The Apple Of My Eye

by Christine McGreggor

  “Yes, unfortunately he was, and with more than his usual venom. He hates seeing other people happy. The idea of Katie’s son with Violet’s granddaughter probably has him seeing red,” Betsy tut-tutted to herself.

  “Katie?” Michelle asked, curious to find out what she could about Hayes.

  “Hayes’ mother. She’s a charming woman, which is something of a miracle, considering that Ed raised her after her parents died. He was furious when she married Ronin Marshall. He said she had betrayed him. What a load of nonsense. I’m sure he thought she would live with him forever and take care of him. As if any woman in her right mind would want to live with Ed Olson by choice. He even tried to cut her off from her inheritance.” Betsy shook her head sadly. “Horrible man. Oh, there’s your tea kettle!” Betsy hurried back into the kitchen and pulled the whistling kettle off of the burner.

  “There you are, my dear, and I’d best be getting back home. It’s nearly time to check on my roast. You have a lovely time, and make sure you don’t let that boy break your heart, hmm?” Just as quickly as she had come, Betsy Turner disappeared back through the kitchen door. Michelle shook her head at her neighbor. How much of a busybody could one person be?

  She put the tea leaves in the kettle and let the water steep. While Michelle waited, she stared out the kitchen window, watching the McIntosh tree and the yellow house behind it. She tapped her fingers on the countertop idly while she considered the large house, and the man who lived there. Why had Ed Olson been watching her and Hayes together? Was it because of the bad blood between him and his niece? If he was still angry with Katie after all this time, then why would Hayes have been over at his home yesterday? Would he try to do something about her apple tree, once he realized it wouldn’t be torn down? Did she and Kara need to be worried about their safety? She frowned unhappily. Perhaps her uncle’s recommendations weren’t that far off the mark after all.

  Michelle poured herself a cup of tea and left the rest of the water in the kettle. Maybe Kara would want a cup when she got home. She wondered if her friend had really gone to the store or had just wanted to make herself scarce to give Michelle some alone time with the handsome arborist. Michelle pulled the cell phone from her pocket and texted her friend. “Coast is clear. U can come home now. Got a date 2 night!”

  Thirty seconds later Michelle’s phone buzzed with a reply text. “Knew u could do it. Wear the teal cashmere. Be back soon.”

  Michelle laughed, Kara loved giving fashion advice. She finished her tea and checked the clock on the wall. The clock read 4:35. If she wanted to get ready for a date at seven, she needed to get a move on. She wasn’t even sure all her clothing had been unpacked yet. Michelle hurried upstairs, pouncing on the suitcase that held the clothing she reserved for special occasions. She flipped the clasps open and began to sort through the contents. Within a few moments her hands lit on the buttery soft cashmere sweater. Kara knew what she was talking about. The teal color made Michelle’s hazel eyes go a deep blue-green, and the v-neck showed just enough décolletage to entice without being vulgar. She set the sweater aside and rifled through the suitcase looking for a skirt or pants to match. Finally, she found just the right number. It was a flirty, knee length, black circle skirt made of feather light chiffon. She pulled the skirt from the suitcase and then groaned in dismay. The chiffon was so wrinkled it looked like it had been used as a rag. There was no way she could wear the skirt in its current condition.

  She pulled a matching lace teal bra and panties from the underwear Kara had put away yesterday. She would have to hurry if she wanted to get everything ready before seven. Clutching her outfit to her chest Michelle hurried down the steps, nearly slamming into Kara as she walked in the front door. “Whoa! Somebody is in a rush. I know it’s your first date in a year or so, but slow down, girlie.” Kara took a step back and looked at her excited friend. “Okay, you go take a shower, I will take these.” She neatly lifted the clothes from Michelle’s hands. “Hmm… I would’ve gone with the bustier myself, but at least these match, and they’re lacy. Kara approved.” With a flourish she handed Michelle her underwear back, but kept the sweater and skirt. “Get going. I will handle the wrinkles and the accessories.”

  While Michelle showered, Kara ironed the wrinkle strewn chiffon skirt back to perfection. By the time Michelle was ready to get dressed her entire outfit was lying neatly on the bathroom counter waiting for her. Michelle came out of the bathroom and presented herself for Kara’s inspection. “Let’s see what we have here. Sexy form hugging sweater? Check. Flirty skirt? Check. Amazing black pumps, and yes, they’re mine, and you’re welcome. Check. Matching silver jewelry to set off your skin and draw his eye to your assets, like they aren’t going to be there already? Check.” Kara clapped her hands while Michelle laughed at her. “Okay, that means it's hair and makeup time. Back in the bathroom young lady while Fairy God-Kara gets you ready for the ball.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Half an hour later Michelle had been primped and polished to perfection. Her hair was gently twisted and caught up in the back. Her makeup brought out the glow of her cheeks and the sweet swell of her lips. Her eyes practically glowed as she admired Kara’s handiwork in the mirror. “Remind me again why you don’t do this professionally?”

  “Because I only beautify people I care about. No one else is worth all the effort,” Kara replied. Now go get your coat on, Mr. Dreamy Marshall is going to be here any minute.”

  “You can just call him Hayes, you know. What are you going to do about dinner?” Michelle frowned, feeling bad that she was leaving her friend alone in a new place right after a breakup.

  “Galoshes and I have a date with Mrs. Turner’s goulash. Don’t worry about us. We are going to have a great time. Especially since the satellite service is up and running. Reality TV marathon here I come! Where is he taking you, by the way?”

  “We’re going to The River Bell.” Michelle couldn’t keep the smile off of her face.

  Kara took Michelle’s camel colored wool coat from the closet and handed it to her. “Ooh. Wow, being an arborist must pay better than I thought. That’s the fanciest restaurant in town. Just remember to stay away from the garlic and the fish. That will make the post-dinner make out session more pleasant.”

  Michelle rolled her eyes at her friend’s brazen statement. “You never stop, do you? “

  “If I did, you’d think there was something wrong with me!”

  “You’re right, I would. Thanks Kara, have fun without me.” Michelle went to kiss her friend on the cheek, but Kara waved her off.

  “Oh no you don’t, you’ll smudge your lip gloss. No kissing until he has had a chance to admire my handiwork.” The doorbell chimed, interrupting their conversation. “There he is. You put on your coat, I will get the door.” Kara bounced to the front door while Michelle buttoned up her dress coat.

  “Come on in, Hayes. She’s been waiting for you.” Kara bowed the handsome arborist in the door.

  Kara stepped back out of the way, and Michelle got her first look at Hayes. If she had thought he was handsome in his work clothes, it was nothing compared to him all dressed up. His short chestnut hair was brushed back from his face. He wore a deep navy, wool pea coat, with brown dress pants and shiny, patent leather dress shoes. Now he truly did look as if he had stepped off the pages of a department store advertisement. The coat accentuated his broad shoulders, and his dress pants drew her eyes to his trim, sculpted legs. She couldn’t help but be thrilled. Her last boyfriend’s idea of dressed up was an unstained shirt and cargo pants. A tiny, breathy sigh escaped Michelle as she caught the fiery look of appreciation glittering in Hayes’ green eyes.

  “You look amazing, Michelle.” Hayes voice had returned to the sexy growl she had heard briefly earlier that afternoon. He held a leather gloved hand out to her. “Are you ready to go?”

  Michelle favored him with a dazzling smile. “Thank you, you look pretty amazing yourself. Yes I’m ready.” She walked up to him an
d took his powerful hand in hers. “Bye Kara.”

  “Bye guys. Don’t hurry home on my account.” Kara waved to the couple and watched them walk out into the star strewn night.

  Hayes tucked Michelle's hand into the crook of his arm and led her to where his black sedan was parked, shining under the street lamp. He opened the passenger door for her and carefully helped her sit down, not the easiest task in stilettos and a skirt. Michelle looked around the interior of the car, impressed. The gray interior was clean and uncluttered, the seat warmed by an internal heater. “I like your car.” she told Hayes admiringly.

  “Oh, thanks. Don’t let this fool you. I’m not usually this neat.” He gave her a sassy wink that made her smile, and they were off.

  The River Bell was an expensive fine cuisine restaurant located in Greenville’s historic downtown. Michelle had only been there twice before, once for her twenty first birthday and again when she graduated from college. The restaurant was located in a graceful Victorian brick building. The décor captured the romance of that bygone era. A metallic tin tile ceiling and beautiful, rich woodwork abounded inside. Artisan stained glass panels accented the windows. Guests were seated at linen draped tables lit by tiny candles.

  Michelle looked around the restaurant as they were seated. Since it was a Monday night, the restaurant was not very busy. The table they were seated at felt quite private. She unbuttoned her coat and smiled as Hayes watched her, clearly liking what he was seeing. “I love this restaurant, it’s so pretty. I’ve only been here a few times, but the food was incredible on both occasions. Do you come here often?”

  Hayes shook his head ruefully. “No, I’ve only been here a few times myself. You’re right it is beautiful, but not as lovely as the company I’m keeping.” Hayes warm smile sent a thrill up Michelle’s back.

  A tall man with graying hair, dressed in black pants and a black dress shirt came striding over to their table from behind the bar. “Hayes! Have you finally decided to call in that favor?”

  Hayes chuckled and nodded. “I certainly have. John Cooper, meet Michelle Perry. Michelle, John is the owner of The River Bell.”

  Michelle’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as she took John’s proffered hand. “Welcome to The River Bell, Miss Perry. We are delighted to have you this evening.”

  “Well thank you. I’m delighted to be here.” Michelle shot Hayes an inquiring look.

  “I did some work for John last summer. He wanted to improve the look of the outdoor dining patio.” Hayes indicated a window behind her. Turning, Michelle saw a graceful cobblestone patio, lit with Victorian style iron street lamps and surrounded by small dormant trees and shrubs. Michelle could just barely make out the glint of water beyond. Greenville had been built on the elevated banks of a local river and was famous for its romantic river scenery. Warm weather diners would be able to sit outside and enjoy the river from the patio.

  “He did a fabulous job, and luckily for me, Hayes allowed me to pay partly in trade. The staff and I can hardly wait for spring. You two will have to come back for our ‘Tea Beneath the Blooms’ event.” John looked behind his shoulder to where a black clad server stood, waiting respectfully for his employer to finish. “Here’s Andy, he will be taking care of you this evening. Feel free to order whatever your heart desires.” John clapped an appreciative hand on Hayes’ shoulder and then walked back to where his server stood waiting. He whispered something into the young man’s ear and then disappeared into the back of the restaurant.

  After the waiter had taken their drink orders, Michelle turned back to Hayes. “So you work in trade?”

  The handsome man nodded his head. “Occasionally I do. Especially in situations like The River Bell Project. John has sent a few referrals my way since I finished the work for him. Plus I get to enjoy an amazing night out with you. That’s well worth a discount in my book.” He pulled an envelope from the inner pocket of his coat. “Would you like to get the business portion out of the way?”

  Michelle nodded vigorously. “Yes, please. Then I can relax and enjoy the evening.”

  Hayes handed her the envelope, and she removed the contents. Michelle unfolded the paper and read Hayes’ precise, masculine script.

  Remedial tree pruning- McIntosh apple tree $250

  Remedial tree pruning- Fireside apple tree $200

  Preventive pesticide application $75

  Tree litter removal $50

  Top soil and mulch replacement $50

  3 year old apple tree x2 $160

  Estimated Service Total $785

  Michelle let out a tiny dismayed squeak when she saw the total at the bottom. That was over a half of the total money she had saved up for the repairs on the house. She covered her consternation by sipping the glass of wine which had just arrived at the table.

  “Michelle? What’s the matter?” Hayes frowned at his date’s discomfited expression.

  “Oh.” Michelle looked away from the handsome man, suddenly uncomfortable. “Well, it’s just a bit more than I had hoped to pay right now.” Michelle twisted her napkin nervously. “Not that I can’t afford it. I have some money saved up for repairs and remodels on the house.”

  “You just weren’t counting on having to spend it all saving your grandmother’s apple tree,” Hayes answered, reaching for Michelle’s hand. She nodded, blushing. “Don’t worry about it. We can figure out a payment plan or even split up the work.” He gently stroked the back of her soft fingers with his callused thumb. “The replacement trees can go in later or even in the autumn if need be. My priority is to get that McIntosh taken care of for you so you can stop worrying about it.”

  “Thanks Hayes, that’s very generous of you. Maybe I could pay you half when you get started and the other half in a few weeks?” Michelle stared at his thumb, as it moved back and forth along her hand. The rhythm sent frissons of heat up her arm where it pooled in her core.

  “If that’s what you want to do, that’s fine. Don’t worry about it right now.” To Michelle’s disappointment, he released her hand as the waiter approached their table, carrying a tray laden with their appetizer of crab cakes and small dinner salads. “I’ve heard the house dressing here is really good.”

  Michelle allowed Hayes to steer the conversation away from her tree troubles. While they ate, he asked her about what she did for a living. Swallowing a bite of the delicious salad, Michelle answered him. “I am an underwriter for a life insurance company. I review people’s insurance applications, then decide whether they should be insured, and at what rate.”

  He blinked at her. “Oh, that sounds…”

  “Kind of boring?” she giggled as Hayes struggled to find the right words.

  “A little bit, yes. Make sure you remember you were the one who said it, not me.”

  “It’s more interesting than you might think. It can also be quite stressful, especially when an agent wants a better rate than the one you have assigned their client. I have had some very heated conversations since I started a few years ago.”

  “So do you work close to Greenville?” Hayes asked as he tried a crab cake, his eyebrows shooting up in appreciation when he bit down.

  “It’s about a twenty minute commute on a good day. Actually, Greenville is closer to my office than my old apartment was. Kara works just down the street from me, so we are planning on carpooling.”

  “Oh, so she’s your roommate?” Hayes asked, swirling the wine idly in his glass.

  “Well she is now. We’ve been friends since we were little. She needed a place to stay, so she’s staying with me.”

  Hayes nodded approvingly. “That’s good. Your neighborhood is pretty quiet, but you really shouldn’t be living alone. There are plenty of people out there who would try to take advantage of a woman living on her own.”

  “People like your Uncle?” Hayes flinched, and Michelle regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth. “I’m sorry. I had no business saying something like that.”

  He put t
he glass of wine firmly back down on the table. “No, Ed Olson deserves all of that and probably more. He is not… well, he doesn’t do anything to endear himself to the people who know him.”

  “I have noticed that. Why do you help him if he’s so unpleasant to be around?”

  Hayes shrugged. “He’s family, and it’s complicated. Either way, I’m glad you aren’t living by yourself.”

  “I am too. Kara is good company, although my uncle said I should get a dog.”

  “That’s not bad advice, actually. I did some work for a collie breeder last year. She sometimes has puppies or even adult dogs available. Would you like her number?”

  Michelle chuckled. “Sure, just don’t tell Kara you gave it to me. She would be dragging me over there tomorrow.”

  “It will be our secret, I swear!” Hayes grinned, and dug out his wallet. He pulled out a crisp business card, with a picture of a gorgeous brown and white collie printed on it. Michelle tucked the card safely into her purse.

  “Do you get a lot of business from referrals?” she asked.

  “Actually more than half of my business comes from referrals from my past clients. Plus I’m happy to pass on their information to other clients, and friends.”

  “That says something for the quality of your work, if so many people are willing to recommend you to their friends.”

  Hayes smiled at her. “I’d like to think so. Oh my god, is that our dinner?”

  Michelle turned to look at what had drawn Hayes’ attention. Their server was walking towards the table, this time with two plates, two empty champagne flutes, and a fresh bottle of wine. “With the house’s compliment’s sir.” Andy cleared the table of their appetizers and salad, and then set the plates down with a flourish.

  Michelle gaped at her dinner. She had ordered a breast of duck. Looking at her plate, she wasn’t sure the dish could even be termed food. It looked more like art. With a pop, the waiter uncorked the champagne and poured the rose pink wine into the two flutes. He carefully set the flutes in front of the couple. “Bon Appétit.” With a little bow, the server stepped away from the table, and left them in peace.