“Oh, that’s a great idea,” Celia began, leaning on the table, “Do you have anything for the handicapped? I could use a van, a white van, but not one of those ugly things. Something sharp and expensive.” She slid the card back across the table and Mike reached out to take the card.
He ended up just resting his hand over hers because she started pulling the card back. He removed his hand slowly as she gave him a shy smile and said, “On second thought, maybe I should keep this. You never know when a girl might need a fine ride.
Chapter 51
Delivery Man
Martin took in a deep breath and knocked on the back kitchen door. It was the entrance he was used to so he waited for someone to answer. He assumed that Betty would greet him but instead it was Miles.
The man opened the storm door, smiled and shook his head. “What did you do? And, Randi’s not here.”
Martin laughed. “I’m not here to see Randi. I was hoping to talk to Betty, Mrs. Sanders.”
“Well, you’re in luck, she’s here. Come in, come in.” Miles motioned for Martin to step in, and if he thought he felt nervous before, it was nothing to what he was feeling now. He looked around the kitchen. It was nice and clean, small, but homey.
Miles had stepped out into the other room and called out for Betty to come into the kitchen.
“What is it?” she asked.
“You have a guest.”
“A guest. I’m not dressed for company. Who is it?”
The lady of the house came walking around the corner and she stopped and looked at Martin holding the flowers. “I didn’t order anything?” she said shaking her head. “Are those for my daughter, Randi Sanders?”
Martin realized she had no idea who he was. He held out the flowers and smiled. “No, ma’am. They’re for you. Would you like to put them in some water? There’s a card, too.” Martin held out his hand and she looked at them.
“For me? I bet Randi sent them. She knows roses are my favorite. I hope she’s ready to come home.”
“I’ll put them in some water,” Miles said, taking the flowers from Martin as Betty sat down to read the card. Martin waited, not sure what to say or do.
Betty was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the card. Her brows furrowed and she was shaking her head. She started talking forgetting he was there. “Can you believe it? These are from that Martin fella. I guess he thinks he can woo me like he’s done my daughter, with fancy cards and flowers.”
“What does the card say?” Miles asked, giving Martin a wink.
“It’s all about how he only has the best intentions for Randi. It’s very well written. He more than likely paid someone to write it. You know how those stars are. Never do anything for themselves.”
She looked up at Martin and her brows rose quickly. He was pretty sure she’d figured it out. She hurried out of the room and he looked at Miles who only shrugged.
When Betty came back seconds later, she had something in her hand. “Young man, I’m sorry. I should have thought about this sooner. Here you go. Thanks for bringing the flowers. What’s your name and do you have a receipt for me to sign?”
Martin held out his hand to Betty and she shook his hand giving him a warm smile. “No need to sign a receipt, and my name is . . . Martin Taylor.”
He could see the expression on her face move from shock to embarrassment. Martin let go of her hand and she took one step back and looked at her husband. “Is he telling the truth? Is this some kind of a joke?”
Miles shook his head ‘no’ and walked over and put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face Martin. “No, dear. I could never think of anything this good. I’d like for you to meet the young man who is dating our daughter. I met him once at the hospital. I think I told you about it. Dear, this is Martin Taylor.”
Betty shrugged her shoulders away from her husband and went to look at the flowers. “One of the two of you should have stopped me from making an idiot of myself.”
“I just couldn’t, dear. And, Martin here, he was just not sure how to speak up. You kept talking and digging yourself in deeper.” Miles kissed her on the cheek and smiled. “You two get to know each other. I have a phone call to make.”
Martin wanted to object, and from the look on Betty’s face when she turned, so did she. He thought it best to start out with an apology. “I am truly sorry. I didn’t mean to let it go on that long. It never occurred to me that you wouldn’t know who I was.”
“I don’t watch a lot of movies but even if you do know what someone looks like, you’re more than likely not expecting them to be standing in your own kitchen.”
“I suppose that’s true. Would you like for me to leave? I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable?”
Betty gave this some thought but shook her head ‘no’ and motioned to the kitchen table. “Would you like a glass of iced tea?”
“Yes, that would be nice. Randi talks about your tea all the time. I’d love to try a glass. She says hers comes close to yours but it’s not as good.”
Betty smiled. “Now there is no use in trying to butter me up. You’re not going to change my mind. I’m sure that’s why you’re here. There’s no use in pretending.”
“I’m here to ask you for a chance to prove I’m not like some of the other stars. You can check my arrest history, there is none. I don’t drink and I don’t do drugs. I’ve never been married. I don’t have children by anyone.”
“Those all are fine accomplishments,” Betty said, moving over and setting a glass of tea in front of him. He thanked her, took a sip as she joined him and smiled.
“Well butter or not. This is fine tea.”
“Thank you. I’ve told Randi over and over to time how long she leaves the teabags in, and she never does.”
Martin nodded. “I’ll be sure and remind her next time.” This won him a look that said there wouldn’t be a next time so he spoke. “I don’t want to wear out my welcome or waste your time so let’s get down to the fine print. What would it take for you to give me a chance to prove that I’m good enough for Randi?”
“I don’t know if there is anything you can do. The people of this town don’t appreciate or honor the sanctity of marriage. They kiss people who are not their spouses and call it acting. It’s not acting, it’s cheating, and you will not do this to my daughter.”
Martin could see this was not going to be easy, but he wasn’t giving up. He took another drink of tea and leaned back in the chair. “I see your point and my mother has the same opinion.”
Betty uncrossed her arms and leaned on the table, “Then your mother is a smart woman. I wonder if she’s seen any of your movies, or is she afraid to watch them for what she might see? Kissing scenes or love scenes, I’m sure you’ve done some of both. I don’t want my child to have to sit at home while her husband cheats on her and gets paid to do it.”
Martin wasn’t sure what to say. He didn’t think she would be this open with him. He said the first thing that came to his mind. “I don’t want to hurt Randi.”
“I don’t want you to hurt her either.” Betty seemed to soften. She leaned on the table, and in a gesture, reached over and placed her hands on Martin’s. “Mr. Taylor, I’m not a terrible person. I believe you have feelings for my daughter, and you have brass to come here. I commend you for that. But I want Randi to be happily married, and I want her husband to be worthy of her love. Without some changes from you, I don’t think you’re the right man for her.”
Betty moved her hands and crossed her arms, waiting for him to speak, so he did. “I think I am the man for her. I love her. I would do anything for Randi.”
“Then prove it! Promise that if you do those kinds of movies that you’ll kiss her instead. Promise me that.” Betty smiled and rose from the table turning to throw one more stabbing comment in his direction. “And, I want it in writing and I want it binding.”
Chapter 52
Butterflies
Celia sat in her wheelchair ready for bed looking at the
card Mike had given her. The old Celia wanted to smile. She had a wealthy young man in her grasp and he seemed to like her. The guilt he had talked about made her wonder what he and Martin had discussed, but it was in the past.
Roger was right. She’d spent enough time on Martin. It was time to move on. She wasn’t sure anything would happen between her and Mike, only time would tell. The job though, that was something to focus on; she needed to work.
It had been years since she’d depended on herself, and she knew it wouldn’t be easy. She looked around the room and laughed. She’d gone from being lady of this fine manor to nothing but an unwelcome houseguest. She let out a deep sigh and realized that this house would never be hers.
“Earth to Celia,” Roger called from the bedroom door.
She smiled. “Sorry. I was lost in my thoughts.”
“No kidding.” Roger walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “What has your attention? Is it the pain?”
“The pain of life. I was just thinking about where I was and where I’m at now. Staying in the maid’s quarters and knowing I’ll never own a house like this in my life.”
“So what? We never lived in anything like this and we did fine. I would like to have something with a pool,” Roger said, with a smile. “That’s a nice pool.”
“Yes, it is. The whole house is nice. It’s my dream house.”
“For you and what army? No one needs a house this big. The cash you waste on taxes alone could make your money last years longer. I can see having a nice house, but this thing has way too many rooms. The electric bill has got to be astronomical.”
“I have no idea. Martin paid the bills, but I suppose you’re right. There are rooms in this place I’ve never even been in.”
“See, you need to think nice, but smaller. I mean, unless you plan on having the family move in and that would include everybody - distant aunts, uncles, cousins . . .”
“No,” she laughed. “I’d live in a cabin first.”
“That’s my girl, and speaking of cabins, I hear we’re all going camping when you get better. I can’t wait. You’ll love it.”
“What in the world would make you think that I would want to go camping? And, you missed part of the story. It all hinges on Mike doing something with me first.”
“Okay, think back. When we were kids, we rode bikes and played in the backyard. You were not so girly then. I think you’d have a blast. It’s so relaxing. I wish Dad had taken us when we were kids.”
“I don’t know. It might be fun. And I still need to think of something for Mike to do. Any ideas? What would you hate to do that I would think was fun?”
“No fair ganging up,” Mike said, pushing the door open with his foot. Celia hid a smile at the sight of him. His shirt was off and he was using it to wipe oil from his hands.”
“Do you always work like this?” Celia asked, with a smirk.
Mike looked down at his bare chest. “No. It was hot in the garage. The AC out there isn’t working, and my hands were so greasy. I dropped something and needed a rag. I couldn’t find one and this old shirt looked like the best candidate.” Mike looked at Roger. “Teaming up on me? That’s just so unfair.”
“I was taking up for you. I was trying to convince her to go camping.” Roger and Mike walked out of the room acting as if she wasn’t there. She didn’t like this and wheeled herself out following them to the garage door. This was as far as she could go and she sat looking out.
They walked over to the workbench where Mike had been working on some kind of an auto part. He was still without his shirt and she studied him. He was fit and trim, and the more she was around him, the more she realized how handsome he was.
“Want to join us, Sis?” Roger asked, with a smile on his lips. He must have caught her watching Mike. She gave him a ‘don’t you dare go there’ look, but he went on. “Come on, Mike. You help her down the steps and I’ll get the chair.”
She thought about arguing but when Mike stepped up and held out his hand, she found herself moving out of the chair. His right arm encircled her waist as she stood. Slowly he walked her down the few steps. Though he’d been working for a while, she could still smell his cologne.
It was the first time she’d been this close to a man since Martin, and it felt nice. She hated the term ‘butterflies’ but she was feeling something as Mike helped her back into her chair. Maybe it was desire from lack of male attention. What ever it was she hoped neither of the men noticed. “What are you working on?”
“Carburetor. I’ll not go into the details but I’m almost finished.”
“It looks messy. Is it yours?”
“No. From the shop.”
Roger reached into his pocket and held out his phone. “I got to take this. Let me know when you want to go back in the house.”
“I can help her,” Mike tossed over his shoulder.
“Great,” Roger said. He gave Celia a quick wink as Mike turned back to his project. “Let me know if you need any help.”
Mike nodded, seeming oblivious to Roger’s intentions. As soon as the door shut, Celia spoke, being sure to keep the topic off her. “Has my little brother been pestering you for a job?”
"No, but I might be able to find something. Is he looking?”
“I don’t know what he’s doing other then sponging. But I’m one to talk since I’m doing the same thing. I hope he’s re-grouping and ready to settle down and make something of himself. That’s what I plan on doing.”
“That’s a good objective. Have you been doing homework?”
“I’ve been practicing acting broke and pitiful to get pity from buyers. Does that count?” Thankfully Mike took this for the joke it was, laughed and turned giving her a shake of his head.
“That will help, but I meant selling tactics and learning about vehicles.”
“Some of that, too. I’ve also been looking at your website. It could use some work. I’m sure cars move fast from the floor and someone should keep that updated. There aren’t any click-able links so I had no idea if there was a special sale going on or what models you carry or . . .”
“You have a good point. An Internet techie I’m not, and to be honest, what little is there I just threw up one day while online. Mom and Dad didn’t even have a website. They advertised on radio and television but they don’t know a thing about the Internet.”
“Not that I’m looking for a job for Roger, but he could do better. He’s great with the computer. You should let him show you a few things. He could take pictures of some of the cars and make it look really good.”
“I may do that this week. Do you think you’d feel up to a ride to the shop to look around?”
“Sure. I’d love to. Maybe I could see someone in action, or just look around and see what it’s all about.”
He turned to the area where he could wash up. She followed him with her eyes, watching his biceps for a moment as he lathered the soap and washed his hands and arms. “What time did you have in mind?” she asked, feeling like a Peeping Tom.
“What time would be best for you?”
“I’m a bit slower than usual but I could manage eleven.”
“Then it’s a date,” he said, before washing his face and neck then taking a towel and drying off.
“Not my idea of fun,” she laughed, turning away before she was the one who needed cold water splashed on her face.
“We can fix that. After we’re done, we could go shopping, get you a skirt or something to go over that cast and maybe get your hair done, then have dinner.”
“Has my mother been talking to you?”
Mike smiled. “Whatever would make you ask that?”
“You know why. That’s exactly what I told her I needed. You do enough for us. You don’t need to take me shopping.”
“Consider it your side of the bet. You can top off the evening with some terrible play or museum tour.”
Chapter 53
A New Penny
Mike could see that
she was considering his offer. “I’m not sure I can ever think of anything that will be as bad as camping so let’s do this. I’m not sure I’ll be up to a museum tour or a play. We may have to put them off to another day.”
“We can do that.” Mike stepped forward. He felt uncomfortable with his shirt off but pleased that he’d kept off the extra ten pounds that he’d lost. His stomach was flat, and though he didn’t think much about how attractive women would find him, he was curious about what Celia thought.
He stepped closer still holding the towel. “I’m going out to the pool to unwind. Want to join me? I could wheel you out there and then fix a couple of glasses of iced tea.”
“That would be nice. I’m in no hurry to go to bed. Could you grab that pouch on the table with my medicine on your way out?”
With Celia waiting, Mike went to the kitchen. He found Roger playing a game. “Want to join us by the pool?”
“Na but thanks. I thought you guys might want to be alone.”
Mike stopped and looked up, almost spilling the tea he was pouring. “What do you mean?”
“Come on man, I’m not stupid, and my phone didn’t ring. I can see the way she looks at you.”
“I don’t know . . . it’s too strange . . . I mean Martin and I are friends. I’m not sure it would work.”
“I know all of that, but who cares? It’s so hard to find someone that you have a connection with. Don’t let something good pass you by. My sister is not perfect but I think she’s finally getting on the right track.”
“I don’t know . . . she’s on the rebound.”
Roger turned to look at Mike. “Where is Sis?”
“Out by the pool,” Mike said, as he finished pouring tea.
“Good, don’t mention this, but she wasn’t into Martin. She was into having someone take care of her. You may think that’s terrible and maybe it is, but I think she’s learned her lesson. I don’t mean that like it sounds. My sister is not a terrible person. She’s just gotten off track and our home life could be why.”
Celia's Knight (California Love Trilogy Book 3) Page 22
