The phone rang and it was the photo lab where she’d taken the film of Nick. The pictures were ready, and she couldn’t wait any longer to see how they turned out. She immediately put the sandwiches into the refrigerator and gathered up the girls.
“Can Nick go with us?” Missy asked.
“No, sweetie, I want to see the pictures before I show them to Nick. They may not have turned out well.”
The woman at the lab allayed her fears. “I think these are the best pictures you’ve taken, Jennifer.”
“Really, Edith? Oh, I hope so. I had a good subject.”
“Yeah, I did notice that. He’s a handsome devil.” She grinned at Jennifer as she handed over the envelope.
“An understatement, for sure.” Jennifer wanted to tear into the envelope immediately, but she waited until they were once again in her vehicle.
“Oh, my,” she muttered to herself as she went through the photos. Too bad these pictures were going to be used for his résumé and not for a wider distribution. They were some of her best work. She’d use them for her portfolio.
She put them back in the envelope and drove home.
Once there, she put the photos out on the coffee table. “Don’t touch the photos, girls. Just look at them. Then you can tell me which one is your favorite.”
All four females studied the photos. Finally, Missy said, “I like all of them, Mommy.”
“Me, too,” Annie said softly.
Steffi pointed out five that she liked best.
With a sigh, Jennifer said, “I agree with you, Steffi. Those are my favorites, too. Let me go knock on Nick’s door and have him come look at them.”
Nick was frowning when he opened the door.
“I’m sorry to bother you again,” Jennifer began.
“Not a problem,” he assured her with a smile.
“We’ve got the proofs back of the pictures I took of you. Do you want to come look at them?”
“Yeah, I do. I didn’t know you’d get them back so soon.” He followed her across the hall.
He looked at all the photos she’d taken of him. Finally, he selected one of the pictures in which he was wearing the sweater and posing in front of the bookshelves. The one when he was thinking of Jennifer. She’d asked him to replicate his smile, and it hadn’t been a problem. All he had to do was think of kissing her.
“You did a great job, Jen. They’re all good. But this is the one I like best.”
“All right. How many copies do you need?”
“Uh, five should do it.”
“Okay. It’ll take a few days to get them ready.”
“Great.” He turned to the girls. “Are you all okay with this picture?” he asked.
They agreed enthusiastically.
“How about I take you all to lunch to celebrate?”
Jennifer knew the girls’ answer before they exploded with excitement. She thought about the half-made sandwiches in the fridge, but in the end she agreed to go out to lunch with Nick.
“THIS IS FUN,” Missy said with a big grin when they’d sat down with their meals. “I like eating out.”
“But your Mommy is a really good cook,” Nick pointed out.
“Yeah, especially when she makes us cookies.”
Nick shared a smile with Jennifer. “Yeah, but you can’t live on just cookies.”
“Why not?” Missy asked.
“Because you need a balanced diet. You know, green things, red things, yellow things. See, you’re eating them now.”
Missy frowned. “Where?”
“On your burger, the tomatoes are red, lettuce is green, and the cheese is yellow.”
“Oh, that’s okay, then. I like those things.” Missy obviously approved.
“Um, Nick, all of us wanted to thank you again for the puzzle table,” Jennifer said. “We’re really enjoying it. Right, girls?”
They all nodded.
“I’m glad. How’s the puzzle coming, Annie?”
“I’ve finished the circle. Now I have to fit the rest of it together.”
“Good for you.”
Softly, Jennifer said, “I was wrong about that, too, Nick. You understood Annie better than I do.”
“That’s because we share a lot of the same things, Annie and I. I like to put things together, too. It fills me with a sense of accomplishment.”
“Yes, and I’m going to remember that about Annie. I think she’s really blossomed since I took her in.”
“That’s because she’s gone from abuse to the love you’ve shown them. You’re a great mom, Jen, even though you don’t have much experience. I just think you shouldn’t forget that you need some attention, too.”
“What are you talking about?”
Nick smiled at her. “A mom can’t do everything for the kids and forget that she needs fun and time, too.”
She stiffened. “I know that. I’ve decided to hire a housekeeper to come at least once a week.”
“Good. But two days might be better. Then you’ll be able to get out on your own without the girls.”
“I don’t need to do that.”
“Well, think about it. And if you find someone good, I could use a housekeeper once a week, too.”
She looked at him, surprised. “Can you— I mean, a good housekeeper will cost a hundred dollars for a full day.”
“I know.”
“All right. I’ll see what I can find.” She took a bite of her lunch. “You know, I was thinking, are you sure you only need five copies of your portrait? If you’re applying to a lot of different school districts, you may need more than that.”
“Well, maybe ten copies. What will that run me?”
“Oh, twenty-five dollars.”
“Come on, Jen, I’m serious.”
Jennifer looked at the girls quickly. They were seated in a round booth and the girls were chatting among themselves. She leaned toward Nick. “I told you you’d only have to pay for the paper. My services were free.”
“Even your film? I have to pay for the film, too. And I know photo paper is more expensive than that.”
“Nick, just pay what I said and quit complaining. You’re taking us out for lunch and I intend to let you pay. Turn-about, fair play.”
“Fine. I’ll just owe you five more lunches!”
She was about to object but he cut her off. “How are you going to make your name by giving away your work?”
“I’m hoping people will look at your photos and decide I can do a good job.”
“So the more I show my picture, the better for you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
She frowned. Did he think using his photo on résumés for a teaching job would bring her a lot of notoriety? She just shook her head.
“By the way, I think you told the ladies upstairs about me. They each came to visit me this morning, one at a time.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Thanks a lot.”
“Oh. I’m sorry, but I thought— You needed to meet the rest of your neighbors.”
“But aren’t there three more?”
“Well, yes, but they won’t be back for several more days.”
“Well, there’s no rush.”
She wiped her lips with her napkin. “It’ll give you more, uh, friends to do things with.”
“I’m not going to have much time to play. I’m…writing a lot this summer.”
“What are you writing?”
Her question seemed to be difficult to answer. He seemed to study his reply before speaking. Finally he said, “I’m writing a novel.”
“Writing a novel? I thought you were a teacher.”
“I am. But I’m taking a break from teaching to write for a while.” He looked away and said, “Sorry I didn’t tell you, but I’m still a little skeptical about it.”
“And you need a picture? Before you even sell the book?”
He cleared his throat. “Actually, I’ve already got a contract for it.”
&
nbsp; “What kind of book?”
“An action thriller. But I’ll need a picture for the back cover—and it will give you some exposure, too.”
“That’s great. That’s one of the reasons I did The Heart Gallery with the girls. Maybe I should pay you to let me take your picture.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m no Stephen King.”
“I should hope not! I certainly wouldn’t want my children to spend time with a horror writer!”
“Then I’m glad I don’t write horror.” He smiled more easily since the conversation had started.
“Me, too. Is this the first book you’ve sold?”
“No, actually, I’ve sold another book, but it won’t be out until September.”
“Oh, so you’ll be famous in September?” she teased.
“Probably not.”
“It’s okay. I’m still pleased to take your picture.” She smiled at him.
The waitress stopped by to be sure they didn’t need anything, and he asked for a refill on his soft drink.
Before she could continue their conversation, which she was enjoying, Nick turned to the children and asked if they had favorite books.
Steffi definitely did. Missy didn’t know the name of her favorite book, but she insisted on telling the story to Nick, from start to finish. Annie hadn’t said anything, so he looked at her next.
“I like Cinderella,” she said, looking unsure of how the others would react.
“That’s a lovely story, honey,” Nick said. “Good choice.”
Jennifer made a mental note to rent the movie Ever After for Annie, right after she finished her errands this afternoon. She still had to sign the girls up for ballet classes. Not only did she think they’d enjoy it, they’d have the opportunity to make friends before school started. When everyone was done she told Nick her plans.
“Then you’d better get to it.” He waved for the waitress and offered his credit card to pay the bill.
Jennifer worried about what kind of debt he was collecting. It was easy to get carried away charging, she knew, and it could trip a person up later.
After they dropped off Nick, she drove to the dance studio where she’d taken ballet as a child.
She introduced the girls to the owners of the school, Mr. George and Mrs. Beverly. Then she enrolled all three girls in the first basic class. They were to start tomorrow morning.
They bought their tights, leotards, ballet shoes and tutus. Annie was fascinated with the tutu. She held hers in her lap all the way home.
“Okay, girls, we’ve had a busy day. Now, go lie down for an hour and try to go to sleep,” Jennifer said.
“I’m not sleepy,” Steffi complained.
“Just rest, honey. You don’t have to go to sleep.”
Once she got the girls down, she fixed herself a glass of iced tea and was going to sit down and relax, when there was a knock on her door.
She opened it and found Nick there.
“Hi, come on in. Want a glass of iced tea?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.”
He waited until she went to the kitchen and returned with an iced tea for him. Then he sat down on the sofa.
“Uh, Jennifer, I wanted to tell you…well, I lied to you this afternoon.”
Chapter Nine
Nick waited for her reaction. He’d decided it was time to come clean about his career. Jim Barnes be damned.
Jennifer stared at him, as if she couldn’t believe his words.
“Take a drink of iced tea,” he suggested.
Instead, she set her glass down on the coffee table. “No, I want to know what you’re talking about.”
“I told you I’d sold another book before this one.”
That apparently wasn’t what she expected. “But you haven’t?”
“Yes, I have.”
“Then what is it you’re lying about?”
“My first book was picked up by a producer in Hollywood.”
“You’re kidding!”
He shrugged. “I got lucky.”
“And that means you don’t have to teach again?”
“Only because when I sold my book, someone in Hollywood looked at it and bought it for a movie. They’re filming it right now.”
“Really?” she exclaimed, her eyes big, reminding him of Annie.
He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling uncomfortable.
“They are really making a movie from your book and they’ll show it in real theaters?”
“Yeah.”
Jennifer stood and began pacing the room. “So are they buying your next book, too?”
“Hopefully. I’ve got to finish it first.”
She continued to stare at him. He could only describe her look as horror-stricken. But then he’d been accused of being overly dramatic.
“And you’ve let us interfere with your work? Oh, no, Nick, I’m so sorry!”
“Jen, it’s not that big a deal. I hadn’t gotten started until this morning. And I’m used to interruptions.”
“Maybe, but I shouldn’t have let you take so much time, going shopping with us, putting together the swing set. You’ll be famous and— Your photo is for the book jacket of your first book, the one they’re making into a movie?” she suddenly demanded, her face lighting up.
Nick laughed. “Not famous, but yes, the photo will be used on the book jacket. That’s why I thought I should be honest with you.”
“Do you realize how much exposure that will give me?” Jennifer sat back down on the sofa. “Oh, my. My first photo that will go all over the world!”
“Well, yeah, but—”
“You don’t understand how important this is. Let’s see, we’ll need some eight-by-ten glossies in black and white and in color. What does your publisher want?”
“We can just send them the pictures you’re making copies of.”
“Yes, of course. I can have them ready in a couple of days. Will that be soon enough?”
“Yes, of course, Jen. Look, it’s not that big a deal. I just felt bad leading you on, and you worrying about whether or not I could make it. I mean, I’m still getting my teacher’s salary until September, anyway. But I wanted you to know that I’m all right.”
“Well, thank you, and I promise we won’t take up your time like we’ve been doing.”
“No! I don’t want you to stay away. I’ll get lonesome over there all by myself.”
“But you’ll be writing.”
“Not all the time. I’ll still have time for the girls…and you.”
“But I may become busy once people see my photo on the back of your book.” She flashed him a smile. “I might be in demand.”
“I hope so. But I’ll help with the girls whenever you need me. Okay?”
“Yes, but I’ll manage.”
“But, Jen—”
She was urging him toward the door. “I know you want to get back to your writing. Thanks for telling me.”
And suddenly Nick found himself out in the hall. Damn it, this wasn’t what he wanted! He just didn’t like lying to her!
But now she wouldn’t include him in things she did with the girls. They would tiptoe past his apartment, worrying about disturbing him. And he’d shrivel up in his apartment, without a new thought in his head.
Okay, so maybe he was being overly dramatic. Jennifer would get over the idea that she shouldn’t bother him. Wouldn’t she?
JENNIFER EXPLAINED TO HER girls over dinner that Nick was writing a book and would be too busy to do things with them. They weren’t happy, but their enthusiasm returned when she told them about her photo.
Annie’s eyes got big. “He’s writing a book? Can we read it?”
“I don’t think it’s a children’s book, but we’ll buy a copy when it comes out. And you know what? One of the pictures I took of him will be on the back of his book!”
“Is that good?” Steffi asked.
Ever the analytical one, Annie offered, “Maybe because people will look at it and dec
ide they want you to take their pictures.”
Steffi chimed in. “That would be a good idea because you make great pictures. Look at what you did for us.”
Jennifer felt emotion tighten her throat. What had she ever done to deserve these girls? “Thanks, honey,” she managed to say.
“Mommy, after dinner, can we go out and play with Blondie? She’s getting lonesome in the backyard by herself.”
“I guess so, Missy. You’ll have a couple of hours after dinner before bedtime and it’s staying light until almost nine o’clock. Before you go, I wanted to ask you a question. Would you like to take swimming lessons?”
“But we don’t have a swimming pool,” Steffi pointed out.
“I know, but there’s a place I can take you that does have a pool and someone there will teach you to swim. It’s a good thing to learn so you can be prepared for whatever comes along.”
“Okay,” Steffi agreed.
“How about you two? Are swimming lessons okay?”
Both Annie and Missy agreed.
“Okay, I’ll make the arrangements while you’re playing with Blondie.”
All three girls left the kitchen and Jennifer was deafened by the sound of silence. Funny how before the girls her apartment was always quiet and it never bothered her. In another way, though, she’d always yearned for family—other than her mother. That was why she’d thought about contacting her half brother—an idea that still had appeal. She just didn’t have the time now.
She cleared the table and quickly did the dishes, planning to set up some interviews with housekeepers. One who could work for her two days a week and one day for Nick. Not that she was responsible for him, but he’d need someone to clean his apartment. She’d heard writers got involved in their writing and didn’t notice the things around them.
Okay, so she was thinking of Nick, not an impersonal “them.” She was excited about his future, and her own, she admitted. But she would miss not having Nick around. She already did.
He had shored up her belief that she could be a parent. And he had encouraged her to go to parenting classes. And he’d made her feel that she had backup if she needed it. But now she didn’t feel that she could interrupt him.
He might be writing.
Suddenly she felt almost as alone as she did when she didn’t have the girls.
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