by Dara Girard
“No, don’t go,” he said when she turned to go inside. “I like looking at you.”
“The others are waiting.”
He rested his hand on the doorframe and let his gaze dip to her legs. “Let them wait. I’m enjoying this.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “Come on.”
She turned to leave and he whistled with appreciation.
“That angle is even better.”
Before she could reply, he followed her inside and she introduced him to Leona and Jane. Although they were polite, she still wondered how things would turn out.
“I hope this breakfast won’t be a disaster,” she said.
“Relax,” Leona said in a reassuring tone. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
The breakfast was better than fine. A feast of dishes fought for space on the table—seasoned vegetarian omelets, mini-meat tarts, whole-wheat bagels, beef sausages and hash browns smothered in gravy. And as for the company, Desmond dazzled them all. He charmed Jane and Leona and by the time they had finished eating, he had Gerald patting him on the back as though he were a long-lost son. Anna Marie watched, amazed by the ease of the conversation and laughter.
No one would suspect Desmond had a tattoo under his fine blue shirt, that he liked to drink beer from the bottle and that in high school he spent more time in detention than regular classes. He’d become a new man and had freed himself from his past. Something Anna Marie wanted. She kept her envy at bay, knowing that in a few months she’d leave Virginia and her past—erasing memories of foster homes and ten years as an exotic dancer. She would open a dance studio and teach the art of dance to build self-esteem to young girls and boys. And she’d leave this….
Anna Marie looked around the table and felt an odd pain at the thought of leaving her new friends behind. Friends. She’d never used that word before, but that’s who they were to her and she would miss them. Gerald’s gruff responses, Jane’s sweet replies, Leona’s cooking and Desmond’s everything: his looks, his smile, his touch, his laugh, his body.
Anna Marie brushed that thought aside. She didn’t think about the future; she never had and she wouldn’t start. Now was all that mattered.
“You were quiet at breakfast,” Desmond said as he and Anna Marie left the house.
“I was just thinking.”
“About what?”
“How happy everyone looked.”
He rested an arm on her shoulders. “I’m glad you’re not lonely anymore. I like them.”
“And they like you.”
“Have you told Tracie?”
“I left her a message to call me. I’ll tell her then.”
He nodded. “Good.”
Anna Marie started to speak when she saw it—a beautiful chrome and leather machine with sleek lines. Desmond noticed her gaze and smiled, patting his motorcycle. “I thought you’d like a ride.”
“You know me too well.”
“I intend to know you better.”
She took the helmet he handed her. “Where are we going?”
“That’s a surprise, too.” He straddled the bike.
She did the same. “You can’t give me a hint?”
“I can, but I’m not going to. Hold on tight.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist. “With pleasure.”
Seconds later, Anna Marie discovered the reckless joy that could be found on the back of motorcycle. The rush of the wind, the feel of the road. She was almost disappointed when they reached their destination. She got off, then looked around and noticed they were in a church parking lot and saw a sign that read Church Bazaar. She saw a moonbounce, clowns and vendors. The scent of hamburgers and hot dogs drifted toward them amid the sound of laughter and conversations. “What are we doing here? Even if it is a bazaar, you don’t strike me as the church-going type.”
Desmond took her hand and walked toward the bustling crowd, admiring the colorful stalls, families and children running about. “I’m not, but my parents are here.”
Anna Marie halted. “Your parents? You want me to meet your parents? That’s the surprise?”
He turned to her. “I knew that if I asked you to meet them, you would say no.”
“So you tricked me.”
“You’re surprised, aren’t you? See? I kept my promise.”
Anna Marie looked down at her shorts and fishnets with dismay. “But I’m not dressed to meet them.”
He took her hand and started to walk. “You look great.”
She held back. “Please, let me meet them another time.”
“I’ve been seeing you about three months. It’s time.”
She tried to pull her hand free. “Maybe—”
“You seem to have a problem walking. Do you want me to pick you up and carry you?”
“No,” she said with outrage. “Stay away from me.”
“Then come on.”
Anna Marie sighed in defeat. “I’m not really good at family events.”
“Relax. This is a casual atmosphere so you won’t feel pressured.”
“Wow, the bazaar is pretty big,” Anna Marie said, surprised by the many vendors she saw lining the lawn once inside the bazaar.
“Yes. The church holds it annually for the community and the food’s great so don’t be shy.” He glanced around. “I don’t see them.”
“Are they expecting me?”
“No, I’m going to surprise them, too.” He handed her two twenty-dollar bills. “Get some food and I’ll find you,” he said, then left before she could protest.
Anna Marie stood there for a moment wondering what she should do with herself, then she noticed a vendor selling bamboo place mats and thought of Jane.
“They’re handmade,” the vendor said.
“They’re lovely.” She bought a set of four, then noticed someone selling clear acrylic paperweights with exquisite carvings inside and bought one for Gerald. She then bought a crocheted earring and necklace set for Leona and a Swiss Army knife for Desmond.
She was busy looking at a hand-painted silk scarf, with an image of a white orchid, when someone behind her said, “It looks too old for you.”
Anna Marie turned and saw a stern older man with white hair, mocha skin and piercing dark eyes. She placed the scarf down and picked up another one, hoping he would go away. “It’s not for me, it’s for a friend.”
“I see.” He cast a cursory glance at her outfit. “I didn’t think it would be your style.”
“You’d be surprised. My style is eclectic.”
He lifted an eyebrow but didn’t comment, then he glanced at her bags. “I see you’ve been busy.”
“Yes.”
The vendor smiled. “She bought two of my scarves, Pastor.”
Pastor? This cold-looking man with the intimidating gaze was a pastor? He’d be better suited as a prison warden. She could imagine him terrorizing his congregation with some damning message.
He touched one of the scarves with his long, elegant fingers. “I’ve never seen you before. Usually this event brings the familiar group. However, it’s always nice to see a new face.”
Anna Marie made a noncommittal sound, not sure she believed him. Although his words were kind, his tone was cool. “Thank you.” She turned and saw Desmond coming toward her with a handsome older man at his side. It was evident the other man had given Desmond his build and walk. She also noticed a third individual who looked familiar.
It took Anna Marie a moment to place her, then she remembered. Dana, Desmond’s cousin—the one who had driven them back from HH. She looked the same; her youthful glow had matured into a beautiful presence. Although Anna Marie was terrified of meeting Desmond’s father, she was glad to have an excuse to leave the pastor. She picked up her bags. “I’d better go.”
Dana reached her before she could. “Anna Marie Williams! When Desmond told me you were here, I had to see for myself. I can’t believe it’s you.” She hugged her.
Anna Marie hugged her back, pleased to s
ee her again. “Yes, it’s me. You look great.”
“Thanks.”
Desmond grinned. “And I see you’ve already met my father.”
Anna Marie began to hold her hand out to the man standing next to him, then realized Desmond was staring at the man next to her.
“No, we haven’t been formally introduced,” the man said. “I’m Pastor Rockwell. Who are you?”
His father was a pastor? Anna Marie found it difficult to recover as she sat with Desmond’s family at a covered picnic table. She’d discovered the other man was his uncle and his mother joined them shortly afterward. Mrs. Rockwell was a thin woman with a face as charming as her husband’s was stern. Anna Marie wondered how they’d managed to stay married so long.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Anna Marie,” Mrs. Rockwell said. “You’re a nice change from some of the women Desmond has introduced to us before.”
“There haven’t been that many,” Desmond said, handing Anna Marie a slice of his apple.
“There have been plenty,” his mother said with a knowing grin. “But at least now you have a nice good girl.”
Desmond winked at Anna Marie. “Yes, she’s very good.”
Mrs. Rockwell shook her head. “Oh, the trouble he used to get into.” She lifted her gaze to the sky. “Good Lord.”
“That’s because of the crowd he was running with,” Pastor Rockwell said. “A bad crowd. But he’s done well and made us proud.” He sent his son a look that softened his face, cracking the austere veneer, and made Desmond smile.
Anna Marie noticed the exchange and sensed that their relationship was close. She could see that Desmond loved his father and his father’s words and respect meant a lot to him. There was a strong bond. She didn’t know anything about bonds like that but could always spot them with envy.
Dana stood up from her seat at the other end of the table and came up to her. She nudged her shoulder. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Anna Marie looked at Desmond, unsure. He grinned and she gathered her courage and left.
The two women walked in silence at first, then Dana said, “I’m glad you’re back in his life.”
“Back? I was never really in it. At least not for long.”
“I know, but there’s something about him that’s different when you’re around. You’re certainly an improvement to the others.”
“Have there been many?” Anna Marie couldn’t help asking, although she already knew the answer.
“Enough, but I don’t have to tell you. You know.”
She rubbed her arm. “So I guess he hasn’t changed.”
“He’s changed in all the right ways. He and his father used to fight all the time. Now that Desmond’s mellowed, they’re a lot happier. I was worried at one time that it would end.”
“Why?”
“When he divorced, Uncle didn’t believe in it. They really liked his ex.”
“Oh.”
“I’m only telling you this in case you find my uncle a little cold. He can be. Especially when he thinks Desmond is ‘going astray,’ as he likes to call it. He thought Tracie was the perfect woman for his son and hasn’t quite reconciled himself to the fact that it’s over.”
“Why did it end?”
“He hasn’t told you?” Dana said, surprised.
She shook her head.
“Then I certainly won’t.”
“Do you think he still loves his ex?”
“No, but he’s always felt guilty that his divorce hurt his father and he wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt him again. I’m glad you’re with him and in time they’ll see it, too.”
Anna Marie wasn’t sure she wanted them to. She knew she wasn’t the type of woman they’d approve of. Desmond’s father didn’t look like a man easy to please. She’d had a foster father like him once and she hadn’t been able to please him, either. But she knew it didn’t matter because her relationship with Desmond was just for a time and it would end. Throughout her life, relationships always ended and she didn’t expect anything different.
“We’ll see.”
“Well?” Desmond asked his father as they sat alone at the table. His mother and uncle had gone back to the bazaar and he looked at Anna Marie and Dana walking in the distance.
“Well what?”
“What did you think?”
Pastor Rockwell rested his arms on the table, his voice low. “Do you really want to know?”
“Yes.”
“I think you should patch things up with Tracie.”
Desmond rubbed the back of his neck and groaned. “Dad, we’ve had this discussion.”
“Then we should have it again.”
“It’s not going to happen.”
“I know things went bad, but it is a man’s duty to forgive. She is a good woman. She is right for you. She came from a good home and had a good education.”
“You sound like a snob. I bet you think heaven has a hierarchy.”
“I know what makes a good wife. I have nothing against your current young woman.”
“Don’t talk about her like that,” Desmond said in a sharp voice.
His father raised his brows innocently. “Like what?”
“As though she were some chick I picked up off the street.”
“You’ve come close before.”
Desmond tapped the side of his glass, his gaze turning dark. “That was before.”
“Yes, and I want you to remember that. Look at what she’s wearing.”
“I like what she’s wearing. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
“No, you wouldn’t think so,” his father said in disgust. “But you have to remember that you’re not the man you once were. I don’t dislike Anne Mary—”
“Anna Marie.”
“Right. I don’t dislike her personally, but she’s a reminder of your past. A past that you’ve left behind.”
“Yes, I’ve left it behind.”
“But has she?”
Desmond paused. “What?”
“What has she been doing these past few years? She was once a thief, spent time in that halfway house. You told me she ran away from her last foster home. Who is she?”
“You just met her.”
“That’s not enough. You know what I mean.”
“Dad, she is a good woman. Don’t judge her so harshly. She’s got a lot of heart. Before she found out about her inheritance, she had a great government job with the Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. And you should see how she interacts with the residents who live in her boarding house.”
“She lives in a boarding house? The only boarding houses I know about are not in the best part of town. Actually, I didn’t know any existed. Besides, the kind of people who need to pay for a room in such establishments are usually not from the higher sector of town.”
“It’s a nice area,” Desmond said with a tired sigh. “We’ve both become different people and that’s who you need to see.”
“What did she do after she ran away?”
Desmond let his gaze fall. “I don’t know.”
“How many foster homes has she lived in?”
“I don’t know.”
“Has she ever been caught shoplifting again?”
“I don’t know.”
“And yet you know she’s changed? You trust her?”
Desmond maintained his father’s gaze. “Yes.”
“Come on, Desmond. You’re not a stupid man. You’re a rich man. You’re a prize to someone like her. You have to be careful. I would start to wonder why she hasn’t told you everything about herself. What is she hiding?”
“She’s not hiding anything.”
“And yet you know so much about her,” he scoffed.
“She’s been hurt and it takes time for her to trust people.”
“I’ve seen you make mistakes before, Desmond—”
“I know,” he said in a bitter voice. “And you judged me for every one.”
“And forgav
e you.”
Desmond pounded the table. “They’re the same. All my life you’ve been my judge and my jury.”
“Only because I knew the man you could be. The man you are now, and I don’t want that to change.” His father glanced at Anna Marie in the distance. “I don’t want anyone to change it. Be careful. Secrets are dangerous things.”
Chapter 14
“Your father didn’t like me,” Anna Marie said as they sat on her front porch watching the sunset. Dana had offered to drop off Anna Marie’s purchases tomorrow since they wouldn’t fit on the motorcycle. Anna Marie thanked her, then said goodbye to Desmond’s uncle and parents before leaving.
Desmond was quiet a moment, leaning back on his elbows as he stared at the passing traffic, then said, “Sometimes it takes a while for my father to warm up to people.”
“Seems like an odd trait for a pastor.”
“It is,” he admitted with a grin. “But he has a firm belief of what he thinks is right and wrong.”
“You must have driven him crazy.”
His grin widened. “I had my moments.”
“Maybe if you’d told me about him, I could have—”
He turned to her. “Could have what? Dressed differently, acted differently?” He shook his head, determined. “No, I wanted you to be exactly as you are. And he’s going to get to know you and love you as much as I—” He stopped and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “As much as he needs to.”
“Dana told me that your parents loved Tracie.”
“They did.”
“And they want the two of you to get back together.”
“They do, but that’s never going to happen.”
“Why did you divorce?”
He sent her a sly glance. “When you tell Tracie about us, I’ll tell you.”
