She didn’t seem to be the type of gal who’d be very comfortable at some posh, high-end restaurant, so he phoned ahead to one of his favorite waterfront places. It didn’t require a reservation, but he wanted to be assured of a table with a view.
Twyla lived just within the city limits, half the distance to the ranch, in a small, tidy bungalow with potted flowers and stark-white shutters. Before he put the car in park, she appeared in the doorway, even more beautiful than before with her dark hair falling in waves to her shoulders and a pretty, printed dress belted to accentuate a tiny waist.
He quickly checked his image in the mirror and laughed. It’s as good as it gets, ol’ man.
“Ciao, Charles.” She smiled on her way to meet him.
His pulse raced getting out of his car to greet her. He stooped to kiss her cheek before considering it might be too forward.
Twyla’s cheeks stained a light pink, and she lowered her lashes.
“I’m sorry,” he stammered.
“It’s okay. Don’t be sorry. I am not used to such a gentleman.” She smiled, flashing pretty white teeth.
“You look very nice, Twyla.”
“Gracie. It is good not to wear my uniform.” She tittered, accepting the crook of his arm as he walked her to the passenger side.
“Che bella macchina.” She looked up and down the length of it. “A ‘69 Mustang?”
“Yes, it is.” He nodded, surprised and impressed, and opened the door, admiring a set of very sexy legs before closing it.
Easy does it, boy. You don’t want to scare her away by drooling all over her.
He rolled back his shoulders and got in behind the wheel.
“So, where do you take me?” She tucked her hair behind a very kissable earlobe.
Down boy.
He coughed out the side of his mouth. “I thought we’d go to a great little place on the water. They serve the best fish in these parts.”
“Perfetto.” She put thumb and middle finger to her mouth in a kiss of sorts.
Charles beamed. “Okay then.”
The short distance to the restaurant was pleasant. He learned her father collected miniature cars, which is how she knew about Mustangs. She’d moved here from a small town in Italy, barely speaking a word of English.
“Is there a reason you chose to live here of all places?”
“It is long story, my plans… e`caduto. How you say, fell apart. Diane, she give me a job at ranch and teach me the language.” She lowered her face. “Many times, not so good.”
“I’d say she is a very good teacher.”
“Gracie. I still have problem with some words to musica on the radio.”
He chuckled lightly. “Even I have trouble with today’s teenager music.”
The restaurant was fairly busy, but as promised, a table had been reserved on the deck overlooking the water.
Twyla smiled as she took in the view. “This is amazing. Thank you for taking me here.”
Charles held out her chair. “The pleasure is mine.”
“Good evening. My name is Denise and I’ll be your server.” Their server smiled a genuine smile. “Would you care for a glass of wine before dinner?”
“Lady’s choice.” He smiled at the waitress and then at Twyla, offering a small wink.
“Vino bianco…er, I mean white wine, not too dry,” his date suggested shyly.
“Perfect. As you probably already know, Ontario is known for delicious ice wines.”
“Yes, I’m a fan of them,” Charles added.
“We have a light white, Chardonnay from the Colio Estate Wines on the Northern shore of Lake Erie.” Her brow rose in question.
“Yes, that is good.” Twyla nodded slightly before bowing her head.
He hadn’t realized just how shy she was until now. He’d thought it was just him that made her uneasy.
Charles gazed out the picturesque landscape of Lake Superior. The night lights had just begun awakening the shoreline. “It sure is pretty out there.”
She responded with the slightest of smiles and a dip to her chin.
Denise’s return couldn’t have been timed better. He chortled at the label of the bottle she held out to them. ‘Girl’s Night Out’ flanked a graphic of a little black dress.
“Don’t let the label fool you. I know you’ll both enjoy this one.” As proper etiquette dictated, she poured a splash in Charles’ glass and took a step back in waiting.
He chuckled lightly as he swirled the wine, and took a sip. His eyes closed briefly. “Mm…perfecto!” He tried to imitate how Twyla did earlier.
She giggled behind her napkin.
The waitress beamed at his approval and proceeded to fill both glasses. She waited again for Twyla to taste the ice wine.
His date put the same two fingers to her far too sexy mouth and kissed them, taking them away with flourish. “Delizioso, grazie.”
I could get used to her talking Italian to me.
The faint stirring of arousal made him squirm in his chair.
“If I could take your order, I’ll leave you to enjoy your Chardonnay.”
A brief discussion of the menu ensued, ending with him and Twyla agreeing to Denise’s suggestion of a seafood platter to share.
“Thank you.” She took their menus and left them alone.
Charles took a healthy swallow before steering the conversation to Angel and the ranch. “So, if you’ve been at the ranch for five years, you must know Jenna’s sister, Angel, fairly well?”
“Oh yes. She is a good woman. Angel ask to help in kitchen many times.”
“Jenna is really looking forward to having a relationship with her. Daniel has set up a few sessions with the shrink at the ranch.”
At the mention of Daniel, her body grew rigid and she avoided further inquiry by gazing out the window.
How can I bring up the topic without making her feel like she’s being pumped for information?
“Angel seems really attached to him. Are all of the residents so taken by the guy?”
Her gaze dropped to her lap, and she shrugged. “Non lo so. I mean, I think this is true.”
“Is something wrong? Every time I mention your boss you get pretty uncomfortable.”
She quickly glanced around, as if looking for anyone close enough to overhear. “Charles, I need my job, and I not think I can find more work very easy.”
“If something’s wrong, you can tell me. I promise I won’t get you in trouble. You never know, maybe I can help.”
Please don’t tell me Daniel has harassed you. There would be no holding back if that were the case.
She sighed resignedly. “It is…I think maybe he is not a nice man like people think he is.”
“Why do you feel that way?” He struggled to keep his anger in check.
Twyla shifted in her seat, scanning the area once again. “Daniel, he likes the ladies. He come to me when I first worked there, but I tell him I… non sono quel tipo di ragazza. Oh, I’m sorry, I tell him I am not that kind of girl.”
“What did he do?” Charles grabbed the edge of the table; his knuckles turned white.
She dropped her gaze. “He told me to keep mouth shut or lose my job.”
He put a hand on her arm. “I’m so sorry, Twyla. No woman deserves to be treated that way.”
The scent of garlic and seafood stole their attention before Denise returned with a feast for the eyes. She set down a basket of warm buns and a vessel of whipped butter first.
“This looks amazing, Denise.” Charles made a production of rubbing his hands together in anticipation, rewarded by Twyla’s titter behind her napkin.
The waitress briefly described each dish as she set them on the table: King Prawns marinated with chili and coriander, Grilled Parmesan Oysters, sautéed Lake Superior Whitefish wrapped in bacon and Hot Smoked Salmon in a medley of Beetroot Salad with a sour cream and dill dressing. Baby spinach and watercress nestled small, halved new potatoes.
“And…your c
hoice of Seafood sauce made with fresh horseradish and an orange dill sauce made from lemon zest and juice, dill and mustard.”
“I think I will gain many pounds just looking at all of this.” Twyla’s eyes grew big as she took in the variety of dishes.
Charles’ chuckle brought color to her cheeks. “Thank you, Denise. I’m sure we have everything we need and more.”
A comfortable silence befell them as they tasted and fed each other samples of each dish in turn. He fanned his mouth seconds after she popped in a chunk of Hot Smoked Salmon.
“Wow!” He grabbed his water and took a big drink.
Twyla laughed...a sound he’d remember long after the night ended.
“You think that’s funny, do you?” He narrowed his gaze on her.
“Si.” She dabbed at her eyes, still giggling.
The meal continued with the same sense of playfulness. Never had he enjoyed a woman’s company as much as Twyla’s.
Quite some time later, he leaned back in his chair and patted his belly. “I’m done.”
Twyla wiped her mouth and dipped her fingers in a finger bowl with a slice of lemon. “Me, too. Done.”
On cue, the friendly waitress appeared and cleared the table. “Would you like more wine, or perhaps a coffee?”
“Coffee sounds good.”
“Yes, coffee please.”
In a matter of seconds, they both had a steaming cup in front of them. Denise grinned, a devilish glint to her already bright blue eyes. “You don’t get a choice for dessert. It’s my treat, but have to ask if either of you have any allergy I should know of.”
They both shook their heads, and Charles added, “I don’t know if I can fit more in.” His hand smoothed over the slightly strained buttons of his shirt.
“I think there is much room.” Twyla winked at the waitress.
“I’ll be back shortly.”
Charles sat back and cast his date an inquisitive glance. One minute she seemed like she’d jump at her own shadow...and then she comes out with a zinger like that.
“You’re quite a gal, Ms, Amaro.”
Tiny lines appeared on her otherwise flawless forehead. “I hope this is good thing?”
A slow smile spread across his mouth. “Yes. Yes, it is a very good thing.”
“If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell?”
He clenched his free hand under the table. “Of course, what is it?”
“I don’t like how Mr. Daniel looks at the girls. I think he treats them…ina...inap, not good. Not the little ones, but like Angel’s age. He touch them like a lover, not a leader.”
He gritted his teeth. “You don’t think he’s...?”
Twyla shook her head. “I not know. Maybe I say too much.”
He took her hand in his. “Look at me.”
She slowly raised her head, her eyes glistening pools.
“Listen, I really like you, and I want to get to know you better.”
The slightest of smiles lifted the corner of her mouth.
“Jenna and I also feel he isn’t the man he appears to be. What you’ve told me only makes me more determined. If you can help us, I promise you will not lose your job. Even if you did, I can make sure you’re okay.”
Denise returned with a mouth-watering dessert. “Voilà! Raspberry Cobbler with Bourbon Sauce. I hope you enjoy it.” She handed each a fork. “I hope you don’t mind sharing.” She winked playfully and promptly left them to eat.
Twyla was first to sink her fork into the decadent dish.
She closed her eyes. “Oh, my, goodness.”
Curiosity piqued, Charles took a forkful of raspberries. “It had to be this good, didn’t it?”
Twyla already had another mouthful and simply nodded in response.
I’ll have to remember she has a sweet tooth.
Only half of the cobbler was consumed when Twyla dropped her fork on the plate with a clang and held up two fingers in a T formation.
He laughed and formed the Time Out sign as well.
Denise returned and refilled their coffee before taking the remaining dessert away and tucking the bill under his saucer. “Have a nice rest of the evening, folks. I hope to see you here again real soon.”
“You’re a star, Denise. Thank you.” He waited a few minutes before picking up the conversation where it was left off.
“So, what do you say?”
Twyla cast him a sideways glance. “I say I am happy you come to find coffee at my work. I will help you.”
Charles brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you. You do know what this means, don’t you?”
“No?” She furrowed her brow as her cheeks stained pink.
“You’ll be seeing a lot more of me.”
A smile erased the lines on her face. “Perfetto.”
hapter Twenty-Nine
Ribbons of fog whispered through the boughs of the mighty oak trees that flanked either side of the roadway leading to the ranch. Jenna shivered, not able to shake disarray at what the meeting with the doctor might entail.
John parked the limo and hurried around the front of the car to open her door. After closing the door behind her, he offered his arm, of which she gladly accepted.
At the front doors, she paused to close her eyes and summon the courage to move forward.
“Are you okay, Ms Jenna?”
She smiled at her driver, touched by his concern. “I’m just a little apprehensive.”
“Understandably so.” He opened the door and stepped aside for her to enter.
The halls were eerily quiet, adding to her unease. She glanced at her watch. Lunch hour is almost over.
John stepped in beside her and once again offered his arm.
She eyed him curiously. “You really don’t have to, John. I’ll be okay from here.”
He shook his head as he took her hand and tucked it in the bend of his arm. “I have specific instructions to stick close by in case you need me.”
“Charles?”
“Yes, Ms Jenna.”
She chuckled quietly, but couldn’t help wishing it was Jack’s arm offered to her.
No, don’t go there. Concentrate on Angel, and only Angel right now.
Jenna sighed resignedly and led him to a set of chairs against the wall directly across from the main office. “We can wait here. Lunch hour is almost over.”
Within seconds of being seated, the door to the office opened, and Daniel stepped out. He eyed each of them in turn before settling on Jenna. “Good afternoon. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”
“I got a call from Doctor Gilmore. He’s arranged a session with Angel in just a few minutes.”
Daniel shook his head, seemingly annoyed. “This is the first I’ve heard of it. I’ll give him a call and tell him you’re here.”
He didn’t wait for a response before turning on his heel and ducking back into his office. Apparently the “big man” in charge didn’t like things happening without his knowledge.
The click of shoes against the polished tile brought a small man with sparse hair and an ill-fitting suit walking toward them.
He smiled warmly and offered his hand. “I take it you’re Jenna Blackburn? You’re the spitting image of your mother.” He shook hers heartily. “Why don’t we go in my office and have a little chat before your sibling finishes her lunch.”
Jenna smiled and followed the friendly man’s lead. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
The psychiatrist’s office was very small in comparison to Daniel’s, but it was a hundred times more comfortable. Knowing John was only a few feet away brought her comfort. Coupled with the doctor’s pleasantness, her nerves began to settle.
“So, from what I understand, you had no knowledge of Angel’s existence until recently?”
“That is correct. I learned I had a sister after my father passed. I was going through my mother’s things when I came across some old letters.”
“Your mother came here onc
e a month faithfully up until her death. Didn’t you ever question her time away from home?”
Jenna shrugged. “I guess not. My mother did lots of charity work. I guess I assumed she was off on one of her crusades.” She chuckled lightly.
“I see.” He closed the open file in front of him. “Angel learned about you not too long ago, after a photograph of you and your mother fell out of your purse?”
“Actually, my purse fell off my lap accidentally. That’s when she saw it.”
A light rap on the door set her heart racing. The door creaked open to reveal her Angel. Jenna clamped her hands on the arms of her chair to stop from jumping and hugging her tight. She opted for a friendly smile in hopes of calming her sister. Aside from her arm still being in a sling, she looked so much better than the last time.
“Come in, Angel. We were just getting to know each other while waiting for you to have lunch. I trust you enjoyed your meal?”
Her eyes remained downcast as she nodded her head. “Yes.”
Doctor Gilmore got up from behind his desk and guided her to an empty chair beside Jenna. “You remember Jenna?”
She scowled. “Of course I do.”
“Hello, Angel. It’s lovely to see you again.” She put her hand over her sister’s, only to have her pull it away and clench it to her chest.
The doctor gave her a reassuring wink before settling against his desk. “Angel, can you tell me why you took your hand away from your sister’s?”
Her gaze narrowed as she scrutinized Jenna. “How do you know she really is my sister?”
“You saw the photograph?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean she’s my sister.”
“Do you trust me, Angel?” The doctor squatted to her level.
“Yes.”
“I have looked into it and she truly is your sibling. I’ve seen the records.” He cupped the side of her face and looked directly at her. “Do you like Jenna?”
Angel’s shoulders rose and fell. “Yes, I think so.” She shook her head. “I’m confused.”
“Would you like to see some pictures?” Jenna rifled through her purse for the small stack of snapshots.
Angels In Red Page 19
