He managed to get inside the truck and shut the door behind him. His elbow hung over the open window as he jammed the key into the ignition with his other hand. "You offering to cook for me?"
"I can." The maternal pitch was gone now from her voice. Jake stole a glance in her direction. Her gaze was now cast shyly to the gravel.
He sighed. "Well, why don't I come over tonight, say, six? We can talk about whatever then." Anything, he'd do anything to get away now. An hour or so of his life eating a dinner he didn't particularly want seemed so little a sacrifice if Marlene would just move away from his truck.
The look on Marlene's face was victorious, and suddenly youthful. Jake felt bothered by it, and the uneasiness grew as he pulled away and noticed Marlene's shrinking form in his rear view mirror. She was watching him drive away. He consented to dinner, just dinner, and yet her demeanor implied she interpreted the exchange to mean much more than that.
Unbelieveable. He was a sixty-year-old man, fighting off women left and right, and Dareville had a good number of single, handsome men. His oldest son should have this kind of luck.
He gripped the wheel and turned onto the road toward Suffolk. If anything, maybe dinner with Marlene would help him forget the scene with Lauren. It would have to be a spectacular meal, but it was worth a shot. Maybe word would spread about the so-called date, as news like this often did in the small town, thereby discouraging Lauren from future propositions. Right. He saw the fire in Lauren's eyes. That wouldn't be doused easily. And what would help him discourage his own growing desires? To say nothing of Marlene.
* * * Lauren watched the numbers on the computer spreadsheet wriggle and dance through the misty veil covering her eyes. Jake's abrupt departure left her stunned and speechless, so much that she couldn't concentrate on work. How could he expect her to continue working after what had happened, anyway? She doubted he'd return to the store today, and there was nothing stopping her from leaving, nothing but foolish pride.
Over and over, she replayed the scene. Jake wanted her, she sensed that much. The way he touched her, and took her nipple into his mouth, was so loving. There was no sense of obligation or pity in the way he acted, clearly he had responded to his desires. Jack had responded to her.
And without warning, he ran. Lauren hit the mental rewind button to determine the exact point of reversal. What had she said, done? All she wanted was for Jake to make love to her. He was halfway there as it was!
She shut off the computer and leaned back in her chair, nauseous dread grasping her by the throat. As much as the notion of facing anybody bothered her, she knew she couldn't stay holed up in the office. She would have to leave eventually, but pride kept her seated. She had drawn enough attention to herself this past month; nobody needed to see her face, puffy red from crying, and ask questions.
Marlene Robeson topped that list, and Lauren cringed when a distinct humming sound heralded her approach. Fuck. "Lauren, good morning." Marlene's grin was feline, sly. Lauren envisioned the dairy section ravaged in the wake of a tigress' attack...that best described the older woman's look.
If Marlene noticed that Lauren had been crying, she was gracious enough to not make mention of it. Instead she tiptoed the length the desk, eyeing the scattered papers. "I left something here a while back, when I was still doing Jake's books. A small day planner with a blue cover, gold lettering. have you seen it?"
It was probably safe inside Marlene's heavy grandmother purse. The woman was fishing, and Lauren wasn't in the mood for games. "You know it's not here," she said dully. "Just speak your piece and get the hell out. I'm busy." "You don't look it." Lauren only stared, wanting very much to fix it so Marlene wouldn't be able to see
anything. "Very well." Marlene appeared unaffected by Lauren's demeanor. "I wouldn't worry much longer about being busy here and crunching numbers. Your days here are numbered." "Funny, last I heard only Jake could make that decision," Lauren snapped. "And he will, once I've convinced him to fire you and take me back," Marlene said. She paced the office with a high-born air, eyeing the trinkets Lauren had placed about the office with some disgust. She plucked a petal from the flower wilting in the bud vase and tut-tutted. "Tacky," she murmured. "Suits you, anyway."
"Jake is a smart enough man to know what he wants, Marlene." Lauren rose and took a defiant stance, arms folded over her chest. Her left nipple still burned from Jake's kiss. What she wouldn't give for the nerve to inform Marlene how Jake had kissed and fondled her, but she wouldn't embarass Jake further. Besides, it was none of the woman's damn business.
"I never said Jake was stupid, Lauren, but anyone can see that his judgment of late is clouded. He's too focused on his grief to think straight, and he's making bad decisions." Marlene came to the desk's edge and matched Lauren's posture in a showdown. "He should be enjoying the rest of his life, not creating more work with a second store he doesn't really need—"
"He should do what he wants," Lauren argued. "If he wants a second store, I say let him have one."
"Yeah, you'd like that, wouldn't you?" Marlene's eyes narrowed. "You'd love to sink your claws into Jake and get him to marry you. Then work him to an early grave and reap the benefits."
"What? You are insane to think that." Lauren pressed her hands close, so tempted to slap the old woman. "Jake came up with the idea for a second store on his own. I had nothing to do with that."
"Am I insane now? Come on, Lauren. You're a young woman, you can have any man in town," Marlene said. "There's only one reason a woman your age would want Jake Marbury." "Love," Lauren said. "I love him." "Money," hissed Marlene. "You love the idea of having Jake. You're nothing but a cheap goldigger, McKenna, and I'll be damned if I'm going to stand by and watch you ruin a good man." "I have no intention of doing that," Lauren bit. "You think you could be better for
him?" Marlene looked down her nose at her. "I know so. I don't have to resort to acting like a whore to earn a man's affection. That's right, don't think I don't know about those porn pictures of yours. I wouldn't be surprised if you used them to get yourself fired from DPA so you could play up to Jake's sympathy."
Lauren's hands and toes turned numb as her blood ran cold. "I wouldn't talk about things you don't understand," she said.
"Oh, I understand you. Believe me, missy." The temperature in the room dropped significantly. Marlene's voice took on an otherworldly tone, taunting Lauren. "You're no better than the bubbleheaded whore who seduced my Chet. You think I believe for one minute she actually enjoys fucking my lump of an ex-husband? Every faked orgasm for her is another dollar in her bank account." She shook her head. "The things people like you will do for a life of leisure. Sad."
"This office is for employees only, Marlene." Lauren willed herself to restraint. Nothing would make her happier than to wipe the smug look from Marlene's face with a sharp left hook, but word would certainly get back to Jake.
"Don't worry, I'm leaving. I just need to get some groceries first, for the dinner I'm cooking for Jake tonight." "You're not having dinner with Jake." "Yes, I am. We made arrangements not five minutes ago in the parking lot." Marlene cast her a sympathetic smile. "Why don't you drive by my house tonight, you'll see his truck. But I wouldn't stop for a visit, we'll be busy. Ta-ta." And Marlene glided from the office with a confident stride.
Lauren remained standing, fighting the quiver in her knees that threatened to buckle her. Marlene had to be lying. How could Jake possibly make a date with another woman, with Marlene, after kissing her? It couldn't be true, the woman was bluffing about Jake coming to her house, and about convincing Jake to fire her. Lauren felt dizzy; she lost the fight against her weakness and slumped into the chair. If Marlene was indeed bluffing, why, then, was she so worried?
Nine
Well, here we are. Yes, home sweet home...I had a great time tonight. Me, too. I'd love to have another great time soon. I'd like that. Jack killed the engine and glanced at the passenger seat. The trappings of a modernday pickup truck were
no longer visible. Jake had left home in his fully equipped Dodge Ram and ended the short trip sitting in his father's rickety Ford stepsider, that he had driven on his first date with Cindy.
She was beautiful in her thin, mint green sweater and black skirt, with her red hair worn in a chignon fastened by a matching green clip. Her head was bowed, her hands resting in her lap. In the distance a yellowed porch lamp lit the short path home. It would be a lonely trek back to the truck once he escorted her to the door, and Jake struggled to think of something to say to prolong their goodbye. "I like you, Cindy," he said finally. Her lips curled into a sweet smile. "I like you, too, Jake." "I-I wish you didn't have to leave right away." Cindy turned slightly toward him. Her skirt rustled and he caught a flash of sheer stocking stretched over a shapely leg. "Well, I have a few minutes before I have to be in, we could talk." The look in her eyes, though, told Jake she hoped for more. "Talk, we could do that." Words felt odd rolling off his tongue. "What do—" But Cindy answered him immediately, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his parted
lips. Forty years later, the impression of her soft lips on his remained, and Jake descended from the Dodge to stand before Marlene's new home. This new subdivision had been built over the old neighborhood where Cindy's family once lived, and while Marlene's home didn't stand on the exact spot of the old gingerbread-style house that had been torn down in the name of progress, Jake felt odd all the same standing here.
Was this history repeating itself, or just odd coincidence? He hoped for the latter and started up the walk, but screeched to a halt midway up the stone path upon hearing a high-pitched wolf whistle. "Looking good, Jake!" He whirled around to see Sue and Cal Briscoe jogging up the walk. The summer evening was still warm enough to allow the couple the bare minimum of clothing, and Jake offered an embarassed smile as they approached. He tried to focus more on Cal, and less on Sue's bouncing breasts, which were encased tightly in an ash-colored jogging bra.
"Look at you, all dressed up. Almost didn't recognize you without the coveralls," Cal said.
Jake looked down at his pressed tan slacks. He dressed for tonight out of courtesy to Marlene. No doubt the older woman would use his semi-formal appearance to justify the evening as an official date. "You guys live around here?" he called as the couple slowed to a static jog in front of the house.
"Just down the block, where the red BMW is parked." Sue hiked a thumb behind her. "We're having an album release party Saturday night at seven. J.J., Red, and Charlene are coming, you should, too."
"I just might." He waved as the couple resumed their jog, taking a moment to watch Cal's lean body jog away. He was only ten years younger than he, but looked much younger that that. Acted younger, too, given the way he goosed his wife's bottom as they raced down the sidewalk.
You're only as old as you feel, I suppose , Jake told himself. He knocked on the door and waited for Marlene, feeling every bit his age. The view through Marlene's living room window told him to expect nothing less of an environment to foster the feeling. Lace doilies covered oak furniture, and the faint odor of wisteria and cat tickled his nostrils when Marlene greeted him in a modest blue dress. "I hope you brought your appetite," she said pleasantly. "I most certainly did," Jake returned, sounding more enthused than he actually was. He cast one last glance down the street at Sue's shapely, retreating form. Her laughter carried on the wind. It sounded so lovely, so familiar.
He almost wanted to follow it, hoping it would lead somewhere he truly wanted to be. To something else, someone else.
* * * Dinner was a subdued affair, yet not unpleasant. Marlene offered up a delicious meal and interesting conversation—they discussed arts, local politics, their repsective interests, and traded anecdotes about their children and grandchildren. Neither Cindy nor Chet figured into the evening, and as Marlene cleared away the plates Jake was surprised to learn two hours had passed.
"I thought we'd have coffee in the living room," she said, retreating to the kitchen. "Make yourself comfortable."
"Okay." In truth, Jake had hoped for an out. It had been a long day and he looked forward to going to bed. He decided to indulge in one cup, no dessert, and graciously beg off any other offers Marlene might propose.
He realized, too, Marlene had never mentioned that important thing she had wanted to discuss earlier, and he wondered if she were stalling to keep him there.
He circled the living room slowly before settling on the couch. The night outside the window was streaked red and beautiful. A few neighbors lingered on their porches, enjoying the evening. Jake watched a several cars cruise slowly past the house, then one suddenly sped up and tore out of the subdivision. He shook his head; probably a teenager showing off for friends.
Marlene coyly shrugged when Jake recounted what he had seen. She took the opposite side of the couch. "Perhaps we're being spied upon?" she suggested jokingly.
Not much to see . "People are interesting animals," he agreed, and took the warm mug brimming with French roast. "It's interesting to watch them in the store, how they interact with each other, and how they shop. I like to think that's why the store does so well." "Because you watch the customers?" Jake nodded. "It's helped me become more intuitive about my customer base. I learn
more from their behavior than through the item sales." "Makes sense," Marlene said. "That certainly would explain why the cafe is so
popular. Your adding Jo's biscotti was a good move." "Actually that was Lauren's idea, I can't take credit." What was Lauren doing now? Jake doubted she was laughing like her friend Sue. He hoped she was okay.
Marlene was oddly quiet, and appeared pensive as she set down her mug on the coffee table. "Jake, about Lauren," she began, and Jake cringed. He imagined what would come next wouldn't be glowing.
"Don't you think she's a bit out of place, working at the store? I mean, she has no accounting experience, yet you have her doing the books."
"Would you rather I put her behind a cash register, or have her stock?" Jake chuckled. Those jobs he often reserved for local high school students. Lauren was much too advanced for that kind of work.
"I'd rather she not work there at all." Marlene was blunt. "The thing with the biscotti notwithstanding, I just don't think she's good for the store."
Jake sighed and set down his own mug. This was the important topic for discussion? As much as Marlene seemed to constantly resent Lauren's presence, Jake found it difficult to believe this was something she couldn't remember earlier.
"You and J.J. both. Tell me, what is it with the two of you that you have it out for Lauren? Are you upset I offered her a paying job instead of you?"
"Well..." Marlene stammered a few words before regaining coherence, "you know my financial situation. I'm comfortable, and I was able to buy this house after Chet left me. But, logic would dictate that if you need an accountant, you hire an accountant."
"Normally, but you did the job for free, and don't think I never appreciated it, Marlene—"
"I could have kept doing the job for free," Marlene muttered. "Saved you some money."
"And like I said, I appreciated you're stepping in when Cindy died. But you don't need a job, you've said so. Lauren, however, does. She needs the money, and logic dictated to me that I should offer her some in exchange for work. Work, I might add, she does well, regardless of what anybody says or thinks." Jake was annoyed, and why not? It irritated him for anyone to second guess a business decision of his. "Seems to me Lauren would do more in exchange for—" "Don't, Marlene," Jake warned. "You're a wonderful woman, and a good friend. Please don't say or do anything to make me change my opinion of you." He was nearly there, however. Mild jealousy was flattering, yes, but Marlene's current attitude bordered on being downright vicious, and it was definitely not attractive.
"I don't want to be, Jake, but I worry about you." Marlene touched a hand to Jake's knee and squeezed. Jake felt nothing of the fire and passion Lauren had stirred within him.
"Lauren has it in mind tha
t she wants a relationship with you, and while I can understand her attraction to you," Marlene chuckled, "I don't think she would be good for you, Jake. The way you've been acting lately, I worry she might take advantage of you."
"And you are?" Jake challenged. "Good for me, that is? That's why the dressing up to do my books, and sitting through Cal Briscoe's concert, and this dinner? You want to be my girlfriend, right?"
Marlene puffed out her chest. She had a nice body for a woman her age, but the move did nothing for him. A similar move by Lauren might have set his cock to stone, he realized.
"I like you, Marlene," he said as she suddenly wilted into the couch. "Like I told Lauren earlier, I'm not ready to be with another woman. And I wish you wouldn't feel so threatened around her." Was this a lie? Why could he only think of Lauren now, leaning against the office desk, her head tilted back dreamily as he sucked her bare nipple?
"Maybe you feel that way now," Marlene said, "but what if you change your mind down the road? Wouldn't you rather want to be with a woman with some class?" So now Lauren was classless? True, she had erred in the past, but Jake didn't let it
color his opinion of her, unlike others. "Marlene," Jake said, looking at his hands, "somebody planted a rather explicit picture on my work computer for me to find. Was it you?" He then searched her eyes for any trace of guilt.
"No." Marlene was horrified. "I would never do such a thing. That would be, would be..."
"Classless?" Jake arched an eyebrow. She seemed to be telling the truth, anyway. "You know Lauren posed for some racy pictures recently? I learned she did it for me."
"She must have done it then, in some misguided attempt to seduce you," Marlene scoffed. "Disgusting."
"Is it, Marlene?" Jake scooted closer, surprised by the shock on her face. He thought perhaps she'd feel elated by the move. "Lauren wanted to please me, is why she posed for the pictures in the first place. Now, I might not have taken such a drastic course of action to get somebody's attention, but I have to admit a part of me was flattered that she thought to do something like that."
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