by Nancy Hopper
Tasha smiled prettily.
“You and Deb went to school together, right?” Doug asked politely.
“Yes. Before college. Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I am dying to get in the water and cool off.” Tasha sighed. “Anybody want to come along?”
“I was going to introduce you to everyone, Tasha.” Deb protested.
“Oh, later. That can wait. I must cool off. Is there any beer, I hope?” she asked.
“No. No beer with this crowd.” Deb answered woodenly.
“Oh. Well, then, I’ll see you in a little while.” Tasha waved her fingers and bounded off into the waves.
Doug and Debora’s eyes met a trifle sadly. “Doug, I’m so sorry! I told her to come tomorrow! I never dreamed she‘d crash on our last day together!”
“I know that, honey. It’s all right. There will be many, many other afternoons.” he chuckled.
Deb blushed. “I know, but ...”
“Don’t worry about it. We’ll just make the best of it.” he assured her.
Debora sighed. “Tasha can be kind of impulsive, and self-centered. You’re very sweet to be so kind to her.” She watched Tasha floating around in the water, splashing glittering droplets of water into the air. “Oh, no.” Deb groaned.
“What?” Doug replied.
“There goes Jim Phillips. Tasha will zero in on him like a shark.”
“Deb!” Doug chastised, laughing.
“No, I’m serious! There she goes, she’s looking him over. There! I told you, she’s going in for the kill! Tasha has no reservations when it comes to men, Douglas. Please, promise me that you'll keep her at arm’s length.”
Doug’s smile showed how much affection he felt for the lovely girl beside him. “You have nothing to worry about on that score, precious.” he assured her with a chuckle.
“I’m glad to hear it. She’s persistent. And she’s gorgeous, of course.”
“Often an unpleasant combination. She seems awfully spoiled.” Doug commented sorrowfully.
“Her father’s a monster. He’s always indulging her to keep her out of his hair. She’s actually a nice girl. At least, she could be. She’s a terrific snob in many ways, and she has a definite selfish side, but ...”
Doug snorted. “But what? I think that says it all, doesn’t it?”
“No, it really doesn’t.” Deb argued. “I just have this hope for Tasha. I don’t know what it is. I love her, despite her ways. I just really wanted her here this summer.”
“Well; I’ll be praying for you, Sweetheart.” he said with a chuckle. “I think you’ll need it.”
Debora couldn’t stop the tears that filled her eyes. ”A whole year! Doug, I don’t think I can stand it!”
“I know it seems like forever. But I have to go, Deb. When I come back, I plan to spend every minute with you. From then on.” he said quietly. Debora couldn’t mistake the promise in his eyes and voice. “Trust, honey. You’ve got to trust.” he said gently.
“I do. But I’ll miss you so unbearably.” she whispered miserably.
Gary Taylor watched the couple from his office window far above the beach. He had to smile. Doug was the best thing that had ever happened to Deb.
Deb’s childhood sweetheart had recently dumped her, and instead had married a girl he met while overseas in the Army. Deb had been devastated. She’d been planning to marry Devon and have kids, since the age of six.
Then, Doug had gently moved in, and pulled her up by the bootstraps. He convinced her she didn’t have to be crushed, and took her out on a regular basis, just to talk and be a companion for her. He’d waited months before asking her out on a real date, and making his true interest known. He knew she was confused and vulnerable, and he wanted her to be fully able to commit to him.
Doug had confided to Gary that he’d been waiting for years for Devon to mess up. He had loved Deb for a long, long time, and he knew Devon wasn’t serious about her. It seemed that Devon had a big mouth when it came to girls, and loved to brag of his exploits.
Gary shook his head. He had to admit that Doug had surprised him; but he wasn’t sorry. Not at all. Doug Wright was ten times the man Devon Young was.
Gary’s eye caught Tasha’s lithe young figure as she splashed up onto the beach. His face grew stern as he watched Jim Phillips follow at a leisurely pace. Tasha caught Jim by the hand and snuggled up close to whisper in his ear, her green eyes wide and childlike. Jim ducked his head, embarrassed, and listened intently to what she had to say.
Gary’s lips compressed to a thin line, making his jaw muscles jump. Jim was too unsteady to handle a creature like Tasha, and not end up going through the shredder. He’d recently come out of a drastic drug dependency. An influence like Tasha could easily cause him to revert to his comfort zone. He’d work hard to seek her admiration and if she decided to kick him somewhere along the line ... Gary shuddered just thinking about it.
She was just the kind of girl who could ruin Jim. Gary knew it in his heart. He’d spent too many long hours holding Jim’s hand and listening to him go crazy through his narcotic withdrawals, to let him go back down the toilet just because Tasha wanted a new plaything.
Tasha swung her long mane of black hair playfully, scattering drops of water over the two of them. Jim blushed deeper and smiled at her tentatively. He’d never seemed shy before. Tasha obviously captivated him.
The thought made Gary shiver. He sighed, and watched Jim put an arm around Tasha’s shoulders as they walked away down the beach. His eyes burned with resentment as he realized he was going to have to deal with the shrew, whether he liked it or not. For Jim’s sake, if not his own.
He went down the hall to the restroom, and passed Tasha’s room. A strong perfume smell caught his attention. His eyes drifted through the open door just long enough to glimpse Deb’s brand new dress lying in a crumpled heap in the middle of the floor.
Debora wiped tears from her cheeks. “Mama, it’s all wrinkled and it has her perfume on it! I don’t have time to wash it! And Doug picked out that dress himself, especially for me to wear tonight.”
“Debora, I’ll see that it’s hand-washed and dried while you clean up. It’ll be ready when you are.” Ruth promised.
“How am I supposed to go out tonight without feeling guilty for leaving her here?” Deb wailed.
“Well, she didn’t consider your feelings or your agenda when she showed up here early. She will just have to understand that you had a prior engagement.”
“Oh, Mama. I can’t handle this, not with Doug leaving tomorrow, too.”
“You can, Deb. Stop it now, you’re going to be fine. Hold to the good things, and don't let the bad be overwhelming. Everything will work itself out. You just go get yourself ready, now.”
Debora smiled weakly and trudged upstairs to shower. She felt decidedly better afterward, and managed to have her hair done and her make-up half on before Tasha awoke from her nap.
But the moment Tasha was awake, she descended upon Deb. “What lovely copper shadow, Deb! And this light peach is perfect! Wow, let me try it.”
“Oh, Tash. I’m really in a hurry. Let me get done, and then you can have at it, okay?”
But Tasha already had the tiny compact in her hand, and was bent over before the mirror, obstructing Debora’s view.
A masculine hand clamped down on Tasha’s forearm heavily. “You weren’t listening, Tasha.” Gary said forcefully. “What did Deb just say?”
Tasha reddened, and tried to pull her arm away from his grasp. “Oh, I don’t know. Who cares? Something about hurrying. You let go of me this minute!” she huffed.
Gary’s eyebrow cocked dangerously and his blue eyes warned Tasha that perhaps she’d better tread lightly. “Be a good little girl and give it back to Debora.” he said in a cold, calm voice.
“Really! Who do you think you are? You can’t order me around!”
“Do it, Tasha.” he ordered in a growl.
Petulantly, she dropped the compact
into Deb’s hand and was rewarded by the immediate release of her arm.
“Here’s your dress, honey, fresh as ever!” Ruth panted, rushing into the room. “Oh!” she cried, stopping short at the sight of Gary and Tasha by Deb’s vanity, glaring at one another, tension snapping in the air. “I hope I’m not interrupting.” she murmured carefully.
“Not at all, Mother. Thank you for going to all this trouble for me. And you even pressed it! Mum, you’re the greatest!” Deb assured her mother tenderly, tears springing to her eyes again.
“My pleasure, sweetheart. Now, you’d better get a move on. You don’t want to keep Doug waiting.”
“What’s all the fuss?” Tasha asked with a bright, innocent smile.
Deb whirled, holding her new dress against her body protectively. “Oh, Tash; Doug and I have a date tonight. You know, he’s leaving in the morning, and I won’t see him for a whole year. That’s why I’d planned on having you come tomorrow. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to leave you here alone, tonight. It can’t be helped. I hope you’ll understand.”
“Oh.” Tasha said simply. “Sure, no problem. I’ll find something fun to do tonight. I’ll call that cute Jim Phillips and...”
“Jim’s busy tonight.” Gary cut in smoothly, but he was very firm. “You wouldn’t be able to reach him.”
“So what am I supposed to do?” she snapped at him.
“I’m sure Ruth will need your help with dinner and dishes.” he offered. “And after that’s done, I’m going to take a walk on the beach. You’re welcome to come along, if you’d like.”
Tasha closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, communicating to all of them that she’d try to endure the boredom of it. “How nice. I’ll be thrilled.” she said expressively. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll take a bath.”
Ruth scuttled out to find a towel for her, and Tasha sailed out on her heels, leaving Deb and Gary to grin at one another.
“Oh, Gary. You’re the best.” she said softly. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” he chuckled.
“I doubt that!” Deb whispered. “I hope she doesn’t drive you crazy.”
“She’ll have her work cut out for her if that’s her intention.” Gary threatened. “I am certain we are going to have a lovely evening together. You go, and don’t worry about a thing. I can handle Miss Tasha Charles with one arm tied behind my back.”
Deb looked doubtful. “Don’t underestimate her, Gary. Not ever.” she warned quietly.
Gary grinned at her. “Okay. Thanks for the warning. Don’t worry, though. Everything will work out fine.”
He left Deb to change into her freshly prepared dress. She came downstairs ten minutes later looking smashing, and she was just in time to hear Doug pull into the drive.
From her comfortable position in the bathtub, Tasha could hear Deb’s happy voice saying goodbye, and the slam of the front door closing behind her. “Huh.” she muttered dismissively.
As Gary suspected she would, Tasha lingered in the bath until nearly dinner time. She arrived in the kitchen wearing a very soft chiffon dress of light blue. Combs set with Sapphires held her heavy hair away from her lovely face.
“What can I do to help you, Ruth?” she asked hesitantly.
“Oh, nothing, dear. There’s nothing more to be done, just the gravy to take up. You go sit down.”
“You can set the table.” Gary informed her pleasantly. He put the silver in her hand before she could say ‘jack rabbit’. How he’d snuck up on her so quietly, she’d never know. When she’d done that task and returned to the kitchen, she found that he was waiting to load her up with glasses, napkins, salt and pepper, butter, gravy, and all the food to carry to the table.
When she finally sat down, Gary smiled at her from across the table. The corners of his mouth turned up a little too sharply for her liking. “Thanks for the help, Tasha. It was nice of you to offer.” he commended.
Knowing there was nothing she could say to put him in his place, Tasha held her silence; but she did a slow burn all through the meal. She’d get him back! She owed it to herself!
The odious man gloated all through dinner, and paid her absolutely no attention. She glared at him regularly, but he didn’t seem to notice. At last it was over, but when she stood up, she found his heavy hand on her arm again.
“Tasha, if you’ll clear the table, I’ll wash the dishes.” he offered congenially.
“Are you crazy? Clear the ... ” she snapped. She shut her mouth when the grip on her arm became brutally painful. She glared up into his hateful, mocking eyes with malice so hot he couldn’t help but feel it.
It was unspeakable! How could the man expect her to do manual labor like some scullery maid? Didn’t he know who she was? Still, Ruth said nothing in her defense. It seemed to be expected of her to go along with this oaf. She stifled her wrath, and smiled coldly. “Of course.” she agreed through clenched teeth.
Not only was she expected to clear, but the demon gave her a towel, when she was done with that endless task! He told her to dry the dishes. Lips tight, she did what she was told; and vowed she’d leave in the morning and burn his house down under him.
Oddly enough, her saucy wit was absent during the stint of hard work. She chalked it up to exhaustion. “Do you do this every night?” she finally asked tightly.
“No. Actually, this is the first time since I got home from the hospital. You must have inspired me.” he teased lightly.
“I’m sure.” she grumbled under her breath. Oh, how she despised him! “So what’s wrong with you?” she asked in a bored voice. It was obviously up to her to be civil. This simpleton wasn’t going to speak, unless she did.
“I beg your pardon?” he asked evenly.
“Your surgery. What was that all about?” she asked coldly.
“It was colon cancer.” he said calmly.
Shock settled into her stomach. She couldn’t have heard right. “You?” she asked incredulously. “No way! You’re so ... young.”
He actually smiled at her. “I suppose I am. But I’m afraid that cancer is no respecter of persons.”
“Aren’t you afraid? Or did they get it all?” she blurted thoughtlessly.
“I’m not afraid, no. And they did catch it quite early, so there’s a good chance it’s all gone, and for good.”
“I’d be so terrified!” she said dramatically.
“You never know until you’re tried, Tasha. You’d be amazed at the strengths you have inside you. When you’re faced with such things, you find you can handle most anything. You kind of have to.”
“Not me. I’d just die.” she insisted.
“Not if you’re lucky.” Gary chuckled.
She blushed, realizing what she’d just said. “Well, you know what I mean.” she muttered.
“Do you still want to go for a walk? It’s a nice night.” Gary suggested.
Tasha stared up into his friendly eyes in amazement and with great suspicion. “But the dishes ... ”
“Are all done.” Gary finished. “I’ll help you dry these last few plates, and then we’re free to go.”
“Oh.” she said in puzzlement. Looking at the counter, she saw that it was so. She had no idea how they’d got done so quickly.
It was a very strange sensation to wipe plates side by side with a man like Gary Taylor. No man she’d ever known would have been caught dead washing dishes, but he didn’t seem to mind at all.
When the last plate was done, he caught her hands in his, and stared down into her eyes. “Thanks for all the help, Tasha. I appreciated it more than you know, and Ruth did, too. She really needed the break.”
His eyes fell to her long nails, now chipped and broken. “Looks like your hands took a beating.” he observed regretfully. “I’m sorry.”
“Hot water is their worst enemy.” she mumbled evasively. What is he up to? Why is he being so nice, all of a sudden? she wondered suspiciously. It was terribly uncomfortable, being so close to the man. She p
ulled her hands away from his. For a moment, it seemed like he wasn’t going to release her; then he let go. For some reason, the encounter left her heart fluttering convulsively. She wouldn’t look at him, but she felt his penetrating blue eyes boring holes through her, just the same.
“You’d better change into something more casual for the beach.” Gary suggested quietly.
She nodded, and dashed upstairs without meeting his eyes. She found herself agonizing over what to wear. She finally decided on a pair of white shorts and a white knit sport top to match, and put a Navy blue sweater with white piping on, over it. She had white leather tennis shoes that would be perfect to go with. When she was ready, she made a slow, stately descent down the stairs. It would never do to have that man thinking she was rushing around to go anywhere with him.
He was patiently waiting on the deck for her, looking out at the ocean. He turned with a pleasant smile when he heard her come through the door.
Oh, he was puzzling! Tasha was beginning to see that Gary Taylor could be a very pleasant companion when he wanted to be. His nice moments had her really wanting to be on his good side. He was so absolutely wonderful for those brief spells.
But when he was out of sorts, he was simply awful! Why couldn’t he just stay hateful, and let it go at that? She felt horribly off balance and extremely mistrustful of him.
His eyes twinkled mirthfully as he offered her his arm. Tasha gave him a wily, suspicious look, and took it hesitantly. Silently, they walked down the steps and started across the sand.
Tasha breathed deeply, and smiled involuntarily. It was so good to be away from college, on the beach enjoying peace and quiet. The thought surprised her; she’d never needed to seek solitude before.
“Feeling better?” Gary asked gently.
“Yes.” she sighed gratefully. “I simply dread being stuck inside a stuffy house on a summer evening.”
“Me, too.” Gary admitted. “Perhaps we can make a habit of this. If you can tolerate my company, that is.”
Tasha’s heart quickened triumphantly. He was attracted to her! He had as much as admitted it! She took the bit in her teeth and ran with it.