jake did in her matronly blue dress and finely coiffed hair, a glass of white wine resting by a perfectly manicured hand. She greeted Jake with an enthusiastic smile; Jake's attempt to return it didn't feel genuine, but it beat trying to shout hellos.
He took a vacant chair between the two ladies. Lauren offered a smile of apology, and Jake relaxed somewhat. The furtive glances at Marlene said plenty, though explanations would have to wait, assuming Lauren was willing to give anything away. Assuming, too, J.J. was right about Lauren having a thing for him. Jake could only sit and try to enjoy the cacophony of thumping bass and drums and husky, rapid vocals.
Thankfully, he didn't have to wait very long for some semblance of peace. Fifteen minutes into the concert, Cal thanked the crowd and launched into a genial patter while the keyboardist switched to a saxophone. Jake glanced across the table and scowled as J.J. flagged down a waitress for a second drink.
&n
bsp; "Rough day at work," J.J. said, chuckling as he raised his empty martini glass. "I could a few more of these."
"Yes, I imagine dealing with property owners who don't want to sell would drive me to drink, too," Jake countered coolly.
"Jake, are you having trouble with the new store, buying the property?" Marlene asked, and placed a clammy hand on his wrist.
"No." He smiled in kind. "Nothing like that. I've just had a rough day as well." He was bringing down the atmosphere and he knew it. As much as he didn't want to be there, he didn't want to spoil the party, either. "I tell you, I wouldn't mind a drink myself," he added, and ordered a Scotch and soda.
"You go right ahead, you've earned it," Marlene said, and ordered another white wine. "I can't remember the last time I've been to a live show. I'm glad I saw the flyer at the store, otherwise I wouldn't have known about this." She poked Jake's shoulder. "Why didn't Red put anything in the Shopper?"
"You'd have to ask Red. I don't tell him what to print, and he doesn't tell me how to run my store. We both felt it would be better that way." Jake tried not to smile. Marlene's presence here had nothing to do with wanting to support Cal Briscoe, and Jake gathered Lauren suspected as much, judging by the look of uncertainty on the younger woman's face.
Well, Marlene would have to grin and bear it as well. He sure as hell wasn't going to ask her dance to this music. He wouldn't know how, anyway. Instead, he sipped the drink set before him.
One hi-ball of Scotch and soda soon turned into two, compliments of Brady Garriston, then three. When the band wound down its second set for a longer break Jake had a good buzz working. His body tingled and his head spun, and his vision blurred with every turn of his head. Neon auras haloed everyone at the table as they welcomed Cal to a vacant seat placed between Sue and Lauren. Lauren. Lauren looked especially angelic in the hazy light. "You okay, Jake?" Why had he never noticed before the timber of her voice, or her beautiful smile? His chest tightened underneath his Polo shirt. "I might be soon. We'll see after the next drink."
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