The Icing on the Cake

by Rosemarie Naramore

  After the adults had set the picnic table and carried out the food and beverages, the kids came running. “I’m hungry,” Devon said.

  “Me too,” the Williams’ middle son, Pete, said. About the same age as Devon, the two had hit it off right away, particularly after discovering they attended the same elementary school.

  “Mom, we should have brought Suki with us,” he said, as he sat down at the picnic table. “I bet she misses us.”

  “You should have brought her along,” Joe said.

  Mary looked to her husband and back to him. She winced. “Well…”

  “What is it?” Joe asked, watching her expectantly.

  “It didn’t occur to me to tell you when I gave her to you, but Gracie doesn’t do very well with little dogs.”

  He cocked his head, surprised. “She doesn’t hurt them…?”

  “Not on purpose,” Mary said wanly. “You see, she’s kind of motherly. When she encounters a tiny dog, she sort of lays on top of him and somehow manages to wrap her paws around him. Then she rolls over on her back and…”

  “And?” he said, watching her with a cautious alarm.

  “Well, she proceeds to soak him with her tongue. I believe she thinks she’s washing him, or is … maybe showing him affection…”

  “But they don’t usually like it much,” Pete cut in.

  Joe appeared to consider their words. “I’ve never seen that particular behavior in a dog,” he said. “I’ll have to talk to the vet.”

  “Yeah, you’ll probably want to train it out of her.” Jim laughed. “Until you do, my perfect little Suki will not be spending time with Gracie.”

  “Jim!” Mary cried, and socked him in the arm.

  “I’m hungry,” the youngest of the Williams’ children announced. The little girl, about three, began pounding on the tabletop. “Hot dog! Gimme a hot dog!”

  “Alyssa!” her mother scolded. “Where are your manners?”

  Joe obliged the little girl and passed her a hot dog. Soon, the whole group found seats. In addition to the hot dogs, Joe grilled a couple steaks for the adults. A green salad, potato salad, and fresh fruit rounded out the spread. For dessert, he brought out a platter of cupcakes from Branton’s Bakery.

  “When did you get these?” Kristine asked.

  “Yesterday,” he answered.

  “I didn’t see you come in.”

  “You were out back,” he informed.

  She nodded, wondering why he hadn’t asked for her, but then, why would he? The last time, she hadn’t been particularly accommodating.

  As he tended to his guests, she watched him furtively. It was kind of him to invite the Williams out to see Gracie and the wonderful dog run he’d built for her. The dog was clearly happy with him, as evidenced by the fact that she was currently curled up at his feet. Unlike most dogs, she wasn’t begging for a morsel, perhaps because he had given her a bowl of dog food. Apparently he didn’t want her feeling left out.

  “I wish Lori was here,” her mother said. “I know she’d be thrilled to see you again, Joe.”

  He only nodded in reply, though his eyes lit on Kristine. She met his gaze and both held the visual contact. Kristine was first to look away.

  “It would be nice to see Lori,” Joe said distractedly, as he turned his attention back to his guests.

  Chapter Seven

  “Thank you so much for having us, Joe,” Mary said. “We had a wonderful time. And it’s clear Gracie is so content with you—much more so than she was with us.”

  As the Williams’ children bid Gracie goodbye, he looked on, smiling. After everyone had had a chance to pat her, Gracie hurried back to Joe, as if fearful he might have a change of heart and send her packing.

  Suddenly, Pete charged toward them and knelt down beside Gracie. He wrapped his arms around her. “We miss you, girl. Don’t think we don’t. We love Suki, but we still love you…”

  Joe ruffled his hair and escorted him to the family minivan. Mary had already climbed into the passenger seat and Jim was behind the wheel. Joe stood window-side and bid goodbye to the family. Devon joined him, standing close and waving at his new friends.

  As they drove off, Joe draped an arm around Devon. “It looks like you have a buddy,” he commented. “You and Pete really hit it off.”

  Devon smiled brightly. “Yeah. Pete’s my friend.” He grinned impishly. “You know what? Pete got kicked out of afterschool care.”

  Joe’s brows rose and he appeared slightly taken aback. Devon seemed downright delighted that his new friend had been ejected from afterschool care. He wasn’t allowed to ponder the reasons why, since Ruth joined him as he watched the minivan drive away.

  “Joe!” she said eagerly. “Lori just called. I told her you’re back to town and she’s delighted. She said she’d love to see you again.”

  “Oh, okay, sure,” he answered.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of giving her your address. She was so eager to see you again, she asked if she could stop by now.”

  “Oh, okay, sure,” he repeated, feeling awkward and uncertain. Seeing Lori didn’t top his wish list and he wondered how Kristine might feel about her sister’s arrival. Maybe she wouldn’t have an opinion one way or the other, but something told him otherwise. And something told him her feelings were justified…

  ***

  “Joe!” Lori cried. “It’s so wonderful to see you.” She sent a mock-scolding glance at her mother and sister. “I cannot believe these two didn’t tell me sooner about your return to Cooper Glenn.”

  “I only found out a few days ago myself,” her mother said indulgently. “And in my defense, you’ve been busy.”

  “True,” Lori said, smiling into Joe’s eyes. “But I would have gladly cleared my calendar for Joe.” She clutched his hand and held tight. “What brings you home, Joe?”

  “I moved home,” he told her, gently extracting his hand. “My dad is having health issues and…”

  “You’re home for good?” she interrupted. “That’s wonderful!” Her eyes did a pass over the front façade of his house. “And your home… It’s absolutely beautiful. I’ve always been partial to the Tudor style myself. If I ever build a home, it will definitely be Tudor.”

  “Mommy,” Devon said, as he moved to stand beside her. “Joe has a new dog. Her name is Gracie…”

  “Yes, okay, son,” she said, failing to look at him. “Run and play…”

  Joe didn’t miss the wounded look in the little boy’s eyes. “Devon, would you like to play a video game?” He directed his next words to Lori. “I have several age-appropriate varieties inside.”

  “Sure, sure,” she said dismissively. “Run along, Devon.”

  “I’ll go with you, Devon,” Kristine said, taking the little boy by the hand. She paused and gave Joe an inquiring look.

  “Let me show you where the games are,” he said. He turned back to Lori briefly. “I won’t be long.”

  He led Kristine and Devon into the family room and pulled several video games from a cabinet beneath the big-screen TV. He held them out to Devon. “Take your pick.”

  Devon grinned and selected a favorite. Joe inserted it into the game console and Devon was soon enthralled by the action on the screen. Kristine sat down nearby. “I’ll keep an eye on him,” she whispered.

  To her surprise, Joe sat down beside her. She watched him expectantly for several seconds. “Joe, Lori and Mom are waiting for you…”

  “Oh. Oh!” He grinned ruefully. “Sorry.” He rose and started toward the front door. “I’ll be … back.”

  He rejoined Ruth and Lori, who were standing out front, admiring the property. “How many acres do you have, Joe?” Lori asked with interest.

  “Two,” he answered. “Shall we go out back and have a seat? There’s plenty of shade.”

  Ruth smiled widely. “I think I’ll join Devon and Kristine in the family room. I know you two would probably like some privacy to talk about old times.” />
  Since he couldn’t very well object, Joe led Lori out back, while Ruth detoured to the family room.

  He sent a quick glance into the room and spotted Kristine, still on the couch, and yawning. Her mother had taken a seat in the recliner, while Devon was still enthralled by his game.

  He smiled when he noted Kristine had apparently let Gracie inside. The dog was sprawled across her lap and she was absently stroking her head while watching Devon play his game.

  He longed to join her on the couch. The scene of domestic bliss tugged at him in a way that surprised him. Lately, he’d been thinking about his future and his goals for himself. His dad had also recently asked him if he’d given any thought to settling down. He was nearly thirty-three and did want to be married with children someday. He wasn’t getting any younger.

  “Joe,” Lori called to him from the French doors. “Are you coming outside?”

  With a sigh, he joined her out back. He dropped into a chair, while she chose a chaise. She carefully sat down and extended her long, silky legs. She gave a sigh of pleasure. “This is so nice,” she said, smiling seductively at him. “It’s wonderful to simply sit and relax. I’ve been so busy lately I’ve hardly had time to come up for air.”

  “Helping out at the bakery?” he asked, knowing full well she hadn’t been.

  “Oh, yes, that, and other things. As you know, running a business is a lot of work.” She yawned. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it.”

  He wondered if her mother had mentioned to her that she was considering selling the bakery. He refrained from saying anything about it, since it wasn’t his place.

  “It must be difficult, working and caring for a small child,” he observed.

  She nodded, her expression suggestive that she had the weight of the world on her smooth, tanned shoulders. “It’s difficult,” she sighed. “A boy needs a father. Unfortunately, Devon’s dad isn’t especially tuned in these days.” She cocked her head in thought. “I can’t even remember the last time he called Devon. He has visitation rights but he isn’t interested in spending time with Devon. It’s … sad,” she said woefully, but abruptly grinned. “But you! Tell me what’s been happening since I last saw you.”

  He shrugged. “Well, I sold my company and I’ve moved home to run my father’s business. He’s unable to continue working because…”

  “So you’ve assumed the helm, eh?” she cut in, sounding impressed. “Well, your father groomed you from Day One to take over the business. I was always surprised you went off on your own when you were already set for life.”

  “How so?” he asked with interest.

  “Well, you know. Your dad practically owns this little town.”

  “Mmmm,” he mused. “Well, I guess I wanted to make my own way in the world.”

  She laughed, a sound like tinkling ice. “Well, the important thing is, you’re back.”

  Joe’s attention was diverted from her when he heard Gracie tapping on the glass with her front paw. “Oh, excuse me. My dog needs to be let outside.”

  He rose and opened the door. Gracie charged past him and toward the back of the fenced backyard. After doing her business, she spotted a butterfly and began chasing it, leaping and dancing in the air as she attempted to catch it in her teeth. Joe chuckled, but Lori appeared not to notice the dog’s antics.

  Finally, giving up on the butterfly, Gracie ran in a tight circle, chasing her tail, and then diverted to delicately sniff at the flowers in a nearby bed. Joe shook his head, always surprised when Gracie went from flower to flower, seeming to delight in their scents. He’d never seen a dog so enthralled by flowers.

  Finally, she ran back to Joe, who had sat back down in the chair. She noticed Lori then and sprang up and greeted her with a kiss on the face.

  “Oh, my! The dog just licked me!” She made a face and reached for her purse and began rifling around inside. Finally, she pulled out a tissue and gingerly dabbed at her cheek. “Doggy drool,” she said with a wince, as she urged Gracie away by fluttering both hands in her general direction.

  “Sorry,” Joe said. “Gracie tends to kiss first and ask questions later.”

  Lori laughed at that. “I tend to prefer that characteristic in a man…” She smiled seductively his way.

  Joe was tremendously relieved when Devon opened the French doors and stepped outside. “Joe, will you come inside and play a video game with me?”

  “No…” Lori said.

  “Sure, son,” Joe said at the same instant. He smiled at the eager little boy and turned back to his mother. “I’d hate to disappoint him.”

  “Devon,” Lori said, taking a scolding tone. “You know better than to interrupt adults when we’re talking. I taught you better than that.”

  “I just wanted Joe to play with me.”

  Joe took the opportunity to make his escape. He started inside, but paused. “Come, Gracie.”

  The dog joined them inside, dashing back to claim her place on Kristine’s lap. “She really likes you,” Joe observed with a smile as he sat down beside Kristine on the couch.

  “And I like her,” Kristine said, leaning forward to kiss Gracie on her velvety head.

  Gracie turned and lavished a sloppy, wet kiss on her lips. Kristine laughed and kissed her again. “We’ve bonded,” she said, patting Gracie’s side. “Girl power,” she said with a chuckle, as she pretended to fist-bump Gracie’s paw.

  Joe smiled. “For a dog who supposedly prefers men, Gracie sure likes you a lot.”

  Kristine smiled at Gracie. “She’s a good girl and a terrific judge of character.” She drew silent for a moment. “I’ve never had a big dog,” she shared. “But this one seems pretty special.”

  “I agree,” he said, but his eyes, boring into hers, seemed to indicate the words were directed at her.

  She felt her cheeks redden, but she couldn’t manage to avert her gaze from Joe’s. When Lori suddenly appeared and interjected herself into the conversation—and into the small space between them on the couch—their eye contact was severed.

  As Lori placed a possessive hand on Joe’s knee, Kristine felt a pique of … jealousy?

  No.

  That was ridiculous. She didn’t even like Joe. Well, maybe she liked him. He was a grown man now. He seemed to have many fine qualities. He didn’t tease her incessantly as he’d done when they were kids. He was actually a pretty thoughtful guy. Generous. Kind. Loving…

  Whoa.

  Where did that come from?” she thought. Sure, he’d shown a good deal of deference to her, seeming to discern quickly that she worked too hard. He seemed to believe she needed a break. He’d invited her to his home, and when she’d included Devon and her mother into the mix, he had been gracious and welcoming. He was great with Devon, who she knew craved the attention of a male. The little guy missed his father terribly, but had given up inquiring when he was going to see him again.

  “So, Joe,” Lori said, interrupting Kristine’s thoughts. “Do you think I could have a glass of water? I’m so thirsty.” She smiled his way, her eyes wide and lashes fluttering like the butterfly Gracie had chased after earlier.

  Apparently Gracie spotted those enticing lashes, because she leapt up and made a grab for one. Lori screamed in terror. “That dog just bit my eye!”

  Ruth leapt from the chair. “Lori! Are you all right?”

  Devon flung himself off the floor and toward his mother. “Mommy!”

  Lori continued shrieking. “My eye! She tried to take my eyeball out of the socket!” she wailed.

  Joe stood by, mortified. “Gracie!” he finally shouted when he found his voice. He aimed a finger toward the back door. “Let’s go!” he said firmly.

  She dropped her head and started off. She paused long enough to cast Kristine a longing look, and then slunked to the back door. Joe proceeded to take her outside and to her dog run. Kristine could hear him scolding her all the way to her kennel.

  Her heart went out to Gracie. She hadn’t intended to
harm Lori. She had simply wanted to get a hold of that insect on her eyelid. She bit back a chuckle at the thought.

  Lori was still fussing over her eye, which was now conspicuously missing its artificial lashes. She ran a tentative finger over it, realized she was lash-less, and promptly cupped her hand over her eye. “Mom, I need to go home. Now!”

  “Of course, honey. We should go. Are you in pain? Did the dog scratch your cornea?”

  “No,” she cried, and took her voice down a notch. “The beast got a hold of my eyelashes.”

  “Oh!” Ruth said, relieved.

  Kristine bit back a chuckle. God forbid Lori would be caught without full makeup. Her sister had been wearing fake lashes for as long as she could remember. She didn’t actually need them either. She’d been blessed with thick, luscious lashes. She’d been blessed, period.

  “Lori, I apologize for Gracie’s lack of manners. I intend to work with her to assure this sort of thing never happens again,” Joe said, upon his return.

  She nodded, struggling to avert her face.

  “May I see your eye?” he asked. “Is it all right? She didn’t get you with a tooth, did she?”

  “I don’t know,” she said shakily, sounding near tears, and definitely milking the incident for every bit of sympathy she could get.

  Joe moved closer and reached for the hand over her eye. Lori pulled away. Come hell or high water, she wasn’t going to allow Joe to see her without her lashes fully in place.

  She spun around. “Mom. Let’s go. Devon, come on.”

  “I … didn’t drive,” Ruth suddenly remembered. “Joe drove us over.”

  “That’s okay.” She shoved her hand into her purse and pulled out her car keys. “You can drive my car.”

  She hurried out of the family room and to the front door. Ruth smiled apologetically at Joe and followed her. A moment later, Kristine realized that her sister and mother had left her behind. She found it odd. And telling.

  Joe sighed and ran both of his hands down his face. “God knows, I hope Gracie didn’t injure her eye.” He shook his head woefully. “Krissy, what happened? Did you see what prompted Gracie to behave like that? I can’t keep a dog that will attack someone’s face.”