Invitation to Love

by Lee, Groovy

  “Come on,” she nudged her. “Let’s get this cleaned up.”

  An hour later, Taryn was arranging the dinner plates on the dining room table when the front door opened, and Michael walked in.

  “Hi,” he paused upon seeing her, and changed his direction toward the room. His gaze sparkled as he examined the dark-blue dress she had changed into. “You look lovely.”

  “Thanks,” the effects of it had her clutching a plate close to her. She touched at her hair, hoping he would approve.

  “How’s everything going?”

  “Perfect.”

  “Good,” he smiled, causing her smile to uncontrollably widen in return.

  “I’m going to change,” he finally broke the spell. “I won’t be long.”

  After he left, she closed her eyes and dropped her head. “Way to go, Taryn. Why didn’t you bat your eyes and giggle, too?”

  It was then she remembered Remi, and how she’s been waiting in her room for the last hour for Michael to come home so she could go to him and confess as Taryn had advised her. As she went about placing the silverware beside the plates, she counted the minutes, assessing that by now, Remi should be apologizing; And by now, she should be able to hear his reaction. She eased from the dining room and stood silent by the stairs to see if she could hear any crying, or a raised voice. She finally gave up and went into the kitchen.

  Thirty minutes later, Michael sauntered in, looking refreshed dressed in a gray tunic shirt and matching pants. She stood at the table pretending to wipe at the water goblets, casting furtive glances at him as he walked over to the stove and lifted the foil to inspect the Cornish hens waiting to go in the oven. Afterwards, he peered into the refrigerator at the salads wrapped and ready to eat before grabbing a bottle of water.

  “Is everything okay?” she couldn’t keep silent one more minute.

  He walked over to stand with her at the table, his brows drawn, and then he remembered. “Oh, you mean the vase?”

  She dropped the dishtowel on the table and faced him squarely. “Michael, I know that vase was expensive. But, I’ll make it up to you.”

  “Five thousand isn’t that much,” he laughed softly, then sipped a good portion of water.

  “Five…Well, I know Remi had no business being in the library. And, I will punish her.”

  “You don’t have to punish her, Taryn”

  “I don’t? Aren’t you mad at her for breaking it?”

  “No,” he replied with a simple shake of his head.

  “So, let me understand this. You don’t want me to punish her?”

  “Why?” he asked then finished his water. Afterwards, he went over to the trash can and dropped the bottle inside. “Accidents happen. We talked. And, she promised to be more careful from now on. Are those the glasses we’re using tonight?” He came back to the table and pointed to the water goblets standing in a neat row.

  Taryn stood stunned until his question finally registered. “Uh—yeah.”

  “Are you okay?” his head tilted, a bit of concern etched in his features.

  She nodded, baffled by his calm.

  “Then I’ll take these glasses to the dining room.”

  She stared at his departing figure, a fusion of relief and wonderment sailing through her—Then the smile from her heart manifested across her face.

  Chris and his date were at the door promptly at six. While Michael answered it, Taryn and the girls stood attentively in the living room. When Chris entered first, Taryn was quite surprised at how much he and Michael could almost pass for twins. The only real difference was the stark auburn hue to Chris’ hair, and the lighter color of his eyes. The shadow of a beard traced along his jaw line. She concluded that good looks ran all the way through that family. When his date followed in behind him dressed in a very tight, black, sequined dress, she recognized her instantly.

  “Taryn, this is Chris and our good friend Raven,” Michael offered when they all streamed into the living room.

  Grey eyes and a cool smile darted over Taryn.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Taryn,” Chris’ voice was deep and charming. “Now, I know why you’ve been on cloud nine since coming back from Florida,” he said to Michael as his eyes studied her intently. “He’s right, you’re fine.”

  Taryn blushed, and was somewhat surprised by Michael’s description of her. “Thanks. It’s nice to meet you, Chris.”

  “Well, hello,” he turned his handsome attention to a speechless, yet watchful Remi and Rachel anchored to their mother. “Carbon copies. And, such beautiful ones at that. Which one of you is the prettiest? I can’t decide.”

  The girls giggled and hid back behind their mother.

  “Which one is Remi?”

  She peeked around at him. “Me.”

  “So, where’s Rachel?”

  She stepped all the way in full view. “I’m Rachel, and I’m the prettiest.”

  He couldn’t help laughing at the way Remi jumped out and glared at her sister.

  “It’s nice to meet the prettiest girls this side of the Pacific. You can call me Uncle Chris.”

  “Are you really our uncle?” Rachel’s eyes widened with glee.

  “Well, technically, we’re cousins. But, that’ll be our little secret, o.k.?”

  “Yaaay.”

  “There’s some presents in the back of my car if you want to get them.”

  “For us?” Remi almost gasped.

  “For you,” he waved his arm toward the front door. “Off you go.”

  “Thanks, Chris,” Taryn said when they lit out. “That’s very thoughtful of you.”

  “What are uncles for,” he responded with a captivating wink.

  As everyone took their seats, and Michael prepared drinks, the girls hurried back inside, tearing at the wrappings on their gifts before they could completely settle to the floor. Rachel wowed and thanked him for her Barbie doll, ballroom gowns with high-heels included. Remi was equally thankful for her View-Master and reels of her favorite cartoon characters in 3-D. Taryn could see that what Michael had said about his cousin was true: He’s quite a charmer. Any female would be his with just one look. He’s already won over Remi and Rachel.

  As for Raven—well, it was clear to Taryn that she didn’t care for her, or the girls, one bit. All through the evening, her abrasive glances held them with such haughty contempt. Taryn had to hand it to her, though. She made an effort at being pleasant with her now and then as conversation flowed through the evening. Michael’s presence seemed the only force able to soften her snobbish features and reveal what little human feelings she possessed. Taryn even took a chance and graciously congratulated her on her role in Michael’s movie investment. A clipped thank-you was all she received in return, followed by an adoring smile toward Michael. The longest thirty minutes passed before dinner was ready to be served.

  “So, how do you like California?” Raven asked from her seat next to Michael at the dining table. She turned her nose up at the crab salad Chris passed to her, discharging it to Michael, instead.

  Taryn almost slid from her chair from the honor of finally being addressed. “I’ve only been here for almost a week. So far, I really like it.”

  “Maybe, you and I can get together one day, so I can show you all the fabulous places to spend as much of Michael’s money as possible,” she eyed him wickedly and laughed.

  Taryn knew she didn’t mean one word of that; She was just trying to impress Michael. Never on God’s green earth will they spend any girlfriend togetherness of any kind—not that it’s breaking her heart. There’s just some people it’s best to keep your distance from, and she’s definitely one of them. She displays her nastiness like a badge of honor.

  “You know, Michael, I’m still reeling from the news of your sudden marriage,” Raven said after they had exhausted the topic of her successful role in Charming.

  “That long, huh?” Chris replied before sipping from his glass of Chardonnay.

  “Don’t sta
rt, Chris,” she pointed her fork at him. “Now, be honest with me, Michael. We’re all friends here.”

  “What do you want me to be honest about?”

  “Well, yesterday you were an eligible bachelor. Today, you’re a married man with a ready-made family. Did this have anything to do with those nasty, nasty rumors about your being gay?”

  Taryn paused from placing another portion of salad on Remi’s plate. She and Michael exchanged glances while a smug Raven waited.

  “If I told you that I don’t care about those rumors, and that I married Taryn because I love her, would you believe me?”

  Taryn thought she heard a humph under her breath as she focused on putting seconds on Remi’s plate.

  “Of course, she wouldn’t believe that,” Chris spoke up. “All that’s good and pure is too boring for Raven. She’s more into scandals and backbiting.”

  Raven shot Chris an indignant eye causing him to chuckle. Taryn just wished the topic would go away.

  “If that’s what Michael’s says, then I believe him,” she stuck her fork into a lettuce leaf and swirled it around in the air to inspect.

  “Momma, what’s gay?” Remi’s whisper could still be heard around the table.

  Taryn quieted her and urged her to eat.

  “Have you heard anything from Karen?”

  “For heaven’s sakes,” Chris leaned back in his chair and grunted.

  “What?” her thin shoulders lifted as if baffled by that reaction. “What did I say? Surely, Taryn isn’t put off by that harmless question. After all, she already has Michael. You don’t mind, do you, Taryn?”

  Taryn simply smiled and signaled for her to continue.

  “See, Chris? Well, Michael?”

  “No, I haven’t heard anything, Raven,” he fixed his apparent frustration on refilling his glass with wine.

  “I got an email from her the other day. Want me to fill you in on what she’s been up to in the land of fog and boiled food?”

  “Sure, Raven,” that frustration was now targeted on her. “Why don’t you tell us what she’s been up to. I’d love to sit here while you go on about it.”

  Raven gulped softly, turned straight in her seat, and filled her wine glass to the brim. To Taryn’s relief, the rest of dinner was spent on topics of business, a new restaurant, and which direction the wind blew today.

  “Help me clear the table, girls,” she said when dinner was over, and everyone stood to return to the living room.

  “You and Raven go ahead, Michael,” Chris rose from his seat and began piling empty dishes together. “I’ll help Taryn.”

  Raven slid her arm through Michael’s before he could object, and promptly led him from the room. Taryn and Chris loaded the trolley with dishes and followed the girls as they wheeled it away to the kitchen.

  “Don’t mind her,” Chris said when Remi and Rachel went back to the dining room to wipe the table clean. “She’s just being herself tonight.”

  Taryn took a dish from him and placed it in the dishwasher. “Who? Raven?” she said matter-of-factly. “She’s not bothering me.”

  “That’s good, because you’ll probably be seeing a lot of her.”

  She stood upright from those words, then caught herself and resumed loading the dishes. “That’s fine with me.”

  “Liar,” he teased, causing laughter to burst out.

  After adding the detergent, she snapped the door close then pushed the button that sent the machine into motion.

  “Since you possess such a high threshold of tolerance, then I’d better prepare you for the rest of the night.”

  “Prepare?” Taryn thought what an odd thing to say.

  “Yeah. You see, she and Michael have been friends since high-school. She used to double-date with him and Karen. When they called their engagement off, she up’d her periscope and set her target right on him; With Karen out of the picture, her field was clear. Of course, Michael never noticed her. So, you can imagine her shock when news hit that he’d fallen for someone he met in Florida, and married her within a month. To be sure, she has her fangs out tonight, so beware. She’s going to be all over him just to spite you.”

  Taryn was amused by the sinister way he delivered those last two words. “Thanks for the warning. I can tell she’s not interested in being my friend.”

  “You’re the wrong gender,” one side of his mouth lifted quizzically.

  “Well, that explains it.”

  When they returned to the living room, Michael and Raven were seated together on the couch. Taryn and Chris crossed over Remi and Rachel, who were sprawled on the floor playing with their gifts, to get to the chairs. True to Chris’ prophecy, Raven began cozying up to Michael as if on cue. So, Taryn was prepared when she crossed her legs close to him, and shot her one of those vainglorious stares.

  Of course, it didn‘t seem to bother Michael that she was practically buried in his side, beaming and chattering in his face as if he couldn’t hear her if she sat to the other end of the couch; Nor did he oppose the touch of her head on his shoulder when she felt the need to laugh out. After an hour of it, Taryn decided she’d had enough. Thankfully, it was time to put the girls to bed. She stood and excused herself.

  “I’ll help,” Chris jumped up and tagged along.

  “Thank you for the gift, Uncle Chris,” Rachel said as Taryn tucked her covers around her.

  “You’re welcome, Petal,” he ruffled her hair.

  “Now, come and put me to bed,” Remi pulled at his hand.

  Taryn kissed Rachel good-night, and turned her night-light on as she left.

  “You’re nice, Uncle Chris,” Remi said as she hopped onto her bed and scooted under her covers. “You’re handsome, too; But, not as handsome as Michael.”

  “I guess I shouldn’t be too offended then,” he tickled her under her chin.

  “I can’t wait until school starts so I can show you off to my new classmate; Why they’ll just beg to be my friends when they see I have a handsome daddy and uncle; I even bet my teacher will give me good grades when…”

  “Remi, sweetheart, what a mouthful,” Taryn straightened her pillow. “I think you’ve said quite enough for the entire day.”

  “But, Momma, I got a lot to say.”

  “Well, Chris has heard enough. Now, say good-night and go to sleep.”

  “How are you holding up?” he asked as they strolled down the hallway for the stairs.

  “Surprisingly, I still have my sanity.”

  “You’re a rare one. Most women would be pulling their hair out by now; Or better yet, her extensions.”

  “Give me time.”

  Taryn was grateful for the new friend and ally she found in Chris. His support was just what she needed as the evening wore on. It was midnight when he and Raven were ready to leave. She quietly exhaled a moment of relief. Of course, when they stood at the door to see them off, Raven just glided passed her with a curt good-bye, kissed Michael on the cheek, and disappeared into the night. Chris kissed Taryn’s hand, then leaned close to her ear and whispered that he plan on taking a detour and discreetly toss Raven over the nearest cliff.

  “You’re so bad,” she stifled the urge to laugh out.

  “I’ll go and turn out the lights in the back. Would you mind taking care of the ones up here?” Michael asked after locking the door.

  She went about clicking out the lamps in all the front rooms. Tight nerves made a minute seem like an hour as she stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for his return. Should she go on up alone? Or cope with the awkwardness of waiting for him. Before she could mount the first step, he was back.

  “Dinner was great,” he said as they climbed the stairs together.

  “Thanks.”

  “I see you’ve won my cousin over. He’s really taken with you.”

  “Chris is sweet. I can’t get over how much alike the two of you are.”

  “And Raven?” He barely got the question out before he started laughing. “Sorry, couldn
’t help that.”

  “No, honestly, we connected. I think I made a new best friend.”

  “Oh, really. I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  They were at her bedroom door, and the humorous air dissipated to an anxious moment of civil smiling, and efforts to seem at ease. But, there was no mistaking the drawing power in the eyes regarding her now. She swallowed and glanced back at the door she wished was between them now.

  “Why don’t you bring the girls into the city tomorrow? I’d like to show them around the office, introduce them to the staff. Then we can have lunch afterwards—if that’s okay with you.”

  “Sounds adventurous. They’d love it.”

  “Good. I’ll send the car to pick you up.”

  She suddenly felt the air between them change, that familiar pull she’s constantly fighting to control. Just go into the bedroom and close the door. Say good-night, Taryn. But, she stood rooted, unable to. In her heart what she wanted more than anything for him to repeat that first kiss between them. That kiss she still hasn’t forgotten. Does he feel the same? Would she run scared if he tried? She felt like an idiot when, instead of the intense kiss she was expecting, he just touched his mouth to her cheek.

  “Good-night, Taryn.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The girls’ excitement at visiting Michael’s office did nothing to curb Taryn’s apprehension. A nervous wreck doesn’t even begin to describe her state of mind. It’s time to play the crowning role of the loving wife in front of his employees, clients, and associates. This is the moment, her big test, so to speak, that will determine whether or not she can do her part and help save his career.

  The smooth limousine pulled off the busy city street and stopped in front of a mirrored building. They exited the interior and instantly their heads arched back to scan all the way to the top of the blue tinted windows. They pushed through the glass door and walked across the cool lobby of the Ritz Plaza office building. A boulder of a security guard at the information desk directed them to the top floor. The girls’ hands were like valium to Taryn as the numbers of the floors continued to count up all the way to the top.