Ben moved toward the table. “Milk and cookies sound good.” He slipped off his coat, and Mari noticed his tan Cheyenne Mountain Zoo shirt with a giraffe on the front, and smiled. While she transported the snacks to the table, Ben looked past her. “Is that a new door? Joe said you needed one.”
“Yes. Joe installed it yesterday.” She smiled remembering their easy camaraderie then grew solemn as the end of the evening followed that thought. I wonder if he cleaned up back there? He may be so mad, he just left it. “Ben, before we have cookies, would you mind helping me clean up the old door mess. Joe was going to do it, but I saw him leave really early. He probably didn’t have a chance to get it done.”
Ben rose. “Sure.”
Mari turned the locks and pulled open the new door for the first time and was surprised to see that all the frame pieces and packaging trash were gone. “Oh, I guess he was here sometime today.”
Ben skirted around her. “You have a great back yard. Pine trees, aspens, juniper bushes... somebody put a lot of work into this.”
Mari looked around and had to agree. “It’s going to be beautiful in the spring. I love the flagstone path that weaves through it all, too.” Mari’s eyes caught on something she’d never noticed before. “Wow, did that lamp post always look like that? I mean, with the Hebrew lettering and all?”
She and Ben walked over to it. “It looks brand new,” Ben observed. He lightly touched a shiny gold letter, and showed Mari his shiny gold finger. “Really new.”
They read it at the same time. “Repentance.”
Mari couldn’t help but smile.
Ben looked at her with brows lifted. “I assume you know something I don’t.”
Mari turned back toward the house, and Ben followed. “Joe and I got into a bit of a fight last night and” —she turned back to face him— “and that reminds me... you told Joe what I said about sticking that business degree where the sun don’t shine!”
“Yeah... you told me to tell him.”
“I didn’t mean it! Not really!” She shivered and turned back to go inside. “And anyway, I didn’t mean it as a personal message from me. He seems to be really offended; he was fuming when he left.” Ben closed the door behind them, and they both sat down at the table, Mari immediately putting her hot mug to work warming up her hands. “I guess the lamp post is sort of an apology.”
“I’m sorry.” He took a cookie from the plate. “I didn’t mean to get you in trouble. I was just mad at Joe for being unreasonable about the zoo degree.”
Mari took a sip. “Can’t he see how much you love working at the zoo?”
“Yeah, I guess he can. He even wished me all the best.”
Mari was surprised. “Really? Huh.” She nibbled on a cookie. “But Eli said he forced Beth into being an accountant.”
Ben wiped his mouth on a napkin after a long drink of milk. “Forced is a pretty strong word. I think he probably just made an offer of a job to her like he did to me. She was really struggling as an artist, so she took him up on it.”
“Oh.” She was feeling even worse about her accusations. “And Eli? Do you think Joe has pushed him into designing big buildings?”
Ben thought while he crunched on another cookie. “Well, that is just the direction Joe has taken the business. Eli has plenty of time to pursue other things if he wants to.” He looked Mari hard in the eye. “But what he has mostly pursued in between projects is loose women.”
Mari ducked her head and looked at the last cookie on the plate. Snatching it up, she took a bite to avoid Ben’s censure.
He seemed to take this as a cue and rose. “Well, I guess I better go take a look at your heater. I don’t usually bowl on Mondays, but another team lost a man recently and asked me to fill in, so I’ll be gone this evening.”
Mari got up and went into the living room to get him her keys. “Oh, thank you. I really appreciate it.” She opened the door for him, only to find Eli on her porch.
He stepped in, closed the door, and took her in his arms, not seeming to notice Ben. He kissed her with fire and longing and desire that nearly curled Mari’s toes. Behind her, Ben cleared his throat, and Eli broke the kiss with a lazy smile, letting them both know he realized he had an audience and didn’t particularly care.
“Hello, Ben. How’s life at the zoo?”
“I’ll tell you later.” He pushed past without a smile. “Mari, I’ll bring your keys back in a bit.”
“Okay, thanks.”
He left, and Eli led her over to sit. “Is he borrowing your car?”
“No, just checking the heater. It wasn’t working too well today.”
He took her hands. “We can’t have that. Where’d you go today?”
“I was feeling caged. I took in the art museum and then went to a movie.”
Eli nodded. “You haven’t been able to get out much, have you? When I get these designs done, I promise we’ll go out on the town.”
Mari nodded, feeling tired. She had done quite a bit in one day, but there was something else nagging at the edge of her mind. Eli exaggerated everything he told me about Joe. Did he do it on purpose, or is that just how he sees things?
She was just about to bring up the subject when Eli leaned in for another kiss. Soft and gentle at first, it soon became hungry and pleading. As his tongue ventured to find hers, she pulled back. “I guess you missed me today,” she breathed.
He pulled her in and nibbled her neck below her ear. “More than you know.”
She slipped out of his grasp and moved to the other end of the love seat. “My shower has been running on the cold side. Would you like to try it out?”
Eli stared at her a moment before the corners of his lips began a slow ascent. “All right, I can take a hint.” He got to his feet. “I need to go anyway. I had trouble... concentrating today, and I didn’t get as much done as I wanted to.”
Mari stood and walked him to the door. She wanted to explore the picture Eli had painted of Joe but realized that it just wasn’t the right time. “Well, I wouldn’t want to keep you from your house designs. I’ll just stay in and research our night on the town—see how much money I can make you spend.”
He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her tight against him, a sparkle in his eyes. “You do that.” Eli gave her another sensuous kiss before taking his leave. Mari’s heart was racing from the physical sensations, but she couldn’t help feeling that there was something missing from their relationship. Her conversations with Joe came flooding back, and she wondered if kissing was all she and Eli really had.
She went to the window and peeked behind the shade. Still no sign of Joe. Letting it drop, she vowed to apologize that day even if he didn’t get home until midnight.
***
Eli decided a chilly shower wasn’t a half bad idea. Nothing else had really worked. Not racket ball, not the beer afterwards, not giving in and getting lost in Mari’s lips... Of course racket ball and the beer included Sheri, which hadn’t been his original plan. If he had played with a big, sweaty, hairy guy, the outcome might have been different. But he hadn’t. He’d played with perky, sassy Sheri, who wanted him like a fly wants honey. She had bounced around in her scant gym outfit, entwined with vines, leaving Eli more tense and frustrated than before.
Then she had practically dragged him into her car to go to the bar afterward. Not wanting to appear rude, he went along, thinking a beer would help him relax, so he could get back to the designs. What he hadn’t counted on was how much they had in common in musical taste, favorite books, movies... Before he knew it, several hours had gone by, and he felt guilty as hell. It was the last tidbit of information that Sheri let slip that had him paying his tab and marching her to the door.
Joe broke up with Beth.
He’d had a crazy notion that somehow Mari was the reason, and he needed to see her. Her response to his kisses had set his heart at ease but had caused a renewed tension elsewhere.
Eli dropped his towel and stepped i
nto the cold spray.
***
Joe didn’t return home until after dark. There was a light on at Mari’s, so he backed his truck into the driveway right up to the garage to unload his purchases. He was very glad he’d installed a small wood stove in the garage. He had work to do.
Chapter 20
Mari woke with a start and sat up, her book tumbling to the floor. She had crawled into bed to read while waiting for Joe to come home and had obviously fallen asleep. She looked at the clock and was surprised to note that it was morning and only a bit earlier than she usually got up. The first rays of light were coming through her window as she made her way to the bathroom in yesterday’s red flannel shirt and black leggings, and then the kitchen. Running water for tea, she rubbed an eye and yawned.
The dawning light glinted off something in the backyard, and she leaned closer to the window. Mari gasped and turned off the water. Setting the mug down, she scurried to the new back door, flipped the locks and opened it.
The trees were filled with bird feeders.
Bird feeders in all sizes, types, and shapes. Bird feeders painted in all the bright colors she loved. Despite the cold, Mari ambled out in her slippers to marvel at the sight. And then she noticed something. There were Hebrew letters painted in gold on all of them.
One said “forgiveness,” one said “mercy,” one said “provision.” Others said “healing,” “peace,” “love,” and “protection.” Mari couldn’t believe what Joe had done for her. All the blessings of God.
She started to shiver, so she had to tear herself away and go back inside. With her teeth chattering, she paced the kitchen with her hands tucked under her arms. But why? Why would he do so much when a simple “I’m sorry” would suffice? She stopped and scowled, tears forming. Darn it, Joe. Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare make me fall in love with you. She sank into a kitchen chair.
Not when you belong to someone else.
Her phone rang, and she got up to answer it, wondering who would be calling so early.
***
Eli had been up late working on the house designs and hadn’t intended to get up any too early, but something jostled his dreams, and he found himself blinking his eyes open, listening. Ben was talking downstairs to someone... someone female... someone... Mari. She sounds upset. He threw off the covers and leapt from his bed. Pulling on his jeans, he stumbled out into the hall without a shirt. He heard Joe’s door opening as he hit the stairs.
Mari was crying and being consoled by Ben. “Mari,” he called out as he raced down, “what’s wrong?”
Pulling away from Ben, she threw herself into Eli’s open arms, crying hard. He held her tight. “Sh, Mari, tell me what’s the matter. Are you hurt?”
She shook her head against his shoulder. “No, it’s my dad. He’s had a heart attack.”
Joe huffed out a breath beside him, buttoning his shirt, and Eli met his concerned gaze. Their uncle had just suffered a heart attack last summer and hadn’t fared well. “Is he... I mean, did he survive the attack?” Eli asked quietly.
She nodded. “Yes, but mom was crying and, oh, Eli, I should be there.”
“Of course you should. Have you checked the flights yet?” When she shook her head, he spoke to Ben over her shoulder. “Ben, see what you can find today to Oklahoma City.”
Mari pulled back, still shaking her head. “No, I can’t fly. I... I don’t have the money for flying.”
Eli wiped tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. “Honey, we’ll pay for it.” He looked to Joe, who was sitting on the stairs. “Won’t we, Joe?”
Joe nodded. “Absolutely.”
“No, I can’t fly.” Mari’s lip was trembling. “I’m... I’m afraid of flying. Please don’t make me fly.”
Eli couldn’t stand to see her so upset and pulled her against his bare chest. “Sure, okay. No flying. How’s your foot? Can you drive?”
Joe stood. “It’s a long drive to Oklahoma City. She shouldn’t go alone when she’s upset.”
Eli’s mind was racing. He had the designs to finish. How could he drive her and still get them done on time? He looked down at her red, puffy eyes. “I’ll have to call Rolley about the designs—see if I can get an extension.”
Mari’s brows came together. “No, you can’t. This is your big foray into house design. I won’t let you blow it because of me. I’ll just drive myself.”
Ben stepped forward. “Mari, you’re heater’s shot. I ordered parts, but they won’t be here until Friday at the earliest.” He scratched his head. “I’d be glad to drive you in my car, though. Joe, do you think it’s up to a trip like that?”
“Did you get new tires like I told you to?”
Ben looked sheepish. “No, I haven’t gotten around to it. Eli, could I drive your car?”
Eli wanted Ben to drive his sports car about as much as he’d like a root canal, but at the moment, he wasn’t getting any other bright ideas. “I guess, but you have to promise me—”
“I’ll drive her.”
Everyone looked to Joe.
“I was planning on going to Oklahoma City in the next week or two anyway about the synagogue. I’ll just do it now.”
Eli didn’t like it. He hadn’t seen any signs that Joe had an interest in Mari, but the fact that he just broke up with Beth made him wary. “I think I should just call Rolley.” He looked to Mari. “He’ll understand.”
“No, Eli, I think Joe’s right. Riding with him is the least disruptive to all of your lives.” She pulled away from Eli and walked to Joe. “How soon can we go?”
“I just need to throw a few things in a bag and take a quick shower.”
“Me, too.”
Joe turned to head upstairs. “Just come back over when you’re ready.”
Mari nodded and hurried out, leaving Eli and Ben standing in the entry. Ben clapped Eli on the shoulder then turned toward the kitchen. Eli stood staring at the door. He tried to come up with another plan—one that didn’t involve Joe spending days with Mari—but no matter how he tried, he couldn’t argue with Joe’s logic.
Eli jogged up the stairs to his room and grabbed a t-shirt out of his drawer. Slipping it on, he returned to the living room and sat. He didn’t want to risk going back to bed, falling asleep, and miss saying goodbye.
***
Mari and Joe were heading south out of town when Mari let out a big breath. Joe looked her way, and a corner of his mouth twitched up. “Did you finally decide to breathe?”
She took in another big breath and let it out. “I guess so. I didn’t realize I’d practically stopped.” She bent her head and put her mittened hands to her face. “I wish I had some eye drops.”
“We can stop and get you some on the way.” Her eyes were pretty red. He pushed the pillow between them on the seat toward her. “Why don’t you try and take a nap. That will help.”
She took it and clutched it to her chest. “I actually fell asleep while reading pretty early in the evening and didn’t wake up all night, so I doubt I could sleep yet.”
“You were gone part of the day yesterday. Did you wear yourself out?”
“Yeah, I guess so. I went to the art museum and a movie. Just needed to get out of the house.”
He nodded in understanding then shifted in his seat. He had something important to say. “Mari, about Sunday night...”
“Joe, I saw the lamp post last night and all the feeders this morning.” She laid the pillow aside and reached over to touch his shoulder. “Those feeders had me crying before I even got the call from mom.”
He looked at her, concerned. “It wasn’t my intention to make you cry. I—”
“Joe,” she gave his shoulder a squeeze. “They were beautiful and... and meaningful, and I... well, I was really touched. You, sir, are most definitely forgiven.” She pulled her mitten-clad hand back and slid both hands up and down her thighs. Joe didn’t know if she was cold or nervous. “Now I’m wondering if you can forgive me.”
Nervous.
>
Joe reached over and took her hand. “There’s nothing to forgive.”
She gripped his, and Joe sensed impending tears. “Mari, don’t cry anymore. I made a much bigger deal out of what Ben said than I should have, and I realized later that you must have gotten your opinions of me from he and Eli. I plan to have a little chat with them both very soon.”
Mari continued to look at her lap. “I never thought Ben would tell you I said that, and anyway, I should never have said it. You have been nothing but kind to me.” She suddenly looked his way, wide-eyed. “Except when you left me to flounder in that snowdrift. That seemed pretty rude, but that was payback for what I said, wasn’t it?”
Joe winced. “I’m sorry, Mari. That was really petty of me.” He squeezed her hand. “If it’s any consolation, I had to grip the steering wheel to keep from running to your aid.”
Mari actually laughed at that. “That’s what made your feathers fly off! Angels were created to help, Joe.” He gave her a quizzical look, but she just smiled, making his heart do a somersault. He wished she didn’t have on mittens, so he could feel her skin. He pulled his attention back to the road, but Mari went on. “When you rebel against your purpose, it hurts.” She leaned forward, trying to catch his eye. “I’m thinking you didn’t really recover until you warmed up my hand at Shabbas.”
Joe smiled at her insight. He didn’t completely understand her reference to feathers and angels, but she was right about that. Helping her had warmed up his frosty heart. Is that my purpose? He suddenly remembered another purchase he’d made for her. “Reach under the seat. I bought something for you.”
Mari looked at him with eyebrows raised. “Something else?”
Joe felt heat rising in his face. “This is very utilitarian, I promise. Nothing artistic.”
She released his hand to reach under the seat then pulled out a box marked “Hot Hands.” She looked at him questioningly before opening it.
“I just happened across these when I was shopping for the bird feeders. Seemed like the perfect thing for you. They are little packets that you shake, and it causes some kind of chemical reaction. It stays warm for most of the day. You can keep them in your pockets and warm up your hands when you need to.”
Rocky Mountain Angels Page 21
