by Lesia Reid
“No, they are your friends, you should enjoy their company. I have no doubt they are nice. It’s just that outside Thelma and Carl, I’ve never had the time to make any friends.”
“Meeting people is what you do every day. This is no different. They are my friends and I would like you to get to know them. Joey is a younger version of you and he and Britney clicked the first time they met. And if it amuses you, I think he is her first infatuation.”
“Don’t say that to him. He still thinks girls are made up of everything bad. Joey was always the people person,” Deana said.
“We should get back though. They’ll think we ran away.”
“If you get uncomfortable, we can leave. Or we could grin and bear it, you throw a temper tantrum as soon as we get back to your place and we make love again. You have no idea how sexy you look when you’re mad.”
She blushed as he moved into to her.
“I do not throw temper tantrums. Anyway, we should get back.”
“Deana,” he said, trailing a finger down her cheek. “I’m happy you came and I’m grateful that despite my macho stance, you didn’t lie to me last night. I meant what I said about us. This is not about casual sex, though I can’t wait for our next interlude.”
Joey was indeed the life of the party. In her absence, he was chatting up Bridget and Stacey. Deana joined them.
“Mom,” Joey said, “I was telling Bridget about my ride to school in the limo. Britney has never been to school in a limo.”
“Uncle Sebastian will take me one day,” Britney said. “Deana, you are too young and pretty to be a mother.”
“Thank you, Britney,” Deana said. “I hope you tell me that in another ten years.”
“Joey says you bake the best cookies. Will you bake cookies for me?” “Britney—” Bridget admonished.
“It’s okay,” Deana said. “Well, if I bake again and I see your Uncle Sebastian, I will send a batch with him. How’s that?”
“It sounds cool. I love chocolate chip cookies. Will you bake that?” “Sure.”
“Why do you drink milk from beans?” Britney asked.
“That’s enough, Britney,” Bridget said. “I’ll explain soy milk to you later.”
“I like soy milk,” Britney said. “Joey made me try his, but I don’t understand how milk can come from beans and taste so good. Beans are yucky.”
The adults giggled and Deana started to relax. Children were always her weakness. As an only child, she had longed for a brother or a sister. When she got pregnant with Joey, there was no doubt in her mind she would keep him. Even if the circumstance was at best stressful.
“The age of questions and child reasoning,” Bridget said. “I know what you mean,” Deana said.
“Mom, can I go to the grill with Sebastian?” Joey asked.
“Sure, but don’t get close to the grill. Stay out of their way. And mind what they say okay? Non misbehave!”
“Sì.”
With that, he dashed off to the yard with the men. Sebastian caught him mid-run and hoisted him in the air. Joey started laughing as Sebastian turned him upside down, promising to roast him on the grill.
“Mom would so kick your butt,” Joey said between laughs. “Would she now?” Sebastian asked.
“Sì.”
Sebastian turned him right side up and put him on the ground.
“Would you like to try your hand at barbequing? Every man must know how to barbeque,” Jaime said.
“Mom said not to go near the grill,” Joey said.
“We’re here,” Mack said. “I think she meant alone. Come on.” Deana watched as they showed Joey how to flip a steak on a grill. He was enjoying himself. The sight of it almost brought tears to her eyes and she felt like a foolish old mother.
“Oh boy,” Stacey said. “Just what we needed—one more testosterone to the mix.”
“He’s never grilled before,” Deana said. “I always say we would but I never get around to it.”
“Well,” Bridget said. “He’s in the safest three pairs of hands and with the barbeque maestros. How about another drink?”
“Please,” Deana said. “I’m not driving.”
“You know what,” Stacey said. “You should join us on Wednesday nights. Every Wednesday the boys go to play and we go shopping or to a chick flick, something they wouldn’t see and sometimes just hang out talking about kids, whatever.”
“Sorry,” Deana said. “I have school on Wednesdays.”
“What are you studying?” Bridget asked.
“It’s a diploma course in business management and taxation—taxation being the hardest point.”
“Mom,” Britney said. “I’m going to join Dad and see if Uncle Mack or Uncle Sebastian wants to play.”
“Okay, sweetie,” Bridget said. Britney left the women. “Deana, I don’t know what you put in those cheesecakes, but they are divine. You should go into business for yourself. I heard about the cheesecake from a friend of mine at the gym, she heard from someone else, I told it to Stacey, then we ordered for the mayor’s party last year. Not only the cheesecake but that divine tiramisu that screams we are going to hell in a pastry basket. You are talented.”
“Thank you,” Deana blushed.
“Isn’t it funny how our lives intertwined to bring us here?” Stacey said. “If it wasn’t for Mrs. T, that’s Sebastian’s mom, we would never have planned the mayor’s party. She wouldn’t have fallen in love with your cheesecake, and Sebastian would not have met you.”
“It’s fated,” Bridget said.
“Yeah,” Stacey agreed.
“Now, tell me about the fun house with its many colors. Brit got home last night and demanded her room be painted like Joey’s.”
“I’m so sorry,” Deana said.
“Nothing to apologize about,” Bridget brushed her off. “I told her to go ask Sebastian. He’s the one with the construction company. The last thing I heard last night was ‘you should see Joey’s house’, and this morning and all day it’s how our house looks dull without colors. I think there was one point when she said ‘I can’t wait for Uncle Sebastian to marry Deana then I can stay at their house and get a bright color in my room’.”
“She’s such a sweetheart,” Deana said. “But Sebastian and I aren’t getting married.”
Stacey and Bridget exchanged glances then burst out laughing. Deana wasn’t in on the joke.
“Oh Lord,” Bridget said, gathering herself. “Do you like Sebastian?”
“Maybe,” Deana said.
“You can be honest with us,” Stacey said.
“Yes,” Deana confessed. “He’s a nice guy.”
“Then you better start looking for a dress. Britney has never met one of Sebastian’s girlfriends. He would not conceive the idea of taking her to the house of a casual date. I’ve known Sebastian since high school. He was best man at my wedding. We barbeque here at least once a month, he never shows up with a date, no matter how much Jaime or Mack hook him up.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m going to marry him or he wants to marry me.”
Loud cheers erupted from the direction of the grill and short flames shot in the air. Everybody turned their attention to the yard. The men were cheering and Joey tong in hand with a huge grin on his face.
“I think he’s now officially a Davis,” Stacey said. “And if he is a Davis, he might as well be a Torrance. Deana, that’s not a man with his girlfriend’s child. That’s a man with his son.”
Deana looked at Joey and Sebastian in the yard. She looked as she would if she was a stranger seeing them together for the first time. It was true, but the little demon in her head told her that Sebastian didn’t want to be father to an eight-year-old boy.
“Oh yes,” Bridget said. “He most certainly is a Torrance. And that cue means dinner is almost ready. Want to give me a hand with the salad and rolls, Deana?”
“Sure.”
“I can walk,” Stacey said.
“And if you trip, you
r husband would kill me and start a killing spree in this family,” Bridget said. “Deana will do just fine.”
The meal was delicious. Joey and Britney provided most of the entertainment and chatter. Joey taught Britney how to say thank you in Italian and for the rest of the night grazie was overused. The adults blended in to suit their young dinner mates. It was clear at the end of the evening as they said their goodbyes that the group would get together again.
“Thanks for a good evening,” Deana said on the drive back. “I’m happy you enjoyed yourself. How about you, champ?”
“It was great. But I think Britney likes me. Which is cool, she doesn’t do girlie stuff. She doesn’t like dolls and she plays video games.” “That’s nice,” Deana said.
“Yeah, she’s nice for a girl.” Joey said. “Sebastian, why does she call you and Mack uncle?”
“I’m her godfather and Mack is like a brother to Jaime.”
“Godfather?” Joey asked.
“Yes, if something happens to Bridget and Jaime, she comes to live with me. I would take care of her.”
“I don’t know what I would do if something happens to my mom,” Joey said, sinking into the seats of the car. He loved this car, it smelled good and the seats were comfortable, unlike his mom’s car which was old and though it smelled clean, it didn’t smell as good as this car. Plus, his mom did not have air conditioning. “I don’t have a godfather.”
“Well,” Sebastian was quick and took the question before Deana could jump in, “if something should happen to your mom now, would you like to live with me?”
“Yeah, but I can’t imagine something happening to my mom. And your house is too big, I would get lost. Our house is small, and there are no boogie men in the closets. Boogie men like big houses.” Sebastian didn’t have time to reply as they pulled up in Deana’s driveway. He walked them to the door. Deana invited him in, and she meticulously checked every door, every window and every room.
“You’re either paranoid or very careful,” Sebastian said.
“Force of habit,” Deana replied. “Joey, it’s time to get ready for bed. Brush your teeth; I’ll be up in a few minutes to tuck you in.”
“Can Sebastian read to me tonight?”
“No honey, I think—”
“Sure,” Sebastian said. “I’ll be there in two minutes.”
“Grazie.” Joey bounded up the stairs and to the bathroom off his room.
“Well, I guess if you are going to stay, I might as well make some tea. We seldom have coffee here, so I’m afraid it’s tea.”
“Sounds perfect.” He followed her into the kitchen. He watched her as she filled a kettle and placed it on the stove. She opened a cabinet with perhaps twenty or so different types of teas.
“Any choices?” she asked.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
“You don’t have to read to him,” Deana said, turning to face him.
“He’s just excited another grown up is taking such keen interest in him. If you don’t do this, he’ll understand and he won’t expect anything more than just a good friend.”
“Stop being afraid for Joey,” Sebastian said. “I love him and I wouldn’t try to hurt him.”
Sebastian reached for her and pulled her into his embrace. She smelled so good. His lips touched hers and he felt the short but quick jolt of electricity tingled up his spine. Her lips felt soft against his. When his tongue touched hers, it was heat that he felt in his stomach. A heat that rose so quickly it seared him with desire and need. He never wanted anyone else as much as he wanted her this minute. He released her when she planted her hands firmly on his chest and tried to step back. He saw her cheeks were flushed with color.
“I’ll be back after I tuck him in bed.”
He left the room and Deana stood rooted to the spot. Her need for him had not dissipated. She felt like a teenager after a first kiss, standing with her hand over the still pounding organ in her chest, listening to the blood rushing to her head.
Sebastian remembered where Joey’s room was because the boy had shown it to him the first time he’d come over to the house. Now he entered into this private domain. The room was neat for an almost nine-year-old boy. He had an extensive collection of die cast vehicles and action figures. Joey was already in bed when Sebastian entered the room. He had a copy of the Hardy Boys Mysteries on his sheets. Sebastian took up the book and motioned Joey over a little further in the bed. He rested on the edge and opened the book.
“Do I start from the front?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes, it’s a new book. I usually follow along with mom in the nights. She runs her fingers along the words so I can see them. But you don’t have to do that.”
“It’s no problem.”
“Sebastian, are you staying with us tonight?”
“No, I think your mom needs some time alone.”
“Oh, because she said if you were dating you could stay over some times. Are you dating?”
“I hope so,” Sebastian said. “How do you feel about that?” “Is this a trick question?” Joey asked.
“No. Why?”
“Because my mom asked me the same thing when I spoke to her
earlier,” Joey said. “I don’t care, as along as you are my friend and you don’t hurt her.”
“Did someone hurt your mom before?”
“Yes, my father. But she doesn’t talk about it.”
“How do you know?” Sebastian asked.
“Because she doesn’t talk about him. I’ve never met him. I bet he was a perfect jerk. If I knew where he lived, I would toilet paper his house for sure.” “Did you ask your mom about him?”
“Once, but now I don’t care. I get to do all the cool stuff anyway. Plus, if I need a dad, Trevor’s dad will fill in. Then it’s like Trevor and I are brothers with different mothers. It’s weird but cool.”
“I see. Perhaps we should start reading this book before your mom wonders what’s going on.”
“Mom likes you,” Joey said.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. She never lets anyone else read to me. And no man, besides Trevor’s dad, has ever been over this late.”
“And how do you feel about that?” Sebastian asked.
“I don’t know.”
“What do you think about me kissing your mom?”
“On the lips?” Joey asked.
“Uh-hmm.”
“Gross!” Joey said. “But if you want to swap germs that’s fine.”
“You know I like you, Joey, and not because I’m dating your mom. I think you’re a great kid. Your mother is lucky to have you.”
“You should tell her that. Maybe I can go to bed at ten instead of nine during the week.”
“I don’t know,” Sebastian said. “Your mom’s a pretty tough cookie. Now let’s get started on that story.”
A half hour later, Sebastian joined her in the kitchen. Deana was already through her third cup of tea and half way through her third rearrangement of the budget. She motioned to the warm kettle still on the stove and the set of teacup and saucer waiting on the kitchen counter.
“Help yourself,” she said. “I think I almost have this.”
Sebastian poured the tea and joined her at the table just as she started putting the papers away.
“You don’t have to stop on my account,” he said.
“I think I have it wrapped up.” He watched as she sipped her tea and absently rubbed the back of her neck. He found this gesture sexy. Her neck was fully exposed and ready to be nibbled. He restrained himself. He didn’t work his way into her apparent good graces to screw up.
“I know Joey enjoyed his evening, how about you?” Sebastian asked. “It turned out better than I expected, though I have so little in common with Stacey or Bridget.”
“Bridget’s a mom like you and Stacey is almost there. You don’t have to be friends with them. I just wanted you to meet them, get to know them and give Joey some play time with Britne
y. I’ve know Jaime and Mack all my life. It’s important that you know them.”
“So when I met you on that Wednesday night it was boys’ night out?”
“Yeah, some thing like that. We like to give the women their space every now and then. When Joey’s older, he’ll join us. I’ll be the first of the three with a boy. I’ll get that for you.” He couldn’t resist rubbing her neck any longer. He got up and kneaded her shoulders. He felt the sudden tension in her as his hands touched her, but then she relaxed a little and started enjoying the experience.
To Deana, Sebastian’s hands were like fire touching her. He was an expert, rubbing just hard enough, then soft enough to have her swooning. It was desire she felt for him. Most men, either ducked out at her temper, or chickened out at the thought of immediate fatherhood. Sebastian had done neither.
That’s what scared her. She couldn’t get tied up with Sebastian because of Joey. It was hard enough raising a son alone, but exposing him to a short romantic interlude then yanking him back to the reality that all they had was each other, was cruel. She could not put her son through this. Already he thought of Sebastian as a friend. Maybe it was her fault falling for those mysterious blue eyes and wide smile.
“I think it is my bed time.” She stood up.
“Then it’s my cue to go. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“No, I’ll be busy.”
“Okay.” He sensed the slight mood swing in her. It was not the time to press her.
Deana walked him to the front door. From the corner of her eyes, she spotted something unusual. A dark car was parked in the driveway of the empty house she was buying. On first glance, it would seem like an ordinary car in a driveway, but she knew the house was empty and this was no ordinary car, it was a Cadillac. From here she couldn’t miss the broad smooth design of the front. She knew Caddies because she hated them. Her mother had driven a Cadillac all of Deana’s life—at least when she was with her. When Simone announced ‘I’m getting a new car’, one could not lose a bet it would be a Caddy.
A chill crept up her spine. She’d seen this Cadillac somewhere before, but not on this street, somewhere else. In the waxing moonlight, she couldn’t tell if it was empty, or what the color was. She had the strangest thought that something evil and wicked lay in wait in that car. And it wasn’t waiting for just anybody, it waiting for her.