by Mona Ingram
“Like my Mom?”
“She was older, but... yeah.” It still hurt every time Luc brought it up, but Jesse was determined not to sweep it under the rug. He reached over and gave his son’s leg a squeeze.
“I know, Dad,” Luc said, his tone heartbreakingly adult. “We have to keep trying.”
THE AUCTION WAS WELL under way by the time Lexie arrived. Instinct told her that Jesse would be one of the last to be auctioned, so she hadn’t worried about showing up late. She paid the admission fee, received her bidding paddle and wended her way between the massive plants that partly hid the glittering crowd. If anyone noticed her clutching her Big Bad Wolf keychain, they were too polite to mention it. It was the perfect good luck charm, and something told her she would need all the luck she could get tonight.
She watched with barely concealed amusement as several of Victoria’s ‘eligible’ men were auctioned off. Some of them might actually be single, but she doubted that they were truly available.
The lighting on the stage changed subtly, and the auctioneer’s voice lowered. “And now, ladies,” he intoned, pausing to let the suspense build, “the bachelor you’ve all been waiting for, Jesse Cooper.”
Amid cheers and whistles, Jesse walked onstage and acknowledged the auctioneer, who continued with his patter. “All right ladies,” he said with a broad sweep of his hand. “What am I bid for this fine specimen?”
The bidding was fast and spirited. Lexie was having such a good time watching the antics of various women that she forgot to bid. Caught in the back of the room, she’d never be able to catch the attention of the spotters. Realizing her error, she started to push her way forward.
As quickly as it started, the bidding stopped. A low murmur spread through the room, and women all over the room clustered together, pointing toward the stage.
Sylvia MacMillan had made her way to the center of the stage, and had slipped her arm possessively through Jesse’s. Catching the auctioneer by surprise, she relieved him of his microphone and purred into it. “Come on, ladies. You have to do better than that if you think I’m going to let this fine specimen get away.” She tossed her head, her blonde hair rippling down her back. “Isn’t that so, Darling?” She lowered the microphone and pressed a kiss into the side of Jesse’s neck.
Smile firmly in place, he nibbled softly on her ear lobe, and several women near Lexie sighed aloud.
Suddenly, the glitter of jewels, the scent of exclusive perfume and the romantic music was more than Lexie could bear. “Excuse me,” she said, looking about wildly for the closest exit. “Excuse me.” She didn’t care who she bumped into; she had to get out of there before her heart broke into a million pieces.
LUC WAITED BACKSTAGE with Jesse while the auction progressed. As the minutes passed, Jesse vowed to never become involved in this type of fund-raiser again. Next time he would simply make a donation, but he’d promised Sylvia several months ago, and knowing that he was one of the main attractions, he didn’t see how he could back out. When Dave had told him about Lexie’s visit this afternoon he’d grinned like a silly fool, hoping she’d suddenly appeared to attend the auction. But then his employee had handed him the newspaper, and his hopes were dashed. He couldn’t even remember when that photo had been taken, but trust Sylvia to use it to her advantage. If possible, he disliked her even more than before. And speak of the devil...
“There you are, Darling.” Sylvia drifted backstage, her gown a close-fitting creation glittering with sequins. “So glad to see you again.” She offered her cheek for a kiss, completely ignoring Luc.
Jesse set her firmly aside. “I wish I could say the same,” he said coldly. “You remember Luc, don’t you, Sylvia?”
Her eyes flashed, and Jesse took a morbid pleasure in knowing that he’d angered her. He didn’t care if he was being rude; he would not have her ignore Luc. Turning abruptly, she walked away.
“I spotted a great place where you can watch,” Jesse told Luc. “And as soon as it’s over, we can go home.”
“Can we go to the drive-thru on the way home?” Luc knew when to press his advantage.
“Okay, Bud. You’ve been patient tonight.” Jesse got him settled behind a large fern. “You watch from here. I’ll expect a full report later.”
Jesse smiled into the blinding lights as he made his way to the center of the stage. It was disconcerting to be examined by several hundred pair of eyes, but at least it was for a good cause. He strutted his stuff and was actually beginning to enjoy the bidding when Sylvia walked onto the stage and slipped an arm through his. He could feel her long nails through his jacket as she dug in, giving him little chance to escape.
“Come on, ladies. You have to do better than that if you think I’m going to let this fine specimen get away.” She tossed her head. “Isn’t that so, Darling?”
Before he could react, she nuzzled up to the side of his neck. Fortunately for her, she held the microphone away. Otherwise, he might have grabbed it and told the crowd exactly what he thought of her. Instead, he turned his head away and whispered into her ear. “If you ever do that again, I’ll make sure you lose your precious job.” He pulled back and stared into her eyes, making sure she got the message, then resumed smiling for the crowd.
“THAT WAS AWESOME, DAD.” Luc bounced along beside him as they headed for the parking lot. “But why didn’t Lexie make a bid?”
Still coming down from his angry outburst, Jesse kept walking. “I don’t think they were taking phone bids.” Then he stopped and kneeled down. “Why would Lexie be bidding, anyway?”
Luc frowned. “Because she was there. I saw her.”
“You saw her?” Jesse’s heart started to race. “When?”
“When that television lady walked out onto the stage. What was that all about, anyway?”
“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” Jesse turned around and started to drag Luc back to the ballroom. “Where is she now?”
Luc dug in his heels. “She’s gone, Dad. When she saw that television lady kiss you, Lexie got a funny look on her face.” He giggled. “I saw her push a couple of people out of the way.”
“Oh, my God.” Jesse stopped and closed his eyes. “Can this get any worse?”
Luc slipped his hand into Jesse’s. “We don’t have to go to the drive through. Does that help?”
Jesse smiled down at the young boy who was beginning to show him what was important in life. “You know something, Bud? Something from the drive-through is precisely what we need. Let’s go.”
Chapter Seventeen
IT WAS AFTER MIDNIGHT by the time Jesse took a beer out onto the deck of his home. He’d called Lexie three times already, and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t pick up. He probably wouldn’t pick up either, if the situation was reversed. He stared at her name on the display and wondered how things had gotten so out of control... how he could have messed up so badly with the one person he wanted more than any other. He tried once more, but there was no response. He was damned sure he wasn’t going to get any farther tonight. He’d try again tomorrow.
JESSE WAS STILL IN bed when Luc padded into his bedroom the next morning.
“We could go out for pancakes,” Luc suggested hopefully, “since Maggie is still at her sister’s place.”
“Good idea, but after that I have to do a charter run at eleven o’clock. One of the pilots called in sick.” Jesse swung his feet out and dropped his head into his hands.
“I miss her, Dad.” Luc had crossed the room to stand beside him. “When I saw her last night I thought maybe she wasn’t mad at us anymore.” He watched his father for a reaction. “She was holding the keychain I made for her.”
“Really?” Jesse brushed the hair back from Luc’s eyes. “Well, it’s a fine key chain.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “Lexie and I had a bit of a misunderstanding last week and I think she came back last night so we could become friends again. But when she saw Sylvia kiss me – at least that’s what she thought she saw –
it hurt her feelings and she left.”
“I think she was crying. Why don’t we go look for her, Dad? We could go to her house and tell her the truth. After pancakes.”
“I’m not sure if going to her house is such a good idea, but we could check with the fitness studio she goes to. I bet she’ll go there today, and it’s near the dock.”
“Okay.” Luc nodded confidently. “We’ll find her.”
JODI’S EYES WIDENED slightly when Jesse and Luc appeared in the reception area. She turned her attention to Luc. “I bet you’re Luc. Lexie has told me about you.”
The youngster grinned. “She’s my friend,” he said, edging toward the workout space. “Is she here?”
“I’m afraid not, but you’re welcome to look around if you like. Just don’t touch the equipment.”
“Okay.” Luc wandered off and Jodi watched him for a moment before turning to Jesse. “You’ve got your nerve coming here today,” she spit out, keeping her voice low. “What kind of a show was that you put on last night?”
Jesse held up a hand. “I know what you’re thinking –”
“No you don’t. If you did, you wouldn’t show up here, let alone bring your kid.” She’d been coming out from behind the counter as she spoke and now she prodded him in the chest with a forefinger. “She went to that auction last night to bid on you, and what do you do? Kiss your girlfriend in front of everyone.”
“I didn’t – wait a minute, did you say she came to bid on me?”
“You don’t need to look so happy about it. What kind of a creep are you, anyway?”
“Please,” he said, trying to speak calmly. “What’s your name? Jodi?”
She nodded.
“I’ve screwed this up so badly I don’t know where to begin to make it right, but I did not kiss Sylvia last night. I know it may have looked that way, but we are definitely not together.”
Jodi’s gaze wavered. “She’s really broken up, Jesse. She called me this morning and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her like that.”
“I’ve tried to call her a dozen times.” Jesse held up his cell phone. “But she won’t answer.”
“I know. She told me.”
“And now I have to fill in for one of the pilots so I’ll be gone for most of the day.” He searched her face. “Can you at least tell me if she’s in town?”
“I don’t know why I’m trusting you, but yes, she’s still here.” She grinned. “It’s probably that kid of yours.”
“Thank you Jodi. If you talk to her again, I’d appreciate it if you could tell her I’m busy today but I’ll call her tonight. Maybe she’ll answer then.”
She gave him a fierce look that didn’t fool him. “All right, but don’t hurt her again, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
Jesse pretended to shudder. “Yes, ma’am. Or should I say no ma’am, I wouldn’t dream of hurting her.”
“Okay, then. Now get out of here.”
“YOU’RE SURE YOU’LL be okay waiting here for me? It’s going to be a few hours, Bud.”
“I’m cool, Dad.” Luc pointed to his backpack. “I brought some games, and there’s always the aircraft to watch.”
“All right, then.” Jesse made eye contact with Dave in the office, who nodded his understanding. “See you later.”
“HI!”
Jodi looked up from the printout she’d been studying.
“It’s me.”
“What the...?”
“Down here.” Luc took a few steps back so Jodi could see him beyond the counter. “Fooled ya,” he said, his eyes sparkling.
“You certainly did.” She glanced around, but the child was definitely alone. “Where’s your sidekick?”
“He’s on a charter over to Powell River, so I thought I’d come and visit you.” He dug in his pocket for some coins. “I told Dave I was coming up here to buy a soda from your machine, but that’s not really true. I came to see you.”
Jodi held back a smile. “Are you hitting on me, young man?”
“Uh, no, but I was hoping I could borrow your phone.” He went up on his tiptoes and pointed to the cell phone on the desk. “That one.”
“Your Dad should buy you a phone of your own. I thought every kid had one these days.”
“I do,” he said amicably. “But I’d like to use yours. Please.”
“I don’t see why you... Oh, I get it. You want to phone Lexie and you think she’ll answer if she sees my name.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re a very sneaky young man.”
Luc’s poise cracked and he became a young boy again. “Please, Jodi. My Dad really likes her.”
“He has a strange way of showing it sometimes.”
Luc nodded. “He says he really messed up.”
“That’s true.” Jodi studied the boy’s face. “What are you going to say to her?”
He brightened. “It’s my birthday on Sunday and Dad says we can fly up to Arbutus Cove for lunch. I thought I’d invite Lexie to come.”
“You’re not just making this up?”
“No. I’m serious.” He pulled himself up proudly. “I’ll be nine.”
“Well, happy birthday Luc.” She shoved the phone across the counter.
LEXIE DIDN’T FEEL LIKE talking, but she couldn’t ignore her friend. “Hi Jodi.”
She heard fumbling on the other end. “What’s going on there?” she asked, trying not to sound cranky. She’d just fallen asleep after a long night.
“Lexie?”
She bolted upright in bed. “Luc?” She held the phone away, checked it, then brought it back to her ear. “What are you doing on Jodi’s phone?”
“I saw you last night,” he said, ignoring her question. “I was hiding on the stage.”
Lexie closed her eyes and fell back on the bed. Could this possibly get any worse?
“We miss you, Lexie. My Dad misses you.”
“He sure has a strange way of showing it.” What was she doing, discussing her broken heart with an eight-year-old? “Luc, I shouldn’t be talking to you about this.”
“But Dad says you don’t answer when he calls.”
He had a point.
“Lexie, that television lady isn’t my Dad’s girlfriend. He was really mad last night when she went on the stage. I was there, remember?”
“But... but I saw him kiss her.”
“He didn’t kiss her.” He lowered his voice. “He doesn’t know I heard, but I was hiding behind the big fern and I heard him say that if she ever tried something like that again, he’d make sure she lost her job.”
“He did?” Tears spilled out of Lexie’s eyes.
“Are you crying?”
“Yes, but because I’m happy. Thank you for calling to tell me, Luc.”
“Wait! I also called to ask you to come to my birthday party.”
“Your birthday party?”
“Yes. On Sunday, up at the diner. Dad asked me what I wanted to do, and I said have lunch at the diner. Can you come?”
“Yes, Luc. I’d be very happy to come.”
“Can it be our secret?” he said. “I’d like to surprise my Dad.”
Chapter Eighteen
“I HEAR THE PLANE.” Carly moved efficiently around the kitchen, checking that everything was ready. She and Lexie had decided on a buffet-style meal served on the new deck.
“Here, you do the honours.” Lexie handed the candles to Carly, who placed them strategically in the large cake they’d decorated that morning.
“Do you think there’ll be enough cake?” Carly looked out at the crowded deck. “It looks like some of the regulars brought gifts as well, and they’re mixing in nicely with Larry’s crew and their children, and Brandon’s friends.” She turned back to Lexie. “Even Sean is here. I didn’t recognize him at first. I guess I’ve never seen him sober.”
“I hope he makes it this time,” said Lexie. “I have a feeling those kids at the Youth Centre will keep him on the straight and narrow.”
Carly was si
lent for a few moments, then turned to Lexie. “Are you nervous? I mean about seeing Jesse after all this time?”
“No, I...” Lexie grinned. “Yes, a bit. But you know, somehow it seems right that we’ve had these few days without talking. It’s given me time to realize what’s important.” She checked her reflection in the mirror. “You’re sure he doesn’t know I’m here?”
“As far as I know, and trust me, you look fine... same as last time you looked.”
“HOLD ON, BUD. I HAVE to tie her off.” Luc stood on the dock, bouncing up and down and looking up at the diner. Jesse secured the ropes to the mooring cleats, then followed his son up the path. Male laughter floated down from the outside deck. Today would be a double celebration of sorts – Luc’s birthday and the completion of the deck. Just a few finishing touches, such as stain, and some planters, plus of course the hummingbird feeders that Lexie had mentioned. His heart clenched at the thought of her, but he pushed ahead, determined to enjoy himself.
“It’s about time.” Larry came forward to greet them as they stepped onto the deck. “Happy Birthday, Luc.” The youngster grinned up at his Dad’s friend and ran over to where Brandon was manning the barbecue. Several tables had been shoved together to make an informal buffet, and the diner’s specialties competed for space with a stack of gifts for Luc.
Drink in hand, Jesse relaxed with Larry’s crew and watched while Luc tore the wrapping from his gifts. The guests who wanted to bring gifts had been told to make it something small, but Luc exclaimed over each and every one, and set it aside carefully. Jesse didn’t want to think about what the boy’s previous birthdays had been like; starting with today, they would be spent with people who loved him.
As the last of the gift wrapping was cleared up, Carly invited the guests to help themselves to food. There was much good-natured bantering as they lined up, and Brandon produced hamburgers at an impressive rate.