Invitation to Love

by Lee, Groovy

  She held her keys up for Nora to take as they stood outside in the driveway. “I don’t need these anymore. Here you go.”

  “Are you sure you want us to keep the money from the sale of your car?” she jingled the metal around in her hand. “Fifteen-hundred is a lot of money. Plus, you’re giving us half of what you get off this house.”

  “I’m sure. The money’s yours; A gift for all your help and support.”

  “Well, we’d better head home. You have a big day ahead of you.”

  They walked to the end of the driveway. Nora called for Remi, Rachel, and Bobby, who were still playing in the backyard. They raced through the fence for Jerry’s truck. Taryn and Nora braced while the stampede passed.

  “I’m riding with Uncle Jerry,” one voice cried.

  “Me, too,” yelled another.

  “I’m sitting by the window,” came another cry.

  “Oh, no you’re not.”

  “Yes, I am. Daddy!”

  Taryn took one last look at the house where she brought her twin babies home from the hospital; To the backyard where she enjoyed gardening on summer evenings, crimson sunsets, and heavenly wonders at night—All memories now. Her life is taking on a journey of new twists and turns; Turns of uncertainties, for sure. And yet, there’s that scant optimism that it’ll all be for the better.

  One good thing has already come out of it: Mac can’t take Remi and Rachel away from her. For years, she’s patiently waited for the day when she could drop-kick his arrogance to the next continent. And, when she went to tell him of her news, the impact K.O.’d him to the sofa. His overburdened housekeeper scurried around that immense mansion, firing Spanish, struggling to find his aspirin, and prepare his vodka in ten seconds flat. And for the first time ever, she saw a tiny smile of admiration from Phyllis before she turned and left her husband groaning in the siting room.

  “The kids will write you,” Taryn said as he sat draped like a wet rag. “And maybe, just maybe, they’ll spend a summer with you.” That look of gratitude on his face as she spun around and waltzed away, more than made her day—shoot—her entire year.

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  Taryn sat on the side of the bed, watching the orange glow of the sun begin a new day. Thoughts of what awaited her, coupled with the phone call from Michael last night, didn’t allow for much sleep. They’re scheduled to be married in a few hours at the court house (Dear Heavens), eat a farewell brunch back here at Nora’s, then head to the airport for their flight to Los Angeles.

  Two hours of scurrying in and out, back and forth, finds her standing in front of the oval mirror hanging from Nora’s living room wall, critiquing herself from head to toe. She smoothed at the neat hair knot Nora styled to the side of her head, then stood back and straightened at the beige A-lined dress with tiny, yellow flowers etched into the fabric. She glanced down the hall for any sightings of her sister to come and zip her up.

  “We’d better hurry,” Nora quick-stepped from one of the bedrooms, wearing a pretty, pale-yellow chiffon dress. “Michael will be here soon.”

  “Don’t remind me,” Taryn exhaled.

  “Here, let me zip you up. There.”

  Taryn stood still as Nora circled and studied her carefully to make sure everything was in place and matching perfectly. “Taryn, where’s your bouquet?”

  Bouquet, marriage. Those words triggered a nervous excitement every time. Her insides were shaking even more, now. “I…I…in the refrigerator, maybe?”

  “That’s right,” Nora snapped her fingers just as she remembered. She was about to rush off for it, but suddenly stopped. A tearful smile forged across her face; An air of sadness, mixed with joy interlocked their eyes. “Taryn,” she sobbed, and the two fell into a snug embrace.

  “Momma,” Remi came in, stretching irritably at the collar of the ivory laced dress she had to wear. “Do I have to put these ribbons in my hair?”

  Nora dabbed her tears away with a tissue before turning to her niece. “Remi, sweetheart, this is a big day for your mother—for all of us. Let’s make it easy for her by cooperating. Okay?”

  “Okay,” she stuck her bottom lip out just a little.

  “Now, turn around so I can tie it in your hair. Oh, don’t you look like an angel.”

  Remi just shrugged and blew.

  “Now, go and see if the others are ready for me, will you?”

  “Honey,” Jerry came from down the hall. “Will you put these clips on for me?”

  Taryn smiled at the picture of him all dressed up in his dark-blue suit. The sound of the doorbell had her hand flying to her heart.

  “That’s Michael,” Nora broadcast for the entire house to hear. “Shall I get it, Taryn? Or will you?”

  “I’ll get it,” she replied, silently dictating her feet to move. Timid fingers gripped the doorknob and opened it to the imposing figure dressed in a very handsome Morning Suit; His hair in style for the occasion, and wearing the most arousing, expensive cologne. The repressed excitement at seeing him standing there had her stomach tightening. Has it only been three days since they last saw one another? Seems more like years. “Hi,” she widened the door to let him enter.

  He soaked in every angle of her face, then made an intimate inspection of the rest of her. “Hi. You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks.” The word was barely a whisper as she shyly looked away.

  “Are these yours?” he pointed to the luggage standing by the door.

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll take them to the car,” he bent down to retrieve them.

  “Hold on there,” Jerry came hurrying out of nowhere, causing Michael to straighten. “Can’t have you working on your wedding day, can we? The chauffeur and I can handle this part.”

  “Michael, this is my brother-in-law Jerry.”

  The two seemed to take an instant liking to one another as they shook hands. Jerry then picked up some of the cases and left out.

  “Ready?”

  Michael’s question was like a door opening to that new journey in her life. Now, all she had to do was just step through it. A rush of fear swept through her at that instant, making it difficult to even breathe. This is it, and there’s no turning back. Or can she?

  “Michael.” But, one look at that comforting smile; The gleam in those alluring eyes; The way her heart was beating from just the nearness of him turned those fears into a dissipating mist. “Yes. I’m ready.”

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  Taryn stared aimlessly from the airplane window at the patchwork scenery below. The crop circles carved into a farmer’s field eluded her; Mysteries of the universe are nothing compared to the world she’s about to enter—and soon. She gazed across the aisle to where Michael and the girls were enjoying the scenery outside their window.

  The ceremony was swift and formal. Quite surprisingly, her vows took on a bond of importance as she stood reciting them. Then he claimed his new bride with a very short kiss. She appreciated the fact that he kept it conservative for the sake of the girls who stood watching and giggling softly. And, she had to admit she was more than thankful for her own sake. Unlike ninety-nine, point ninety-nine one-hundredth of the men in the world, he moves her. Just a kiss from him crumbles her self-control. And, she must try to remember—no—it’s incumbent she remembers that this union has to remain on as much a civil and strait-laced plane as possible. They married for two reasons and two reasons only: So, she could keep her daughters, and he could dispel those rumors. He may be confident about it lasting, but that scant hope she had, died somewhere between the courthouse and the airport.

  Then there’s the expectation of them sleeping together. She moaned and turned away to her window. It’s part of the deal. She did agree to it—somewhat. She can’t deny her attraction for him is taking on a life of its own; A phase she thought would pass eventually. But, when the time comes—way in the future, mind you—she’ll have to keep reminding herself that
it’s all part of the deal; No real feelings are involved. She has to, if there’s any hope of surviving with her heart and emotions still functioning sensibly once this is over.

  It was close to 6 p.m. when the limousine maneuvered them from the airport, leaving the hustle of L.A. behind for the coastal road that led to Michael’s home in the wealthy suburb of Buckingham Way. Conversation existed mainly between him and the girls; Taryn chose to sit in silence. The path that lied ahead was taking the shape of reality more and more the closer they were getting to the house. Now and then, their eyes would meet, and they’d exchange brief smiles. She lowered her window just a crack so the air could cool her forehead. (Oh, God)

  They finally rolled into a long driveway that curved to the front of a two-story gray brick. Palm and eucalyptus trees stood solid among the blue-green landscape. Taryn’s nerves were now a unsettled mass in the deepest depths of her stomach, bubbling viciously. Her reality has now come full force, and it’s time to face it, deal with it, and live it.

  “Wow,” Remi’s face glued to the passenger window. “Is this your house, Michael?”

  “It’s our house now.”

  “Are we really going to live here?” Rachel couldn’t believe her eyes.

  “You sure are.”

  The chauffeur opened their door, and the girls jumped out followed by Michael.

  “Welcome home, Taryn,” he held his hand out for her to take as she emerged from the interior.

  Her new dwelling stood big and proud, all ready for inspection. She knew he lived comfortably, but never expected anything as remarkable as the ultra-modern structure encompassed by spherical hedges, and flowers vaunting every color of the rainbow. “It’s beautiful, Michael.”

  “Can we go inside, Michael?” Remi called from atop the brick porch.

  “Wait for us,” he replied, then held Taryn by the elbow and guided her toward the entrance.

  The front door, made of scrolled iron and glass, opened to a circular foyer with a dark-blue, marbled floor glazed to a high shine; A classic flight of stairs arched to the next landing.

  “Wow,” now it was Rachel’s turn, her hands held to her face in disbelief. “This looks just like a princess’ castle.”

  “Let me give you a tour,” he ushered them along. “You can all see the dining room here,” he indicated to the left.

  Taryn got an impressive view of the black and speckled red color theme before he called their attention to the living room to the other side of the foyer. Spacious walls of pale-blue with tiny dots complimented the checkered-blue sofa with matching pillows. Two over-stuffed chairs flanked by palm plants sat across from it. And the biggest flat screen TV Taryn has ever seen practically engulfed an entire corner. She hadn’t realized he was holding her hand until she was led down a wide hallway, their shoes clicking against the polished floor, to the back of the house.

  He pointed to the library to their left, mentioning that’s where he works at times. Walls of books surrounded an enormous oak desk cluttered with paperwork. He released her hand and pointed to the room of stainless steel appliances complimented by soft yellow and gray granite countertops, and a Spanish tiled floor to the other side.

  “This is where we’ll be eating some of our meals,” he said as he led the way in.

  “Mummie, look at this big yard,” Rachel’s forehead was mashed against the patio doors leading outside. “And, there’s a giant pool.”

  “I see it, honey.”

  “Are you ready to see upstairs? I’m eager for you to see your rooms.”

  Everyone fell in line and followed him back to the front of the house and up the stairs. Michael paused when they came to the first door on the right.

  “This is your room, Remi,” he opened it for her.

  “It is?” She edged her way in, gasped, then turned a full circle to admire the lavender walls and matching carpet. The comforter and pillows on her full-size bed were covered with her favorite anime character, Sailor Moon. “I love it.”

  “Come along,” he signaled for them to follow him out to the room directly across hers. “Ready?” he asked an eager Rachel.

  Taryn couldn’t believe her eyes when they stepped into a world of powder pink walls, and white furniture trimmed in gold.

  Sheer batiste hung from the curtains and bedspread. To Taryn, their old rooms back home were dungeons compared to the ones they have now.

  Rachel threw her arms around his waist. “Thank you. I love it.”

  “I’m glad,” he cupped her face in his hands. “You girls look over your rooms while I show your mother hers.”

  As the girls playfully tested the firmness of Rachel’s bed, he put a hand to her elbow and escorted her away. But, Taryn was more than content with staying and inspecting her daughters’ rooms. That way, she wouldn’t have to face that unavoidable trip down the end of the hallway where she knew that behind those double-doors was the master bedroom. As they neared it, she began the mental image of drawing a line right down the middle of what she suspects is a king-sized bed—his bed. But, her steps were diverted to the right where he opened a door, then stood back and waited for her to enter. Her mind exhaled the biggest sigh of relief as she stepped into the cozy room of blond-oak furniture, with its egg-shell walls and mint-green carpet.

  “It’s lovely, Michael,” she went over and ran her hand along the thick, pale-green comforter of Egyptian cotton lying neatly on her bed. She looked over and noticed a couple of packing boxes marked ‘clothes’ by the floor-to-ceiling window to the far side. “All of the rooms are. I can tell you went to a lot of trouble.”

  “I have to admit, the decorator I hired had to call in a lot of favors to get finished in time.”

  “You shouldn’t have done all of this for us.”

  He straightened from the doorjamb and strolled over to her. “Actually, it was the girls’ room I had redecorated. The only thing I did to this one was spruce it up.”

  “I’m curious. How did you know what their particular tastes are?”

  “When we were in Florida, I learned from Rachel that she likes dainty, feminine things; While Remi, on the other hand, is a big anime fan.”

  She was moved that he put forth such effort just to make them feel at home. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Well, I don’t know what you prefer when it comes to decorating. That’s why I didn’t bother with this room. I’m waiting for you to use your talents to decorate the master bedroom, instead.” He reached out and took her hand in his, causing her entire body to stiffen. He then leaned forward and touched his cheek to hers, whispering, “I’m counting on the fact that you won’t be in here too long.”

  The aroma of him had her eyes closing, but she quickly broke that spell by easing back. “Michael, Remi and Rachel could come running in here at any moment.”

  She heard a mild sigh as he released her and stepped back.

  “Momma,” Remi ran in, followed by Rachel.

  Taryn’s I-told-you-so glance went unnoticed by him.

  “Can we change outta these clothes and go outside?”

  “Sure, but stay away from the pool,” she tried to finish that sentence before they completely disappeared.

  “Do you want to eat out for dinner? Or would you rather I order in?” he asked.

  “Can we order in? I’m too tired to go anywhere.”

  “Fine.”

  Even though those last questions were asked with all the warmth of a glacier, an indication he was a bit annoyed, she summoned up the courage to call out to him before he left the room. “Do you have a regular house staff?”

  “Not, really. I’m rarely home. A maid service comes in once a week. I usually eat out. So, when I am home, I either eat what’s in the refrigerator, or bring it with me. Since I’m a family man now, I’ll be spending more time here. If you want, I can hire a staff.”

  “No, there’s no need. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take care of the house myself when the maid service isn’t here. I wo
uldn’t feel very comfortable with strangers around.”

  “That’s fine with me, Taryn, if you think this place isn’t too big for you to handle. We’ll give it a trial run. Now, it you’ll excuse me, I’m going to change. I want to show the girls around outside.”

  She kept her eyes on him as he walked out. When he turned the corner, a huge smile eased across her face. However small it was, they just had their first contest of wills—already. Men like Michel aren’t used to being rebuffed. But, it was a necessary move on her part, and she feels good about the fact that she has some control.

  The plush carpet felt so good to her tired feet as she slid them out of her flats. She headed for the boxes with her clothes inside, all the while thinking if maybe the courtroom would have been an easier battle to face.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Bands of sunlight filtering through Taryn’s curtains, gradually brightened the room, pulling her from a deep sleep. She stirred, wrestling with her pillow as she always does. But, when she finally opened her eyes, the old familiarity of home had been replaced by a white ceiling and mint-green walls. It took only a few seconds for the shock to wear off, and for her to remember that she’s married, and living in California of all places. The weight of it all had her sitting up. And, as she studied her new surroundings, she kept telling herself to take it one day at a time; Get used to her new surroundings. The rhythm of life will fall into place.

  She scooted to the side of the bed. The first thing she needs to do is see about the girls, and getting their breakfast started—don’t forget Michael. After a shower and change, she stepped outside her doorway. (Now, her life begins) The girls’ rooms were empty. She knew they must be downstairs, and hopefully, out of trouble. She glanced toward Michael’s room and surprisingly found the doors wide open. The new colors and elegant décor of her new home captured her attention as she made her way down the stairs and toward the kitchen. Just as she thought, Michael and the girls were already at the circular kitchen table of four chairs consuming a hearty breakfast of eggs and strawberry marmalade on golden toast.