Tony looked at the paper and then at his departing hostess. Maybe she was right. But, he reasoned, if Renata had wanted him—needed him—she would have called. Wouldn’t she? What did women want anyway? He wished he knew. He grabbed the paper and whacked himself on the head. Maybe if he did that a few more times, he’d understand. Lord, help me, he prayed.
* * *
Renata had a busy Saturday morning. Back to back appointments would net some nice commissions over the months ahead. She enjoyed getting to meet new people in this venue and find ways to enhance their ability to achieve their long-term dreams. She had been busy, and it wasn’t until the bank closed its doors at noon that she finally looked at her cell phone and saw a text message sent several hours before. From Tony.
Join me for lunch today at De Lucas? 1?
She felt bad. She had missed the text.
I’ll be there.
She realized, due to a busy lunch hour, he probably wouldn’t get the message until she arrived. Renata hurried home, changed out of her work clothes and drove up to Germantown to De Luca’s. She walked in right at one. The hostess did not expect her. Renata asked her to send a private message to Tony. She wrote it on a slip of paper.
I’m here. Ren.
* * *
Tony had been frustrated at not connecting with Renata. It wasn’t like her not to return a text, and he hoped that meant she was having a busy morning at work. When Tanya brought in the little slip of paper, he smiled. He whipped off his apron and left his father in charge of the kitchen. He checked his phone. Sure enough, she’d responded, but several hours later. It didn’t matter. She was here now.
Tony came out to greet her, rolling down the sleeves on the dressier shirt he had pulled over the t-shirt that was his usual attire when he was cooking in the hot kitchen. He saw her before she saw him, and it struck him how petite she was. She astounded him when she turned, saw him, and her blue eyes lit up in recognition. Tony surged forward, took her elbow, and led her to a spot by a window overlooking the pond and gazebo. He pulled out her chair and helped her sit before taking the chair across from her. He wanted to stare. She had come. He had neglected her, and she was still here.
She smiled at him, and her eyes twinkled. “You know, Tony, they say garlic is an aphrodisiac.”
Tony laughed. “Only to you, Renata. I’ve never had any woman tell me they liked the way I smelled after hours in a hot kitchen.”
“Well, those women must have olfactory issues. The sense of smell is vital to the ability to enjoy the flavors of food.”
“True. Well, I won’t complain if you like me smelling like garlic. It’s a significant part of my daily life, so I’ll have to make it part of my new criteria when I look for a wife.”
“A non-negotiable one, I’d think. You could have a wife who doesn’t cook or do many other things. But if she doesn’t love the smell of garlic, she could never appreciate you fully as a man.” She blushed and looked down at her hands that had taken up flipping the cloth napkin in front of her. Tony thought she was adorable, and all he wanted was to make her happy…somehow.
“Renata, I can’t believe you came. That you are sitting here flirting with me. Smiling at me. I felt like a heel when Stephanie showed me that article late last night. I failed you as a friend, not being there for you.”
She raised her eyes to meet his as she set the napkin aside and put her hands in her lap. “What could you have done, Tony? What could anyone have done? I’ve had so many people contacting me, wanting to talk to me, to hear my story...that it makes me want to scream. Police. Bank Officers. Ugh! Dan and Sharon had me over last night, and it was refreshing to not have to relive the nightmare one more time.”
“I wish I’d known.”
“If I had texted you Thursday night to let you know what had happened, what would you have done?”
“I would have come to you.”
“And done what?”
“I don’t know. Be there. Give you a hug and reassure myself you were okay.”
“Maybe I should have texted you. A hug would have been nice. If they would have even let you near the scene.”
At that point, the waitress came to the table bringing several platters of food. Spaghetti with huge meatballs, lasagna, angel hair pasta with pesto, and seasoned crusted chicken. She set two empty platters, one in front of each of them, and filled their glasses with ice water.
“I don’t have to order?”
“No, I knew you loved the pesto, but figured you might like to try some other things as well. Our classics, as it were.”
“You cooked them all?”
“With the help of my dad.” Tony helped get her plate filled with the treats and helped himself.
“You eat Italian as well as cook it?” she asked as she twirled her fork against a spoon filled with noodles and red sauce.
“It’s one of my favorites, but I will confess to liking Mexican, Thai, and Chinese food as well.”
“Me too. I have to admit, though, this is delicious.” Renata helped herself to a mouthful of spaghetti, and Tony laughed as she slurped her last noodle. She grinned. He reached across the table with his napkin to wipe sauce off her chin. For a moment, they both became still at the contact.
Tony pulled the napkin back, placed it slowly on his lap, and applied himself to his food. It had been a busy workday for the Saturday lunch hour, and he was hungry. Often he didn’t get a chance to eat at all on the busiest days. Touching Renata had given him a hunger for more than food.
“Let me tell you what happened Thursday night—” Renata shared her adventure.
CHAPTER NINE
October was a busy month. Renata and Tony spent time bowling with the group from church, amidst much laughter. The Packers won against the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns, but Renata missed both games due to outings with Stephanie and other girlfriends. Tony and Renata only saw each other at church on Sunday and the Thursday night groups.
It was late in the month when Renata got the call at work.
“Is this Miss Renata Hennison Blake?” asked a man with a brusque voice.
“Yes, this is she. May I ask who is calling?”
“Aaron Colter, your attorney. You hired me.”
“Yes. Of course. How can I help you, Aaron?”
“I’m calling regarding your sexual assault case against Bryan Torquist.”
“Hold on a second. I need to go close my office door.” Renata got up and locked it to ensure no interruptions, and closed the blinds to the lobby for extra privacy. “I think I’m ready, Mr. Colter.”
“As you know, we were due to go to court next week for a preliminary hearing in your case. Unfortunately, events have transpired that have made it unnecessary.”
“Could you speak plainly? Am I to understand they cancelled the court date? Why?”
“Correct. This morning they found Mr. Torquist dead in his cell. Cause of death is yet unknown, but suicide is suspected.”
Renata dropped the phone. Bryan is dead? She bent to pick up the receiver. “I’m sorry, you said he committed suicide last night?”
“Sometime between three and five this morning when the guards checked on him.”
Renata took a deep breath. “Where does that leave us?”
“It terminates the case. There will be no trial, although I will advocate for you for victim’s compensation.”
“That is unnecessary. There were other woman more damaged by him and in need of it than I.”
“You are gracious, Miss Blake, but it is automatic with the court. You will receive the check in a few weeks. You can decide at that time how you’d like to use it. It’s been a pleasure serving you. I’m glad you don’t have to go to court against him. These cases are especially difficult for women, and he wasn’t going to make it easy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Colter. I assume that within a few weeks I’ll receive your bill for your work on my behalf?”
“I’ve have already been compensated. If
you ever need legal representation again, please do not hesitate to call our office.”
“But, who?”
“I cannot violate the donor’s privacy. Have a good day, Ms. Blake.”
Renata hung up the phone, stunned. This would crush Tony. Bryan had been his best friend. They’d never reconciled. She looked at her watch. It was Wednesday morning. He might still be at his accountability group. She grabbed her coat and purse, clocked out, and told the manager she had an emergency and would be back by noon. She hopped in her truck and took off for Menomonee Falls.
The trip was only about ten minutes from the Northridge Mall area, but there was a frustrating amount of traffic on the road. She could not think of the restaurant’s name, but remembered where Tony had said it was located. This was not information she wanted to convey to him over the phone and was grateful he would have close friends with him.
Renata peeled into the parking lot and was relieved to see Tony’s car. He was still there. She jumped out and made her way to the doors.
* * *
“Tony, Renata is here.” Nick nudged him.
The men all turned to look. Renata had spied them in the corner booth and, waving aside the waitress, made her way across the restaurant to their table.
How did he get so lucky? She was gorgeous.
“I’m sorry to barge in on you.” She looked at the older gentleman and extended her right hand. “You must be Simon. I’ve heard wonderful things about you. It is nice to finally put a face to the name.” Simon shook her hand as Tony slid over to make room for her in the booth.
“What brings you here?” Tony asked for all of them.
“I have news that needed to be shared in person.”
“Good news or bad news?” asked Simon.
“Bad in some ways. Good in others.”
“Well, let’s hear it.” Dan spoke.
Renata turned to look at Tony and took a deep breath. “I got a call from my attorney today. The good news is that my court date is cancelled.”
Tony smiled. “That’s great! You don’t have to testify. What happened to bring that about?”
Renata clasped Tony’s hand. He watched her bite her lip before continuing. “The bad news is they found Bryan dead in his cell this morning. Apparent suicide, but I have no other details. I’m sorry, Tony.”
Tony sat back against the booth cushion, stunned. All the air left his lungs, and he shook his head. Bryan dead? He closed his eyes and tried to breathe. The table fell silent. Renata squeezed his hand. He looked into her face and saw the concern in her eyes. “Thanks for coming to tell me.” He shook his head. “I hated him for what he did to you and all those other women—how could I have not known he was the kind of person who would do that?”
“But he’d been your best friend for years.” Dan spoke up. “That makes for a complicated grief.”
Tony nodded. His jaw clenched, and the tiny muscle moved back and forth on the side. If he kept it up, he’d have a headache before long. Renata put her hand on his knee. He swallowed and looked at her.
“I’m sorry, Tony. I thought you should hear it from a friend, and I’m glad you have these men with you to help you process it.” She moved as if to rise. Tony reached for her.
“What about you? Who will help you?”
“I hadn’t thought that far. My first and only thought was for you, Tony. I grieve for you. I’ll worry about myself later. I’m free, and Bryan has been judged by the King of the Universe. I’ve avoided a nasty court case. I’m angry over what he did, but I would never have wished him dead. I’ll be okay, Tony. But will you?” Renata stood up, leaned over, and planted a kiss on the top of his head. “I have to return to the bank. I’ll be praying for you. It was a pleasure to meet all of you.” She left as quickly as she had come. He watched her go. His angel of mercy. His bearer of bad news.
Bryan. Dead. It was almost too foreign a concept to believe.
The table was silent for a few minutes.
“I’m sorry, too, Tony,” said Nick.
“I’m impressed by your girl, Tony. She has class,” said Simon.
Tony managed a nod. He knew he needed to cry, but the tears wouldn’t come. But cry for who? For Bryan’s lost soul? For fifteen years of friendship that ended on a September night when he had to choose between his best friend and this remarkable young woman? For Bryan’s family who had lost so much? For the betrayal that linked Bryan and Stacy? That justice here on earth was never served? For the wounds to a young woman whom he had failed to protect? He swallowed hard and pushed his plate away. He was no longer hungry.
Dan reached for him. “Let’s pray about this. I think it’s going to take time for all this to be dealt with, and we don’t have to solve anything now.” He placed his hand on Tony’s arm, and the men bent over the table in prayer.
* * *
Thursday, a day later, was cold and rainy. The young adults group was having a costume party. Renata had been to Bartz’s Party Store the previous weekend to find the right costume. She had no clue what Tony would go as, and they were going to meet at the party, keeping their costumes a secret. She hoped he would still come. She had not spoken to him since yesterday’s visit to share the bad news about Bryan.
Renata left work early to prepare, using some of her comp time. She dressed with care, and Gabby had come over to help arrange her hair in an intricate updo. She was dressed as an exquisite princess with a tiara in her hair and fake diamonds dangling from her ears. She thought about Tony and wondered how he was dealing with the death of his friend. The funeral was Tuesday, but she wouldn’t go. She didn’t grieve for the man nor find anything to celebrate in his life.
“You look delicious, Renata. A princess extraordinaire,” Gabby cooed in praise.
“Not the most original costume, but I’ve never felt this beautiful.” Renata looked in the full-length mirror in the bathroom and let her free-flowing gown swish around her legs. It had a dropped waist and was a rich mulberry velvet. Gabby had accented her eyes with a deep burgundy color, which made them look even bigger. Her tiara had a train that came down wispily behind her back in a pale blush pink.
“Now all you need is a knight in shining armor,” Gabby suggested.
“No white horse. I’m allergic to them.”
“The white or the horses?” Gabby asked, and Renata laughed.
“This Cinderella needs to take off for the ball before she turns into a pumpkin.”
“You are driving a pumpkin in that ugly truck of yours.”
“Okay, the transformation is not complete. Fairy Godmother, please work your magic.”
“Sorry, my skills have already been maxed out. Before you leave, let’s get a picture of you. Where’s your camera?”
Gabby took pictures and dropped the camera into the small purse Renata carried. “Take pictures. I want to see how Tony looks. He hasn’t said anything to anyone about his costume.”
“Aren’t you coming, too? What are you going as?”
“I am attending, but my costume goes on easy. Not telling, you’ll have to wait and see. The sitter will be at the house soon. I should hurry home. I’ll see you at the castle.” Gabby grabbed her purse and coat and ran out the door.
Renata looked in the mirror again. She felt beautiful. She had lied though. Only once before had she experienced this...when she had a baby growing inside her. Her hand sat against her flat stomach. She shook her head.
This is not the time to mourn. You need to go, laugh, and enjoy life.
She grabbed her coat and took off in her rusty, red pickup truck.
Renata arrived to find a variety of costumes represented. There was a good turnout. Renata had put a mask on over her eyes and nose to help conceal her identity and make it harder for Tony to find her. Not everyone was secretive. Pastor Dan and Sharon had come as salt and pepper shakers and looked adorable. Renata snapped a picture of them. The rule was the costumes could not be overtly sexual, evil, or creepy. Good clean fun.
Gabby and her husband came dressed as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. Paul, being taller, was Tigger, and he put a lot of bounce into his steps. There were police officers and nurses, clowns and firefighters. There were a few princesses, but from different eras, and one Southern Belle. Finally someone has found a use for an old bridesmaid dress, thought Renata. But where is Tony? There was a knight, but she knew it wasn’t him. She saw Julia Child and Sponge Bob Square Pants. A camel made up of a husband and wife brought many laughs as they kept running into each other. Someone had managed to finagle one of the Milwaukee Brewer brat costumes as well. But no Tony.
She turned around and saw him saunter in as The Man in Black. The Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride. Did he know it was one of her favorite movies? His friend, Chris, stood next to him dressed as Inigo Montoya. No Andre the Giant though, but she had to admit that would have been a hard one to pull off. Renata pretended not to see him and wandered around the large room, cooling herself with her fan. Her dress had more décolletage than she normally wore, and the fashion of the dress made her look larger on top than what she was accustomed to. She was uncomfortable with some of the glances from men and began to second-guess her choice of costume. Women in 2009 wore their tops much lower than what she had on but still, she felt exposed. She used her fan to help cover up the modest expanse of flesh.
The Man in Black, sword and all, bowed before her. “Beautiful maiden, I give you good eve.”
“La, sir, you should not be speaking to me without an introduction.” She closed her fan with a snap.
“A pirate needs no introduction. But since you require one, The Dread Pirate Roberts at your service, ma’am.” Tony gave a cheeky grin and, through his mask, she could see his brown eyes twinkle.
“The pleasure is mine, I’m sure.” She dipped a curtsy.
“And to whom do I have the pleasure of greeting?”
“Why, Princess Buttercup, of course.” She had not intended to imbue her character with a name, but since he was there as Roberts, who else could she be?
“Would my lady desire a glass of punch?”
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