“You’ve been quiet. Have you made up your mind what to do?”
“Kind of. A plan is starting to form. I don’t know if he’ll go along with it. I’ll try to catch him alone today and start talking about it -- see if he’s willing to hear my opinion on the matter.”
“If he’s a smart man he’ll listen to you. Most of the time your ideas are right on the mark.” Lester smiled, leaning over and giving his wife a kiss.
Emma allowed him a kiss and then pulled back. “Why are you being so nice today? Are you having trouble finding that special Christmas present, and you’re hoping to get on my good side, so I’ll tell you what to buy? You know I hate to do that.”
“I know, but how is a husband supposed to know what to get his wife, if she won’t even give him a hint of what she wants?”
“I’ve told you a thousand times, that I don’t care what you get me. Just get me something from your heart.”
“That’s not helping.” Lester shook his head and straightened behind the wheel.
“Okay, okay.” Emma tapped her finger on her chin. “If you want a hint, then here you go. You don’t have to get anything expensive, but you can look around for a brooch. I don’t care what it has on it, but I love pins. I don’t care for jewelry most of the time. It just gets in the way. But a nice brooch would work.”
“A pin. I can do that.” Lester smiled. “Now get in there and save the day.”
Emma laughed, “I wish I had your faith in my abilities. I’ll be happy if I don’t manage to make matters worse.”
Chapter 34
Humility Over Pride
“Where are you off too?” Lillian walked into the entryway just in time to see Addison heading out the front door. Her daughter closed the door and turned to face her.
“I need to go out and do a little shopping. I’ve called a cab. He’ll be here any minute. I’ll have my cell phone. I’ll call you later in the day and see what you need me to pick up. I know we’ll need some things for Christmas dinner.”
“Good. At least you’re not trying to talk me out of cooking.” Lillian walked over and gave Addison a quick hug.
“I know better than to do such a thing, but I have to go. Make a list and I’ll pick up anything you need. I’ll call you around one, so have the list ready.”
“It’s barely nine. You must have a lot of shopping to do.” Lillian stepped back as Addison opened the front door.
“I’ve got several things to get today. If you need to go out, I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”
“No, I’m fine, just the groceries, and you can handle that. I’ll check and see what’s in the kitchen that we can use.”
Addison laughed and kept her tone low. “I’d check the dates. I don’t thing Celia is much of a cook.”
“Good suggestion. Do you need money? I can get—”
“No. I’m fine, just get the list together. Talk later.” Addison hurried out the door, pulling it closed behind her. Lillian went to the kitchen to start making the list.
She’d found pen and paper the day before so she dug into the drawer next to the stove and started making a list. She started looking through the cabinets and found some things she could use, but not a lot. The list began to grow, and she wondered if this was a mistake.
She'd had no idea when she offered to cook for the family that she’d have to fill the kitchen cupboards to do so. She sat down at the table and began to look at all of the things she would need. It was going to take a lot of items, and some of the spices and such would more than likely never be used again.
Bowing her head in prayer for just a moment, she had to wonder if it was more pride than anything that was causing her to want to prepare the Christmas meal. It wasn’t right to come into her son’s house and try to take over.
She needed to show humility rather than pride. She would only hammer the wedge between herself and Celia deeper if she forced this issue. She prayed for patience. Sitting at the table, she let her mind meditate on being a kind guest instead of an unruly intruder. As she raised her head, finishing with a silent amen, Celia walked in.
“'Morning, Mrs. Taylor,” Celia said in a cool manner. Lillian nodded and though she would hate herself later, she decided that it would be the best for all concerned, even her son, to back down. She folded the list of things she would need and when Celia moved to where she could look her in the eye she spoke.
“I’ve decided that you were right, having the dinner catered will be a much easier process for everyone. I may prepare a desert of two, but I’m relinquishing all cooking duties back over to you. It will be a nice change to just sit back and enjoy dinner rather than being the one to prepare it.
Lillian smiled. She was surprised how at ease she felt. It also seemed to be a good move because Celia smiled, sitting down at the table to join her.
“I think that’s a great idea. It will give us all more time to visit and enjoy the each other’s company. I know I need to learn how to cook, and be a better wife, but that can come in time.”
“It will. Practice makes perfect.” Lillian forced a smile. She didn’t care for Celia, but she could put on a good front. After all, if her son was going to marry this woman, she did need to learn to at least tolerate her. “When will your family be arriving?”
“The traveling arrangements have changed again and all of my family will be arriving Saturday. That will give us all time to get to know each other. If you prefer to eat in, we can have something brought in, or we can make dinner reservations.”
Lillian inwardly sighed. She had no idea that agreeing to allow Celia to cater Christmas dinner would mean someone else would prepare every meal. “How about we eat out tonight, and then having something simple tomorrow like lasagna and salads? I’ll have Addison pick some things up while she’s out.”
Celia seemed so relieved about Christmas dinner and the other meals that she jumped at the compromise. “Sounds great. I’ll have Martin make some reservations for around seven.” She rose, grabbed her coffee, and after putting it in a to-go cup she turned. “I have to run for a few hours, but I’ll be back in plenty of time to be ready for dinner. Have a good day.”
“You, too.” Lillian gave a little wave and when she heard the door close she looked at the empty kitchen. “Does anyone ever just stay home?”
“I don’t think so.” One of the maids said as she entered the room from a back hallway. “I seldom see any people in this huge house.”
“Ah, you’re Randi, right?” Lillian smiled, happy to see a friendly face.
“That’s me. How are you enjoying your stay?” The maid went to the sink, washed her hands, and then came to stand facing Lillian.
“I’m doing okay. It would be nice to see my son, though. Have you seen him this morning?”
Randi laughed. “I think I mentioned to you that I’ve been working here several days, and I’ve not met Mr. Taylor yet.”
“I knew he was busy, but I had no idea how busy!” Lillian shrugged.
“It is a huge house. Speaking of which, are you finding everything you need? Can I get something for you? Fix you a bite to eat?”
“You can cook?” Lillian smiled.
“Why, of course. I could mix you up an omelet, or bacon and eggs. There is also oatmeal, and dry cereal with fruit.”
“I don’t mind cooking. Just point me in the right direction.”
“Are you trying to get me fired?” Randi smiled. “Just tell me what you’d like and sit back and relax, or read the paper.”
“If my son fires you because I cooked my own meals, just point him in my direction. You can help, if you want. I’ll take an omelet, so find me a frying pan and get some cheese, ham, peppers, onions and tomato, and I’ll start chopping.”
Chapter 35
Teacher
Even though Lillian Taylor assured her no trouble would come from her cooking her own meals, Randi was relieved when the nice lady was out on the veranda enjoying an iced tea. Thankfully, Lillian at least
allowed her to wash the dishes, though she did protest.
Randi assured her she was getting paid well to keep things looking good, so finally Lillian had left to do some reading. Two hours later she returned, fixed another glass of iced tea, and headed outdoors to call her husband.
It was nice to see, and know, that after so many years of marriage two people could still be that much in love. Though she’d not met Lillian’s husband Ethan, Randi could guess he too would be as smitten with his wife, as his wife was with him.
If Mr. Taylor was anything like his parents, he would be, indeed, a catch for some lucky lady. Then again, if he was so special why had Celia been having a thing with the handsome chauffer, Mike?
Randi looked up from working on Bandit’s medicine. She was slipping. Here she’d kissed Mike twice, and she didn’t even know his last name.
This is what she got for being so judgmental with her old school chum, Becca. It didn’t pay to gossip about others, that was for sure. How many times had she talked to her mother about Becca, running her down for her dating habits?
Well, not any longer. The first thing she would say to Mike when she saw him, was, "By the way, what’s your last name?" She also wouldn’t bother to tell anyone else how blatantly unconcerned she’d been to learn more about a man that she’d allowed to kiss her.
Allowed, she laughed. That wasn’t the right word. After all, it wasn’t like he’d pushed himself on her. She’d been just as eager for all of the times he’d kissed her as he seemed to be. She shook her head. She didn’t want to think about how any of this would look or sound to her parents.
When the front door came open, signaling with a small beep, Randi turned. She was about to go give Bandit his next dose of antibiotics. She stuffed the pill and a piece of bologna into her apron, not sure who it would be. She sighed when she spotted Emma. “I don’t mean to sound bossy, but where have you been?”
“That’s a good question. As my husband dropped me off this morning, I met Celia on her way out. She said the catering was back on, and she wanted me to go down in person and re-activate the order."
“I guess you found your car keys on the table.”
“Yes, and then I turned around and went downtown. The caterers weren’t happy, but with some smiles and promises, they relented.”
Randi kept her voice low and glanced out into the rest of the house. “I talked to Lillian earlier, Mrs. Taylor, I mean. She decided it would be best to let Celia run the show. I could tell it wasn’t easy for her to make that choice.”
“I’d say not, but I think it might be best, and before anyone else comes in, how’s our patient?”
“Oh he’s so sweet, and still sleepy, but I think by the evening he’ll be wanting to romp around. I slipped him out for a bathroom break early this morning. He and Lady were so happy to see each other. She wasn’t happy either when I brought him back in the house. I had a time getting in without her.”
Emma laughed and set her purse on the table. “They are a pair. I know we talked about this some. Are you thinking about taking them? They’re not really in the way, but if Celia ever sees them, I’m afraid she’d call the pound.”
“I don’t doubt she would.” Randi’s brow furrowed, but then she smiled. “I’m going to talk to mom about it. I mentioned it this morning in passing that I’d like to have a pet. You know, kind of lowering the boom slowly.”
“That’s a good plan. I’d love to take them, but I’m not home enough. I hope she’ll let you take them. If not, I’ll do all I can to keep them from going to the pound.”
Randi was about to speak when the phone rang. Emma picked up the phone, but seconds later turned to Randi. “Do you know where Mrs. Taylor is? This is her daughter.”
“Sure, she was on the veranda a few minutes ago. I’ll take her the phone.” Randi reached out.
“It’s muted, and thanks. By the way, do you know what everyone’s doing for dinner?”
“Yes, they’re going out, and the rest of Celia’s family will be here Saturday. Tomorrow Lillian is cooking dinner, Lasagna and salads.”
Randi found Mrs. Taylor and gave her the cordless phone. She was turning to leave but Lillian whispered, “This won’t take but a moment. Have a seat.”
The phone call didn’t take long and consisted of Lillian telling her daughter what to pick up at the store. When she was about done, she looked up to Randi. “I’m forgetting something, but what?”
“Bread and dessert?” Randi offered.
Lillian laughed, talking to her daughter. “That’s just what Randi said. Get some cake flour too, if you can find it, and everything to make my strawberry pound cake. Yes, I think that’s it. Talk later, bye now.” Lillian turned the phone off and laid it on the table.
“I hope she doesn’t forget anything, Addison’s been off in her own world of late. I’ve been trying to get her to help me finish my Christmas shopping for the last week, and her mind is somewhere else. I’m afraid it has something to do with her boyfriend.”
“That happens to the best of us,” Randi smiled, feeling out of place sitting at a table when she should be working. She didn’t rise, not wanting to offend Lillian, “Would you like some more tea, or a snack before dinner?”
Lillian leaned on the table, shaking her head. “No, but I have a question. I have a few things I’d like picked up from the store. I hate to ask but could you get a couple of last minute gifts for Addison? I can give you cash.”
“I can do that but I’ll have to ask Emma if I can use her car.”
“That would be wonderful. I don’t drive, and if I did I wouldn’t dare try to go downtown here. Later in the day I’ll get you the list and the money, and thanks, dear. I’ll be sure and tell Martin you’ve been very helpful.”
Randi smiled and rose from the table. “Thanks, I appreciate that.” She walked away, thinking that this whole party was going to be said and done and she wasn’t even going to get to lay eyes on Martin Taylor.
Chapter 36
Celia
“I told you she would be late.” Addison glanced at her watch then up the stairs, then back to her mother.
“You were right, but we must be polite,” Lillian admonished.
“I will be, but I don’t have to like it. She’s taking her sweet time on purpose. I know she’d rather be doing anything than joining us for dinner. This is going to be a long holiday.”
“I’m afraid you’re right about that, and I expected this. Martin’s talked about her being late and a bit spoiled.”
“A bit?” Addison scoffed.
“Okay, a lot.”
“And inconsiderate.” Addison let out a breath and crossed her arms. “We managed to be on time. She’s thirty minutes late. If she’s not here in—”
“Finally, she’s coming.” Lillian whispered as she turned away from the stairs and toward Addison, and brushed away imaginary lint from her daughter's sleeve. She didn’t want it to seem too much as if they’d been there terribly long, waiting.
They had both dressed well tonight, Addison wearing a white pants suit with a green blouse, and she wearing a conservative gray skirt and jacket, with a maroon blouse. Addison sill faced the steps.
Lillian wondered what Celia would wear, and from the look on her daughter's face, it must have been a bit shocking. Lillian was known for her tact. Addison wasn’t. When her daughter raised a brow and shook her head slightly, then turned to take something from her purse, Lillian wasn’t sure she wanted to turn and greet Celia.
She turned to find Celia coming down the steps. She was wearing a silky-looking black dress with a low cut front, and a slit up the side. She managed not to stare or look shocked. What was she thinking when she picked that dress?
Lillian forced a smile. The black dress spoke of desperation, not of a night out with one’s future mother-in-law. This is going to be a long night. She wanted to tell Celia she looked nice, but that would be a lie. You’re late and you look a bit desperate, is what she wanted to say.
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Instead she kept the smile on her face and finally thought of something to say. “Did you call a cab, dear?”
“Yes, he should be out front any minute.” Celia said, flashing her own forced smile.
“Good, then we’ll step out and wait for him. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, Martin's used to my being late. It’s good to keep them waiting now and then.”
Celia stepped forward, opened the door and went out. She didn’t hold the door for them to go first. Addison held the door with one hand and gestured for her mother to step out.
Things did not improve on the ride to town. It wasn’t just a cab, but a limousine. It was crazy to spend this kind of money just to take a ride into town. It was hard for her to think about anything but what this ride was costing her son. Thankfully, Addison was able to at least try to carry on a conversation with Celia.
“Is Martin working on anything now?”
“Not so you’d notice. He’s been reading some script but that’s all. It can take months to get a part in a movie. I keep telling him to try to get a part on one of these sitcoms, or one of the crime dramas.”
“I suppose steady work would be better.”
“That’s what I tell him all the time. Take a part, any part. He could invest in the market more, or in real estate.”
Lillian wanted to ask Celia if she was thinking about getting a job, but she knew from what Martin had said, that Celia was not job-hunting, nor would she be. Celia’s parents were not rich, but it was easy to see she knew how to spend money just the same.
*****
Martin sat at the restaurant waiting for the three women in his life to walk through the door. The fourth woman, the only one he really wanted to see at the moment, wasn’t invited. He leaned back, thinking about Randi. He couldn’t keep the smile from his lips.
She is something else, and I can’t wait for more. Did I ever feel this way about Celia? He doubted it. It just wasn’t the same. He couldn’t think of anything but Randi. Every waking moment of the day, something would bring her to his mind. No, it was never like that with Celia.
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