Maid for Martin

by Samantha Lovern

  She took in a deep breath and entered through the garage, ready to put the best foot forward that she could for Lillian and Addison. She’d showered, changed, and was ready to face her troubles head on.

  She walked up the steps and reached for the door, but found it open just a bit. She was about to step inside when she heard something which got her full attention.

  Instead of going in she paused, listening. The voices were hushed, but since the people talking were in the kitchen, she didn’t have any trouble understanding what was being said.

  “I did not raise that young man to act like this! He knows better than to cheat and lie.”

  “You don’t know if he’s cheating, and we don’t really know he’s lied about anything.”

  Celia’s brow furrowed. She stepped back, not wanting them to know she was there so she could hear more. The first person had been Lillian and the second Addison. Their voices were carrying down the hall and through the small open crack in the door.

  She looked at her Van. Where she was parked, even if they looked out the kitchen window, they wouldn’t see her. They obviously hadn’t watched her drive up. When the talking began again, her mind focused on what the women were saying.

  “Don’t take up for your brother when you know he’s wrong. That won’t help him. He needs to come clean with both of these women, and then work on figuring out who he wants to be with.”

  “He wants Randi, and she wants him. Martin just doesn’t want to hurt Celia or disrupt this party.”

  Celia could hear a shuffling of feet as someone tossed something into the trashcans by the garage door. Randi? Where had she heard that name? The maid! Her mind roared. He’s cheating on me with a maid?

  The voice closest to her spoke again. She calmed her mind and listened. “How can he know what Randi wants? She doesn’t even know he’s Martin Taylor. She thinks he’s the limo driver. He’s lying to both of these women, and it’s not right. I don’t know how he’s gotten away with it for this long. Both women. In the same house. He’s lost his mind.”

  Celia had heard all she needed, and reached out for the door. She wanted to just barge in there and tell them both what she thought about Martin Taylor. She all but had her hand on the knob, when she stopped, a huge smile coming to her red lips.

  No, there was a better way to take care of this situation. Barging in and letting the Taylor women find out she’d overheard them wasn’t the best plan. An idea was forming. She would teach Martin a lesson, and get Randi the maid out of her hair for good.

  Chapter 42

  To Tell The Truth

  Bandit and Lady seemed to be adjusting to their new home. Emma leaned on the fence, watching them play. She turned to Randi and smiled. “I think they’ll be fine for a few days.”

  “I talked to my mother this morning. She said after Christmas she’d get dad to work on the fence so the dogs could stay in their yard. I was surprised that she said yes. I think she’s feeling guilty for all of the years that I couldn’t have pets.”

  “Are you sure you want to take both of them?” Emma straightened and looked down at the dog hair on her shirt. “They are going to shed like crazy.”

  “I noticed. I’ve been doing some reading about that. Fish oil is supposed to keep the shedding down. I hope it works, because I want to keep them inside at night.”

  “I don’t know, but bathing will help too, or brushing.” Emma turned, looking at her watch. “I need to change clothes and then we can head back. I got a text from Celia to meet her at the house around one-thirty. I can tell from her text that she’s worried something will go wrong.”

  “We better head back then. I’ll go wait in the car.” Randi turned and walked back to the car. Emma paused, thinking once again that this would be the perfect chance to talk to Randi, but she lost her nerve. It isn’t my place.

  As she changed clothes she thought back to the occasions when she’d tried to talk to Martin about what was going on, but not once had it worked out. Every time, someone would come in, the phone would ring, or something else had stopped her from bringing up the subject.

  Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be for her to get in the middle of this. So far no one had gotten hurt, and from what she’d heard Randi and Martin weren’t having sex.

  Normally, Emma wouldn’t ask anyone so many questions about their relationship, but she just had to know what the man was up to. Several times around the house she’d found the time to talk to Randi about Mike.

  It seemed they were kind of dating, and that Randi was hopeful that it might turn out good. Emma had noticed some hesitation on the girl’s part now and then, as if she wanted to say more, but was holding back. Could it be that Randi had figured it out? That she now knew she was dating Mr. Taylor?

  There was no time for a coffee or a call to her husband. Emma went out to the car, put on her seatbelt, and started backing out of the driveway. Tonight would be the night. The Taylor’s were having dinner at home, and since Randi was staying there, she would finally see Mike for who he really was -- Martin.

  “Have you talked to Mike today? Things are going to get busy with the rest of the family coming tomorrow.” Emma kept her eyes on the road and waited.

  “Just last night. I was walking the dogs and he was in the garage.”

  “Did he say anything about the dogs being in the house?” Emma spoke fast, not thinking, and she noticed a slight reaction to her question.

  “He did, but I don’t recall what it was. We had a nice talk, kind of. I’m falling hard for that man, and I’m not sure I should be.”

  “Why, what’s wrong? If you don’t mind my asking?”

  “I don’t mind. I’m just not sure what-all I should say. I don’t want to get him in trouble by talking about anything. I know most places frown on people working together and dating.”

  “I see what you’re saying. Well, don’t worry about that here. I think that mostly matters when it comes to people that work in an office. Also, Mike isn’t my employee. Nothing I say could get him fired.” That’s an understatement. She also felt bad. She wanted to just come out and tell Randi.

  For a moment she considered something. Was she afraid to tell Randi because it might mean losing her job? Was that really the reason she hadn’t come out with the truth.

  “I guess not,” Randi said, bringing Emma out of her thoughts. “I haven’t talked to mom about this. I just don’t feel we’re that serious, but I do have a question I’d like to ask.”

  “Sure, ask me anything. I’ve been married a few years. It’s been a while since I’ve dated, but I’ve not forgotten everything.” The girl laughed and after a second went on with her thought.

  “How do you know when a man’s telling you the truth? Is there a way? Or am I just stupid for even asking that question?”

  “That is a hard one, and no you’re not stupid. We want to trust the men that we’re dating or married to. Is this something serious? Is it a relationship breaker?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid that Mike is seeing someone else. I want to believe him when he says he’s not, but something just isn’t right.”

  “That is a hard one.” Emma wasn’t sure what to say, and now as she was sitting at a red light, stealing glances at Randi, she knew the truth about herself. She was more worried about losing her job than she was about telling Randi what she needed to know.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. I can tell I’ve put you on the spot.”

  “No, no it’s not like that. I told you I didn’t know Mike. Well, it turns out that I do. He’s been at the house awhile.” Emma bit her lip. She was dancing all around the truth.

  “I see . . .” Randi said, but it was clear that she didn’t see, so Emma went on.

  “I know some things about Mike that I don’t feel at liberty to talk about.” Emma was happy when the light turned green, and after a moment she went on. At least now she didn’t have to look Randi in the eye. “All I can say is that in the past I have trusted Mike, a
nd if he tells you he’s not seeing someone, then I think he’s telling you the truth.”

  “Really? That’s good to know. Thanks. I guess you know I have a hundred questions about him.”

  “I’m sure that you do.” Emma forced a smile as they turned into the driveway of the mansion.

  “But . . . I don’t want to ask you something you’re not comfortable talking about, so I’ll keep them to myself.”

  “Thanks. I like you, Randi, but for now, I think it’s best if we just leave it at that.”

  Chapter 43

  Randi

  It was Friday evening and less than forty-eight hours until Christmas. Randi had talked to her mother and promised that she would be by for a few hours on Christmas day. It didn’t really feel like Christmas, but she was getting paid well. As she cleaned up her room, making sure there was no dog hair to be found, she wondered if she’d made the right decision.

  If she’d never taken this job, she would never have met Mike. Then again, it was a bit scary that she’d almost not met him. She didn’t know what she should think, or feel. She was falling in love, possibly with a man that was going to break her heart. While she was on her knees cleaning up the last of Bandit’s fur she paused.

  She’d never been one to pray -- well, not in years. She considered it, thought it was a terrible reason to all of the sudden start putting her faith in God, but she still sent up a silent "Help me" kind of prayer. She sure didn’t want to be broken-hearted on any day, but especially Christmas.

  Slipping out of her room, she emptied the sweeper contents into the trash and then replaced the vacuum into the closet. She’d spotted Emma several times having a talk with Celia and neither time had either of the women noticed her. She felt a pang of jealousy now about Celia that she’d never experienced.

  She knew down deep that it was because Mike hadn’t told Celia it was finished. Over and over she’d ask herself, what did that mean? Was he just stringing her along? Had he ever really quit seeing Celia? Would he choose her . . . or not? Randi didn’t like not knowing.

  Her dating history only consisted of a smattering of young men. She’d dated a few that went to church, a few that were drunks, and about three that were just plain strange. The only ones that were even close to being marriage material had been the ones that went to church. One of the drunks was nice, too, when he was sober. She wasn’t going down that road though, so he was out of the running.

  No one had really hit those strings in her heart, and she wasn’t saying that Mike was the one, but he had potential. She could sigh just thinking about him. Gorgeous, well-built, he liked burgers and fries, he seemed down-to-earth, and he had a pickup that ran, even if it wasn't pretty like his boss' Harley.

  Her mother would complain that he didn’t go to church, and that down the line she’d wish he did, but right now she just wanted to fall in love. She wanted to feel the rush she felt when she was in his arms. There was that sigh again.

  A smile came to her lips and she wanted to just grab him, jump on the bike and head to somewhere that had snow. Somewhere far away from Celia. Now she went from a smile to a grimace. She knew about Celia, and she had to wonder if Celia knew about her. So far there had been no recognition, at all.

  If Celia knew, she’d been hiding it very well. So far Randi hadn’t let Celia enter her mind, but now she couldn’t keep her out. The woman was in her thoughts just about as much as Mike was. It was time to let her brain rest, so she focused on working. She tried to put it out of her mind by going upstairs and checking the other rooms.

  She was making sure the towels were in place, that the rooms were well-stocked with soap, shampoo, and toiletries. She worked, going from room to room, trying to stay busy and keep her mind from going to Mike or Celia.

  She was on the last room and it was getting close to five. Emma had told her that the Taylor’s would be dining around six. She needed to shower before then and change into the fancy uniforms Celia had bought the maids.

  She went to check the upstairs linen closet, seeing that it was filled properly also. It looked fine. Everything was in order and she laughed. This place seemed more like a hotel than a home. There was still a smile on her face as she turned to go down stairs.

  That smile was gone quickly as she turned to find the lady of the house, Celia, standing there, arms crossed. Well, now she knew for sure. Celia may have not known who she was, but something had changed. That look wasn’t the look of a boss, but of a woman who all but hated her. Just as quickly as she’d noticed the scowl, it was gone.

  Celia smiled now, looking like the beauty queen that she was. “I was hoping that you could run a late errand for me. I’ve noticed that I don’t have enough gifts for a couple of my nephews. I have a list here.” Celia handed her the paper. “I don’t think it will take you long to find the items. Can you read my writing?”

  Randi looked at the paper. She could read it, but the question on her mind was, had Mike given Celia the news that he was breaking up with her? “I can read it,” Randi answered.

  “Good, and when you’re done I’ll need you to drop the rental off at the airport. Emma will pick you up and you can stay at her house tonight. It’s all been arranged.”

  I’ll bet it has, Randi thought. So she does know, and so, it’s going to be like this. Well, there wasn’t a lot she could do about it, so she nodded. “I can do that. Where should I leave the keys?”

  Celia nodded, reached into her pocket and pulled out the keys. “At the front desk. Leave them with Sally Jackson. She’s the one I spoke with. Then I want you back here, early, with Emma. Everyone should arrive around lunchtime. We’ll start with some light refreshments, and then the food will start arriving around four.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Randi nodded, and turned to go.

  “You can refer to me as Mrs. Taylor when the guests arrive.”

  Randi felt a knot in the bottom of her stomach, but she turned and looked at Celia, giving her a slight nod. “I will.” It was all she could manage. She wasn’t about to be on the edge of tears, as some women would be, but she wanted to smack the woman, or give her a piece of her mind. She had a rich movie star lover, why did she need Mike, too?

  There was no way that Celia was going to win this battle. She might have the upper hand for now, but things could change, and would. This little diversion had caught Randi off guard, but now that she knew a few more rules to this game, she was going to be a much better player. She would consider her options, determine her abilities and shortcomings, lay out a game plan, and then come out swinging.

  Chapter 44

  Dinner for Five

  Since her mother was in charge, dinner started right on time, as Addison knew it would. The woman was never late for anything. Everything looked and smelled delicious. Even Celia seemed as if she was in a better frame of mind. They sat at the table, starting with Addison, moving to her right, Martin, Celia, her mother, and then Emma.

  It was obvious at first that Celia didn’t want Emma at the table, but she wasn’t about to argue about it. The dinner was very informal, just like her mother, and they all sat around the small kitchen table. Surprisingly, things were going rather well.

  Everyone had been eating and sharing in small talk. Martin seemed more at ease, and Celia did too, but something was going on. Addison hadn’t seen any of the help all evening. It was obvious that Randi was gone, and she was itching to ask where. She knew Martin wouldn’t like her bringing it up so she did so in a roundabout way.

  “The place seems so empty. I thought there were four girls working around the house. Have they left for the day?” Addison didn’t even think about looking in the direction of Martin or her mother. Instead, she put her attention on the woman who would know, Emma.

  After a few seconds, Emma realized the question had been directed at her. She took a sip of her tea, put her napkin to her lips, and then spoke. “All of the girls are gone for the night.”

  Addison thought that was the end of her comme
nts, but a few seconds later she went on with her thought. “Maria and Juanita don’t stay here at night. They go home around five, though tomorrow I’ll have them staying until seven. Ann, my niece, has been filling in when she can. She’ll be in tomorrow morning, along with Randi.”

  “Randi. I met her. Nice young woman. I haven’t met Ann, and I can’t understand a thing the other two say. Their accents are lovely, though.” Addison picked up her glass, started to take a drink, but spoke again. “Did you say Randi will be back tomorrow? I think she will be the best one to tend to the children.”

  “Oh yes, she’s on an errand. She’ll be here in the morning.” Emma nodded with a very likeable smile.

  This time Addison let it drop and she glanced to Martin. He was trying to hide it, but she could tell he had no clue Randi was gone, and to where she was running this errand. The table was quiet for just a beat or two, and then he spoke.

  “An errand? What did we run out of this time? Dressing?” Martin reached for the bottle of Italian dressing. He was joking, but then again he wasn’t.

  Emma didn’t seem too anxious to answer, and much to her surprise, Celia spoke up. There was a catbird smile playing at her lips.

  “You know how we are, Martin, we never remember everything. I asked her to do a little shopping this evening, and then she’ll be taking the rental van to the airport. I don’t know what time my parents' flight will be in, so this will make it easier.”

  Martin barely let Celia finish. “Who’s going to bring her home?”

  Home. Addison didn’t miss that one. Everyone else seemed to, as she checked faces and expressions around the table. Celia was back to eating, seemingly still pleased with her little stunt.

  Addison could see a slight tremor in the muscle at Martin’s temple. She hid a smile. This was going to be more interesting than she had thought. Now, did Celia know what she was doing, or had she picked Randi to do her little errand by mistake?