On Any Given Sundae
Page 19
“Remember that day when we were in third grade together and you loaned me your very best pencil and we talked and talked all through the art project?” He looked up at her with bright, expectant eyes.
She smiled slightly. “You talked and talked. I listened. But, yeah, I remember.”
“Good, because I thought you were the most wonderful creature to walk the planet that day.” He took her hands in his and they were shaking. Not her hands, but his. “I still think that.”
Okay, this was going differently than she’d expected. Better, but way, way differently.
“Um, thanks,” she said.
“You’re welcome.” He paused. “All right. Let me try this again. Remember how I said that I couldn’t imagine having a whole houseful of kids? That I thought this was a really strange female thing and that Tony’s ability to procreate little Gabinarris was way beyond me?”
She remembered.
“Well, I’ve kind of changed my mind.”
Her heart did a weird little tap dance. She squinted at him. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. Not a lot of them, mind you, but I could handle one or maybe even two…I think. Especially if they’re half as sweet as their mother.”
He didn’t give her even five seconds to process this before he said, “And you know how I was really glad to leave Wilmington Bay and live in the big city far away from my dear mama who was trying so desperately to marry me off?”
She remembered that, too.
“Well, to be honest, that part is still kind of up for grabs. So, I wanted to know…” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper he quickly unfolded. “Are you afraid of flying?” he read from the list.
She shook her head. She’d done it a few times and, while not exactly her favorite pastime, she wasn’t too scared.
“Good. Are you in any way opposed to leaving Wilmington Bay for a week or two every few months? Perhaps an occasional spontaneous weekend away every now and again?”
“No, but why—”
“Super. Moving on then. Could you be happy being the mother of, say, only two children instead of four?”
A happy premonition she couldn’t name began to spread inside her like chocolate frosting on a hot peanut-butter bar, but she kept a straight face. “Well, that all depends on who the father is, Rob. Now why are you—”
“I’m getting there. Are you uncomfortable having these children with a man who’s not as smart as you are?”
“Rob!”
“Well?”
Now her hands were trembling, too. “I would only share my body with a man I considered both very clever and extremely kindhearted. Period.”
He looked pleased with her answer. “Okay, then. Last question. Will you marry me, Elizabeth?”
“No,” she said without hesitation and watched his expression fall. “Not Elizabeth. It’s Lizzy to you.” She smiled her sweetest smile at him. “Try it again.”
He recovered after a few deep breaths and shot her a dangerous look. “So, Lizzy, will you marry me?”
“Oh, yes, Roberto,” she said, again without hesitation. “I’m yours forever.”
“Damn right,” he muttered, pulling her into his arms and pressing his mouth hard against hers. “And don’t you forget it.”
“With you,” she whispered, “I never forget anything.”
He hugged her tight. “Elizabeth, I love you, and only you. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, and you’ve had a piece of my heart ever since you were a shy five-year-old. I don’t ever want to be without you.”
She looked into those warm eyes of his and saw sincerity there—an incredible, almost inconceivable truth. And she knew if a thousand women as pretty and tenacious as Tara Welles threw themselves at him it wouldn’t matter. As long as he loved her, she didn’t have a thing to fear. Rob’s loyalty to those he loved beat like a drum in his chest.
She kissed him back even harder. When they came up for air, she finally got to ask, “Now, what’s all this about flying?”
“Oh, I’m planning to turn over management of the Chicago branch of The Playbook to the capable hands of Miguel who, along with his new assistant—this Greek-American guy named Nick—” he paused to raise a cocky brow, “are taking the patrons by storm with a bunch of sticky new desserts and some spinach appetizer thing.”
She grinned. Nick’s brother Jason would be so proud.
“And I decided to start a second restaurant out in northern California, in a hot spot I’d heard from a reliable source was just incredible.”
“Mendocino?” she said, almost gasping out the four syllables.
“Yep. That’s the place,” he said, making a show of feigning indifference. She wanted to kiss and strangle him at the same time. “It’ll need to be checked up on, though,” he added. “We may need to fly out there a few weekends a month to make sure it’s running smoothly—especially in the beginning.” Then he gave her a serious look. “So, do you think you’re up for it?”
“I do,” she told him. And she was.
***
Across town, Siegfried Finklehooper and Pauly Carrera were reviewing their books at the shop.
“They did a great job,” Pauly said, noting the increase in profits over the past two months.
Siegfried read over his shoulder. “Well, we knew they would.”
The two men looked at each other and laughed. “Those two kids have been meant for each other for twenty years,” Pauly said, patting his belly and grinning at his longtime friend and business partner. “That European idea was inspired, Siegfried. I thought so. Anita thought so. Even Alessandra thought so. She couldn’t believe we’d found a way to hook Roberto.”
“Ah, well, your sister has a bright son. I know my Liebling will be very happy with him. He’s already brought about wonderful changes in her.”
“Think they’ll be pleased with their engagement gift?” Pauly said, still grinning.
“How could they not adore it?” Siegfried said, handing the other man a card that read: Congratulations, Rob and Elizabeth! Tutti-Frutti is yours with love… Your Uncles.
####
About the Author:
Marilyn Brant has been told she writes with honesty, liveliness and wit (descriptors she's grown terribly fond of) about complex, intelligent women -- like her friends -- and their significant personal relationships. Although her favorite pursuits undoubtedly involve books, she proves she's not just a literary snob by confessing her lifelong fascination (read: obsession) with popular music, especially from the '70s and '80s, most flavors of ice cream and a variety of sensuous body lotions/oils.
Marilyn is the award-winning women's fiction author of ACCORDING TO JANE (2009), FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE (2010) and A SUMMER IN EUROPE (coming November 29, 2011), all from Kensington Books. She also writes fun and flirty romantic comedies that involve sweet treats and large doses of humor. Her novel ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE was released on ebook in June 2011. Look for more of Marilyn’s original ebook exclusives in 2012.
As a former teacher, library staff member, freelance magazine writer and national book reviewer, Marilyn has spent much of her life lost in literature. Her debut novel, ACCORDING TO JANE, featuring "the ghost of Jane Austen giving a young woman dating advice," won the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart Award, and it was selected as one of the “Top 100 Romance Novels of All Time” by Buzzle.com. And her second novel, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, was a Doubleday and Book-of-the-Month Club pick.
She currently lives in the Chicago suburbs with her family. When she isn't rereading Jane's books or watching old movies, she's working on her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
About Marilyn’s Other Novels:
ACCORDING TO JANE
In Marilyn Brant's smart, wildly inventive debut, one woman in search of herself receives advice from the ultimate expert in matters of the heart...
It begins one day in sophomore English clas
s, just as Ellie Barnett's teacher is assigning Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet "tsk" of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who's teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author's ghost has taken up residence in Ellie's mind, and seems determined to stay there.
Jane's wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the trauma of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go, but Jane's counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.
Still, everyone has something to learn about love--perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie's head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond all she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending...
PRAISE:
“A warm, witty and charmingly original story.” -- Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A charming book.” -- Family Circle Magazine
“Brant infuses her sweetly romantic and delightfully clever tale with just the right dash of Austen-esque wit.” -- Chicago Tribune
“What an unexpected, uplifting, and urbane debut novel! …Subtly powerful and amusingly acerbic, you will be gently reproved into agreeing in the power of love to transform us all.” -- Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose and editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It
“Fresh, original, and lots of fun.” -- Barnes & Noble Review
FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE
Every woman remembers her firsts: Her first kiss. Her first lover. And her first time contemplating an affair...
Each Friday morning at the Indigo Moon Café, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara meet to swap stories about marriage, kids and work. But one day, spurred by recent e-mails from her college ex, Jennifer poses questions they've never faced before. What if they all married the wrong man? What if they're living the wrong life? And what would happen if, just once, they gave in to temptation...
Soon each woman is second-guessing the choices she's made -- and the ones she can unmake -- as she becomes aware of new opportunities around every corner, from attentive colleagues and sexy neighbors to flirtatious past lovers. And as fantasies blur with real life, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara begin to realize how little they know about each other, their marriages and themselves, and how much there is to gain--and lose--when you step outside the rules.
PRAISE:
“Marilyn Brant’s sophomore effort is a brilliant character study of three very different women each asking the question we all wonder about sooner or later: did we make the right choices during our journey and if not, what steps do we need to take in order to live our best life?” -- Manchester Books Examiner
“Emotionally packed, it’s hard to put down… What intrigued me most was this book was as much about friendship as it was about what goes on behind the closed doors of marriage. Does anyone really know someone? Do we even know ourselves? Will we have the courage to go after what we want when presented with the options? …A highly recommended women’s fiction read.” -- Kelly Moran, award-winning author and reviewer
“Marilyn Brant masterfully writes on the intricacy of female friendship in a carefully crafted, entertaining and yet philosophical look at love, marriage and family…Fans of women's fiction shouldn't miss this novel full of wonderful insights into our friendship and family, people and topics always at the forefront of our minds. I was so pleased with the way this one turned out and highly recommend it and Brant's debut novel, ACCORDING TO JANE.” -- Megan Snider, Write Meg reviewer
“Readers will sympathize with women who feel stuck in their lives and don’t know what to do next…” -- Romantic Times BOOKreviews
A SUMMER IN EUROPE
Brant transports readers across the pond on a grand journey of self-awakening amidst the classic architecture and stunning vistas of Europe...
On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives and unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand tour of Europe in the company of Bea's Sudoku and Mahjongg Club. The prospect isn't entirely appealing. But when the gift she is expecting -- an engagement ring from her boyfriend -- doesn't materialize, Gwen decides to go.
At first, Gwen approaches the trip as if it's the math homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the bougainvillea and beauty of southern Italy, something changes. Gwen begins to live in the moment -- skipping down stone staircases in Capri, running her fingers over a glacier in view of the Matterhorn, racing through the Louvre and taste-testing pastries, wine and gelato. Reveling in every new experience -- especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor -- Gwen discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within...
PRAISE:
“How I wish I were on this European tour with Marilyn Brant's winsome, wonderful characters. I loved every minute of this delightful novel, from the breathtaking sights to the deliciously described food to the thrilling new experiences.” -- Melissa Senate, bestselling author of The Love Goddess’ Cooking School and See Jane Date
“A SUMMER IN EUROPE is Brant's best book yet. A thinking woman's love story, it swept me away to breathtaking places with a cast of endearing characters I won't soon forget. Bravissima!” -- Susan McBride, author of Little Black Dress and The Cougar Club
“Reading a Marilyn Brant book is like eating a piece of rich chocolate -- it gets you excited, it’s deliciously satisfying, and it leaves a smile on your face after you’ve finished it!” -- Simone Elkeles, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series
Connect with Marilyn Online:
Website: http://www.marilynbrant.com
Blog: http://marilynbrant.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marilyn.brant
Twitter: http://twitter.com/marilynbrant
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marilynbrant
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN