Sam’s father was a prosperous banker and had been adored by local townspeople for his willingness to lend his financial advice, especially if they hadn’t qualified for a loan. He had done well for himself and his family over the years, and when he passed away, he’d made good on his promise to take care of his wife forever.
Ida had never worked, and would never have to as long as she lived. Sam thought she had too much time on her hands. Maybe if she had a real job, she wouldn’t butt into his personal life.
He brought in the last of his mother’s suitcases and put them at the base of the stairwell.
“Mariella, I really appreciate you letting Ida stay in your home. As you know, my place is too small.”
She raised a brow as she counted the luggage. “Only nine? Are you sure she’s only visiting and not moving in?”
“Knowing my mother, it’s anyone’s guess. But I’m praying it’s just a visit.”
And a short one, he thought, for both of our sakes.
Ida claimed she’d decided on the spur of the moment to take a two-week mini vacation in the States. He hoped her travels included another destination besides Bay Point.
His mother was mum on her plans, and when Ida wanted to keep a secret, no one could coax it out of her.
A piece of gossip, however? All she needed was a willing ear.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t convince her to stay at the Horizon, and Maisie’s was booked.”
“She wants to treat my home like a bed-and-breakfast. She offered me money for her stay.”
“Take it,” he advised her. “If you refuse, you’ll never hear the end of it, and nor will I.”
He suspected the only reason his mother left her beloved country was to convince him to come back with her. But it was one of those situations where if he asked her, it would start a conversation—or an argument—that he didn’t want to have, so it was better to stay quiet.
“It’s no problem. The guest room is available and I’m happy to help as long as I can.”
He understood Mariella’s reluctance to commit to a time frame. She had a busy life with her son. The last game of the regular season was tomorrow and the playoffs would begin. And after that, who knew where life would lead either of them?
Sam wiped his hands on his navy blue athletic pants.
“Do you want me to bring the bags up to her room? It’s right next to your room, right?”
He had an ulterior motive besides helping his mother. He had never seen Mariella’s bedroom, and probably never would, so was hoping to get a peek inside. He wanted to feel close to her, and getting a look at where she laid her head down at night and got dressed in the morning would help.
“No, while you were outside and I showed her to her room, she told me to not disturb her. Don’t worry about her suitcases. Josh will get those when he gets home.”
Sam shrugged his shoulders. “Okay. I guess tell her to call me when she gets up.”
He followed Mariella to the back door, noting the graceful sway in her walk. Was she purposefully trying to entice him when she knew he couldn’t do anything about it?
“Sam? I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why is she here? You never mentioned she’d be visiting.”
“Because I didn’t know. But if I had to guess she’s here to check out where I’ve been living for the past few months and who I’ve been hanging out with.”
Mariella got quiet. “We were doing a lot more than hanging out.”
Sam took her hand in his. “I miss those times very much.”
“I do, too,” she admitted. “But they brought us more trouble than we needed. Now that it’s over, both of our lives will be calmer now.”
He opened the door, turned and kissed her on the top of her forehead.
“You mean boring and unexciting, right?”
“I mean calm,” she replied firmly. “Let’s just keep it that way, okay?”
Mariella gave him a playful shove and shut the door.
“Keep dreaming, babe,” Sam muttered under his breath as he pulled out of the driveway.
He knew he would never stop dreaming about her.
* * *
Mariella stood by the oven and glanced over at the woman who had stayed with her for the past two weeks. She felt as though she was being watched and evaluated on everything. From her housekeeping and cooking skills to the way she raised her son.
Not outwardly, or in any way that would be obvious to anyone but her. Ida had been nothing but polite, sometimes overly so, but expected to be waited on hand and foot.
“More tea, Mrs. Kelly? I can boil some more hot water, if you’d like.”
Ida shook her head. “Even though your tea-making skills have improved since I got here, I must decline.”
Mariella frowned inwardly. Ida had a way of saying no that made her feel guilty. She rinsed the breakfast dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. Josh had already left for school and she had to get to work.
Today she had a couple of interviews at City Hall so she was wearing her gray pantsuit. She purchased a new white silk tank to go under it and added a small string of pearls.
Ida eased her thin frame out of her chair and placed the teacup and saucer on the counter. Dressed in taupe wool pants, an ivory blouse and a red cardigan sweater, Ida appeared comfortable and elegant.
“Henry is picking me up soon. We’re going to San Francisco for the day.”
She gave her a sideways smile. “How nice. Another buying trip?”
Sam’s mother had purchased a number of antiques during her stay, some of which were stored in her garage, leaving little room for her own car.
Ida laughed, unaware at the offhanded dig, or maybe she just didn’t care, Mariella surmised.
“No, just sightseeing today. But you never know, the best finds are the unexpected ones.”
“True,” she replied as she put the orange juice back into the refrigerator.
But she wasn’t talking about antiques.
Meeting Sam had been completely unexpected. She hadn’t known he would walk into the gift shop, and she certainly hadn’t expected to fall in love with him.
“Will you be back in time for dinner?”
“Doubtful,” Ida said.
Mariella frowned. Sam had been eating dinner with them every night, so she had gotten used to spending time with him, even if it was only as a friend.
At first, it was difficult as she was so used to cooking for just her and Josh. But as the days went on, she got better at it. It helped that Sam and his mother were appreciative and noticed her efforts.
Sometimes Sam picked up Ida and took her to breakfast. On those occasions, she was lucky enough to see him twice.
But most days, he would arrive with Josh after soccer practice, and soon after they would all have dinner together. It was almost like they were a family. She would miss that feeling when Ida went home, and Sam had no reason to come around.
Only because I won’t let him, she said to herself, knowing the reason she was keeping her distance was because she wanted to lessen the pain she would feel once he was gone for good.
“Josh forgot his jacket again,” Ida commented, pointing to where it was slung over a kitchen chair.
Like her, Josh initially wasn’t pleased with their sudden guest. It had just been the two of them in the house for years, so having to share it with someone else was difficult for the both of them.
Oddly, Ida had grown on the boy, and they seemed to enjoy each other’s company. She was teaching him how to play chess and he liked to ask her questions about her travels throughout Europe and Asia. He seemed enthralled with her stories.
She hung the forgotten garment on the coatrack in the mudroom. “Don’t worry, Ida. He always keeps a second one in his locker.”
“Has he decided on what college he w
ill attend?”
Mariella shook her head. “Since he decided against early decision, we won’t hear until March which ones have accepted him.” She sighed heavily. “It’s going to be so hard to let him go.”
Ida leaned against the counter. “I know, but you will. That’s what mums like us have to do. I remember the day when I dropped Sam off at university. I cried all the way home, and the next day, too. But then I realized that in order for Sam to grow into a man, he had to fill his own larder and flap his own wings.”
“Was he always as independent as he is now?”
“Yes, after my husband died, he had to be. I know he felt an obligation to take care of me, as any good son would, but I do hope he knows I’d never want to be a burden to him.”
Mariella raised a brow, surprised she had something in common with Ida.
“Sometimes I’m afraid Josh will feel the same way.”
She filled her travel mug with coffee. “Maybe that’s why you and he get along so well. You understand him in a way most adults would not.”
Ida nodded, watching her. “I’ve learned how to let go. Something I think you may need to get better at.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, not believing Ida one bit. If she had no problem letting go of her son, then why was she here watching his every move?
“I see the way you look at Sam when he is here for dinner. And I see the way Sam looks at you. You’re both crazy about each other. The question is what are you going to do about it?”
Was this a trick? Mariella thought, looping her purse over her shoulder. She hoped Ida would take the hint. If she didn’t leave soon, she would be late for work.
“Sam and I have agreed that pursuing a relationship would not be in the best interest of either of us.”
Ida tsk-tsked. “I know you don’t want my opinion, but I think you’re both being naive.”
Mariella nearly dropped her coffee, not expecting that kind of remark. “You do? Why?”
“I admit, when I first arrived I was extremely skeptical of you. I thought you would detract from his career. Plus, I didn’t want Sam to be involved with someone who already had a teenage son.”
“Just because I’m over thirty doesn’t mean I can’t have any more children, Ida,” she huffed. “Women are waiting longer and longer to have kids these days.”
“I know, and I realize now how selfish I was being. Josh is a wonderful young man. You’ve done a great job with him,” Ida added.
“And what about Sam?” Mariella asked, curious now about her opinion.
“I know my son. Sam is obviously very fond of you, and if you’re both smart, you won’t ruin a chance for love that you both might not ever find again.”
Mariella jangled her keys in her hand. “It sounds like you’ve just given your blessing. I appreciate it, but unfortunately, this is not your decision to make.”
She sighed heavily. “I know, but a mother should have some say in who her son should be with, and I’m just saying I hope Sam chooses you.”
Mariella smiled and hugged her. “Does your son know you’re trying to be a matchmaker?”
Ida put her finger to her lips. “Let’s just keep it our little secret.”
* * *
Sam pressed Mariella’s front doorbell and waited, flowers in hand. With a grimace he realized that given what he’d learned in the past few hours, he wasn’t sure if there was anything to celebrate. Still, he’d gone home and put on a clean, white shirt and blue jeans, no tie, rather than stay in his coaching outfit, so he’d look his best for her.
If Mariella was home, he knew she would be alone. Last night at dinner, he’d overheard Josh reminding her he would be at a friend’s house today. His mother was off on another buying trip with Henry Wexler.
She opened the door, her face beaming. It was going to be hard to pretend he didn’t know the reason why.
“Hi, beautiful. These are for you.”
He handed her a beautiful bouquet of deep pink tulips and yellow daffodils, and then gathered her into his arms.
She lowered her nose into the flowers. “Hmm...smells like spring. What’s the special occasion?”
Her hair was tied up, and she was casually dressed in a white T-shirt with a gold sunflower on it and mustard-colored jeans.
“Time alone with you,” he said, kissing her tenderly.
It had been beyond wonderful to be able to spend every night with her over the past two weeks. Even though she wasn’t in his bed at the time, at least she was in his presence. He’d been able to look at her, talk with her, over her delicious meals. It felt like they were a real couple, and he liked it.
“That is always something to celebrate,” she murmured against his lips. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’m here now,” he said, but his last word hung in the air, like the last apple on a tree.
Mariella nudged him away with her shoulder, pulled him inside and shut the door.
“You’ll never believe what happened.”
“Try me,” he said, playing along.
He took the flowers, and got what Mariella called her “everyday” vase, from the cupboard underneath the kitchen sink. She used the modest plastic as a holding vessel until she had time to transfer and arrange the stems into one of the other vases she had scattered throughout her house.
“I ran into Maisie Barnell, and she told me your mother actually paid her for a room, but declined to sleep in it. She’s had a room available this entire time.”
This was news to him, and he was appalled. He shook his head. “And I believed her when she told me the B & B was full. I’m sorry, Mariella.”
He finished filling the vase with water, and she began to drop the stems into it.
“Don’t be. I admit, I was mad at first. I felt like I’d been duped. But she and Josh are getting along so well, I don’t feel it’s necessary to mention I know.”
Sam wiped his hands on a towel. “That’s why I—”
He stopped short of saying the word love, even though he knew deep down that was what he felt. But his feelings didn’t matter now.
“That’s why I admire you,” he finished. “You have the ability to overlook the imposition of others. My mother did a very dishonest thing.”
“We both know she just wanted to learn more about me, and what better way than to board in my home?”
He stayed quiet until she had put the last stem in the vase. “At least one thing good came out of it. We got to be together more.”
“Yeah, under your mother’s watchful eye.”
His heart clenched and they shared a brief embrace.
“I also have some good news,” Mariella continued, motioning to him to follow her into the living room.
He chanced draping his arm around her on the couch, grateful when she let it remain on her shoulders, and snuggled closer.
“As you know, I’ve been interviewing, but haven’t had much luck. Gregory hinted yesterday that he was going to create a new role just for me. It will be centered around grant writing, as well as managing any new citywide project initiatives.”
Sam leaned his head back, not sure if he should ruin the moment, but the words slipped out before he could cinch them in.
“I know. I heard.”
She turned and braced her left shoulder against the sofa. “You did? How?”
“Gregory was at the flower shop when I picked up the bouquet I had ordered from Vanessa. He told me about his conversation with you, and asked me to convince you to take the job.”
Her tone sounded confused. “I never told him or anyone else about our relationship. I wonder why he felt he had to tell you?”
Sam patted her knee, knowing how much she valued her privacy. “Don’t blame the mayor. It was my fault. He asked me who the flowers were for, and I told him they were for you. Maybe he
thought you told me at soccer practice. I’m sorry.”
“That makes sense. He knows I’m working on the artificial turf project and that you’ve been involved in some of the meetings.”
She gave him a tentative smile, but he could tell she was eager to hear more of their conversation.
“Did he say anything else?”
He nodded. “You’re the hardest worker he’s ever known, the most qualified and you’ve had more input on the revitalization of Bay Point than most people knew.”
Mariella dropped her chin, and he saw liquid swimming in her eyes.
“Hey,” he said, lifting her chin with the tip of one finger. “I thought this would make you happy. Why the tears?”
She swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “It just feels so nice to be recognized. Even though there were some aspects of my job I really didn’t like, I always gave one hundred percent.”
“I told the mayor I would use all my persuasive powers to convince you to take the position.”
He planted a trail of kisses down her neck behind her ear, enjoying her scent. “How am I doing so far?”
“I already decided I would take it, Sam.”
She giggled, pushing him away again. “Before you started kissing me.”
He wanted to laugh, but he couldn’t.
“Gregory also let me know he got approval from city council to create a recreation board and he wants me to lead it.”
He saw hope flare in her eyes. “And what did you say?”
“I turned him down.”
“Why, Sam?”
“I’ve faced the fact that I’ll never play professional soccer again, not because I can’t, but I do need a change. I accepted the coaching job in England.”
He took her hands in his and stared into her eyes, but the light he saw in them before was gone, and all that remained was pain.
“The contract is signed, Mariella.”
She frowned, slipping her hands away. “But I thought you were thinking about staying here. You’ve said as much many times over dinner. Or was that just a ploy to keep your mother, and me, on our toes?”
He shook his head. “I actually spoke to my agent a day or two after our conversation in the conference room. When you told me you were dead-set against moving to England and that you were tired of my indecision.”
Winning Her Holiday Love Page 18