“So, you’ll go with me to the wedding? We might need to leave tonight or tomorrow, depending on the tickets.”
“Yes. I’ll make a call and see if I can get Julie to watch the dogs. If not, we’ll ask Mike. The dogs ran around that old mansion for weeks. As long as someone puts out food and water for them, they will be fine. Are you listening to me?”
“No, and you better get out of this bed or I’m going to kiss you again, and I might not want to stop.”
“I understand. You’re so handsome and when you look at me like that, it’s almost more than I can take and I want to stop thinking and just act.”
“Oh, right. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Go pack, and if you forget anything, we’ll buy it.”
Chapter 56
Baby Steps
“To whom were you whispering?” Celia asked, wheeling out of the bedroom. Her mother smiled at her.
“Your dad. What are you doing up so bright and early, and what in the world is that on your cast?”
Roger stepped out of the bedroom and answered, “It’s a trash bag so Sis can shower. I think I’ve put enough tape on there so it won’t get wet. It was Mike’s idea. He said it worked for him.”
“That man is something else. Is he around?”
“He’s upstairs,” Celia said. “We’re going to the dealership where he thinks I can get a job. Then we’re going out for some fun.”
“Really? Fun?” her mother asked. “Are you going on a date?”
“Okay, Mom. Don’t start hearing wedding bells. It’s just an outing. I’m not even sure we should call it a date.”
“Sure you should,” Roger said, “and be yourself. He likes you for some reason so don’t blow this.”
“Thanks. I love you, too.”
“You’re welcome,” Roger said, kissing her on the forehead. “I’ve done my part. Mom you get in there and help her take that shower, she reeks.”
“I do not. I’ve had a mini-bath every day.”
“It’s good to see the two of you still love each other,” their mother said. “Now come on, let’s get you cleaned up. And I agree with Roger, this is a date so be yourself and have some fun. You deserve it.”
After the pep talk her mother gave her, Celia was nervous. She was going out on what could be considered a date with Martin’s best friend. What was she thinking? Neither of them spoke as he pulled away from the family dealership, but Celia’s mind was reeling.
It wasn’t the money or the position; it was the man. He told her what he thought. He didn’t hold back, and unlike other men in the past, she liked Mike. They were friends and they could laugh together. Would that make falling in love better or just ruin a good friendship if things went wrong?
“What did you think? Did they ask too many questions? I can tell them the topic of your past is off limits.”
“No, they were fine. I don’t mind mild curiosity. For the most part, I think that will be over. That’s something I’d never even thought about. Before I was always with Martin and the press would just take pictures of us. If they asked questions, he was the one who answered.”
“I could probably dye my hair or wear a wig. You would be surprised at what just a hat and sunglasses would do for Martin.”
“I know. I’ve been out with him to get pizza and he wasn’t even recognized. And, might I add, it’s good that you can mention his name without that terrible scowl.”
“I’m trying though it’s not always easy.”
“Baby steps and you’ll get there. Now, where are we going to find this new dress?”
“I don’t want you spending more money. I’ll bet you think I dated Martin for his money. It wasn’t like that, not really. My aunt always told me I could love a rich man as easily as a poor man. I told you about my mother and her marriage. I figured if I’m going to be married, why not have a man who could give me what I wanted? I know it’s sad, but it never entered my mind to marry just for love.”
“That is sad. I was taught that’s the only reason you get married, and to never settle until I was sure I was in love with the right woman. I’ve decided I’m not sure she’s out there.”
“We’re a fine pair to be going out on a date. We’re both so messed up if we did fall in love, I doubt if we’d even know it.” Celia laughed feeling embarrassed that she always seemed to say just exactly what was on her mind with this man.
“So . . . this is a date?”
“I said all of that, and that’s your only comment?”
Mike shrugged. “I know what you’re saying, but I also know I’m tired of everyone around me getting married and having kids. I don’t like living alone. I want someone to grow old with. I’m always the odd man out because I don’t have a date or a spouse.”
“I remember that feeling, but there are plenty of singles in the same boat. We just need to find them.”
“I’d rather find the right person, but for now, don’t worry about it. We’re getting you that new dress and a new ‘do’. If we don’t go back to the mansion with you looking spiffy, I’ll have to answer to your mother.”
Celia laughed. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden.”
“If you want to, consider it an investment.”
“How so?” she asked, unsure where this was going.
“I have an idea that you’re going to sell a lot of cars, and that of course, will pay me back and then some.”
“In that case, I’ll add a new pair of shoes and a manicure. You can go see a movie while you wait.”
Mike smiled. “Suits me. Now, where to?”
Three hours later Celia dialed Mike to come and pick her up. Her hair had been washed and styled. Her fingers and toes were done and the stylist also did her make-up. She was definitely feeling pretty. A part of her pride had been hurt when Martin had left her for ‘the help’. A night out with a handsome man was just what she needed!
She was wearing her new shoes . . . well, a new shoe on one foot; the other one would have to wait. Since she would be in a wheelchair and wouldn’t be doing any walking, she’d purchased a pair of golden beige multi metallic peep toe booties with a 2 ½” covered block heel. They matched perfectly with the two-toned metallic silk shawl she had purchased to complete her outfit.
The soft azure blue ponte knit maxi skirt she had picked out would cover her cast easily. The fabric was a dream and the matching long sleeved lace blouse fit her perfectly.
A smile came to her lips as she watched Mike approach. He’d slipped away and changed clothes. He was dressed in hunter green slacks, a moss green shirt with a white and hunter green hexagon printed tie and brown leather Italian loafers. Wow! He looked like a model ready to walk down the runway!
After Mike got her settled in the vehicle, they exchanged compliments and were on their way to the Chef’s Banquet. She’d read great reviews about the place but had never been there. While dating Martin, they had to be somewhat selective about where they went. She doubted if many people would recognize her without her being on Martin’s arm. She would miss the notoriety but she would also enjoy being a normal person again.
Celia’s mind moved from Martin and she kept glancing at Mike wondering what he expected of the night, if anything. After all, she was out of commission for anything other than kissing. Then again, he didn’t seem like the type to expect more than a delicious meal and interesting conversation.
Chapter 57
Goodnight Kiss
Celia seemed nervous through most of their dinner. She kept looking around as if someone was watching them. It wasn’t until they were finished and ready to leave that Mike figured out what was going on. She was looking for the paparazzi. He wasn’t sure what to do so he decided he would make a comment. “Sorry. No one will care that you’re out with me.”
She looked up and gave him a questioning look. “What?”
“I thought you were looking for those nosy people snapping pictures.”
“Oh, no,” she laughed. “Well, maybe a part of me. But mos
tly I feel out of place. I’ve never been this beaten up before. I feel like everyone’s looking at me.”
“You look beautiful. Don’t worry about them,” he said, nodding his head to a table occupied by several women. “They couldn’t even get a date,” he said with a smirk.
“Thanks. That makes me feel better.”
“It should. After all, I’m quite the catch.” With this comment he reached up and wiggled his tie. In reality he couldn’t wait to get the thing off, but he had thought it might impress Celia. He was right. She liked the way he looked; he could tell.
“You’re terrible.”
“Hey, it’s not bragging if it’s the truth.” She gave him a soft smile. Thankfully she seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the women at the nearby table.
They finished their coffee and dessert that he had finally talked her into getting. He paid the bill and they were on their way to the car. He pushed the chair, talking to her as they walked along. One of the women gave a sneer as they walked by. He had thought it was just her imagination, but maybe they were talking about her.
He wanted to say something but wasn’t sure they’d care or hear, so he put them out of his mind. “Are you ready to go dancing now?”
“Sure,” she said, as he helped her into the car. “I can’t wait.”
“Maybe at a later date,” he said, tucking part of her skirt into the car so it wouldn’t get caught in the door.
“I think I’ll have to pass. I’m worn out. But I do like to dance. Could you help me with this seatbelt? I had a time with it earlier.”
“Sure,” he said, reaching for the belt and carefully pulling it across her. “Too tight?”
“No,” she said in such a soft tone that he stopped and looked to make sure he wasn’t hurting her. He could see in her expression that she was not in pain. There was another look in her pretty eyes. A look that he hadn’t seen in a long time but that he knew very well.
He wasn’t sure if his timing was right or if she cared about timing. For now, he just went back to the buckle and hoped that if he got up the nerve later, she would still want to kiss him. “There you go. Now to get you home and into bed.”
The moment the words were out of his mouth, he stumbled to correct himself. “I meant help you get into bed.” She didn’t say anything but he thought he heard a small laugh escape as he closed the door. He was so flustered he almost forgot to put her wheelchair in the trunk and he hoped she hadn’t noticed.
If she did, she didn’t mention it as he put his seatbelt on, started the car and pulled out. He said the only thing that came to his mind. “Do we need to stop at the store on the way? Is there anything you need?”
“No, thanks. I’ve got everything I need.”
Mike didn’t answer and neither seemed to mind the other didn’t have much to say. It wasn’t until they pulled into the driveway that Celia spoke, and he could hear the sigh in her tone.
“I will miss this house but thanks to Roger and my mother, I now realize that I don’t need a place this big. I think I can move out and not feel too much regret.”
“That’s a good thing. It means you’re growing.”
“At my age?”
“Sure. My mother says things all the time about learning something new, or why in the world had it taken her so long to realize this or that? As we grow older, we can still learn. I think when we stop learning, that’s when we have a problem.”
Celia let out an audible sigh this time and he could feel her looking at him. Mike parked, took out the keys and turned in the seat to look at her. “What’s on your mind?”
“Life didn’t turn out like I thought it would. Then again, my ‘thoughts’ have changed over the years. When I was young, I thought I would have a ‘happily ever after’ - that I would meet prince charming and we’d ride off into the sunset together. When I turned seventeen, I started noticing how Mom and Dad lived and I wanted a man to take care of me, love or not. I didn’t want to work from daylight to dark cleaning and cooking.”
“And now?” Mike asked.
“I’m not even sure I want a man. I want to make it on my own. I don’t want to depend on anyone, but I don’t see it happening out here. Everything is so expensive. I might have to go back with Mom and Roger.”
“You’ve given up on selling cars?”
“No, but I can’t see it happening. I can’t afford rent. Not the first month or the last month or either. I don’t have a car. I’m not sure what the insurance is going to pay and I may end up with a lot of hospital bills.”
“Is this a pity party?” he asked, with a smile.
“No, a reality party. I’m trying to see things clearly. I’m tired of disappointment and I don’t want to go back to my old life. I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror.”
“I’ve had those moments, but we can’t give up.”
“I’m not. I’m just trying to make a plan where I won’t fail. If I go home, I can live with my family until I’m able to find a job.”
Mike didn’t like what he was hearing, though he could understand. He was starting to see a bit of the real Celia and he wasn’t going to give up. He didn’t want to ask her to stay with him, and suddenly, another idea emerged from nowhere. “You could live in the house we’re working on. It’s not finished but that would give you a way to get on your own two feet.”
“That’s terrible,” she said, shaking her head but at least she was smiling so he went on.
“I know everything would hinge on you selling cars, but there are other jobs.”
“I hadn’t thought about that. It does have electricity and water. I don’t care about cable. Roger could move in, too, if you don’t mind. We could share expenses.”
“Yes, you could, and, no, I wouldn’t mind.” He could see her coming more alive.
“I think there is even a bus that runs by there. We could get work soon, well, he could. Maybe I could work from there doing something or dabble at selling cars. I think I could work a few hours a day.”
Mike nodded. “I could drive you and maybe stop off for supper on the way home.” He wanted to reach out and take her hand or kiss her.
“That would be nice. Really nice,” Celia said, and she seemed to have an idea what he wanted. Maybe it was the look on his face, or the electricity between them. No matter, she had turned and was looking at him.
“Then it’s a plan. In the morning I’ll go to the house and start looking around to see what you’ll need - a bed frame and mattresses, some curtains and maybe get the guys started on a ramp.”
“Why are you so good to me?”
“I don’t know. I’m trying to figure that one out myself.”
“When you figure it out, will you let me know?”
“Sure will,” Mike said, leaning in close enough to kiss her.
“I don’t think we should . . .”
“Yes, we should,” he interrupted. He leaned in touching his lips to hers. He was ‘going to keep it light’ but she moved as he pulled back and kissed him. He wasn’t expecting this, but he should have. Celia was a take-charge kind of girl and he didn’t mind admitting that he didn’t care one bit.
Chapter 58
Pleading the Fifth
Checking out of the hotel and spending the night with Julie’s mother had been Randi’s idea. She had packed everything she would need for the trip and was excited about flying out to see Martin’s family. As it had been the last time, everything was moving fast and the wedding would probably be the next day. There would be time for supper with the family that evening, and the next morning, preparations for the wedding to take place.
Randi had called her dad’s cell to let him know where she would be and asked him to inform her mother. They didn’t talk long and soon she was kissing the pups and carrying an overnight bag out to the cab that would take her to the airport.
Julie had been excited, declaring that she wanted to meet Martin soon, and that she would take good care of the dogs whil
e Randi was gone. Waving one last time, Randi put her bag in the cab and they were off to the airport.
On the way, she checked her messages and learned where she would meet Martin. It seemed he was catching a ride to the airport with Mike. She hoped they had mended their fences and were on good speaking terms.
When she got out of the cab, she stood waiting. After a few minutes, a shuttle car came by and picked her up. She rode with the silent young man and smiled as she saw Martin and Mike waiting at a small outside table.
She climbed from the shuttle and shook her head as she approached. “This felt like one of your cloak and dagger movies, going from point to point.” She gave him a quick kiss then sat down.
“Martin’s always full of it. Trying to show off his star status.”
“I’m learning that,” Randi said, with a smile.
Martin laughed it off and took off his sunglasses. “It’s all in a days work. They will let us board first into the first class section. Can’t have us joining the mere peons.”
“You’re terrible,” Randi said, as she took Martin’s hand when he held it out to her.
“I’m joking, but they will board us first. They don’t want any disturbances. I’d forgotten what a hassle this could be. I might rent a private jet on the way back or something less commercial.”
“Spending that extra money already?” Mike asked, leaning back and taking a sip of his water.
“There will be no extra money until the house sells.”
“House?” Randi looked from Mike to Martin. “What are you talking about?”
“Mike’s informed me that Celia is moving out and into the house they’re trying to sell.”
“She wants to get out on her own. She’s going to take a job at the dealership as a salesperson. Her brother, Roger, will be moving in for a while until she gets on her feet.”
“That’s good. I’m glad she feels well enough to go to work,” Randi said.
“Well, I’m not sure she’s up to it yet, but she wants to try.”
Celia's Knight (California Love Trilogy Book 3) Page 24
