“I like him.” Gemma took a sip of milk and nodded, as if that settled it.
“Oh geez.” Alicia stood and put her plate in the sink. With her back still turned to her daughter, she looked out the window onto the backyard Ty had played in as a boy. She wrapped her arms around herself. For the first time, she actually felt guilty about going out with Liam. Like she was trying to replace Ty. Or worse, like she was actually having an affair. She reminded herself that Ty was a vague memory to Gemma. He’d been gone so long in her young life, Gemma couldn’t possibly understand what it meant to her mother to mourn for her father. Alicia wondered if she’d done the wrong thing protecting her children from her grief.
“Mommy?” Gemma’s voice made Alicia jump. She turned, wiping a tear from her eye. “Are you okay?”
“Sure.” Deciding it was too late to reveal her sadness to her daughter at this point, Alicia pinned a cheerful look on her face. “Sure, baby. I’m fine. But finish up so we can get to the store, okay?”
“Okay.” Gemma smiled back. “’Cause you’ve got to make yourself look pretty for Mr. Liam, right, Mommy?”
Her expression froze in a painful rictus as Alicia fought to keep the tears out of her eyes.
* * *
The supermarket with two children was never easy, but Gemma seemed intent on making it more difficult than ever. She wanted to ride, so Alicia was forced to maneuver the oversized two-seater cart through the narrow aisles. Negotiating the twists and turns of the produce section without upsetting something proved the most difficult. The only silver lining to the whole experience that Alicia could see was that Jason was wide awake and chortling happily in his seat next to his big sister.
Alicia paused by the fruit, trying to remember if Gemma was currently “on” strawberries or not. Though not exactly a picky eater, her daughter couldn’t be relied on to eat the same food two weeks in a row.
“Mommy, can we get ice cream today?” Gemma’s voice sounded plaintive as Alicia selected a carton of strawberries.
“Maybe, but let’s take care of your dinner first, baby.” Alicia sniffed the strawberries, unable to resist the simple pleasure. The scent reminded her of the strawberry wine she’d drunk while on her honeymoon with Ty, and she closed her eyes for just a moment, transported back to that simpler time. For that moment, the smell of strawberries was enough to make her happy.
She sighed, coming back to reality. Deciding she’d eat the strawberries herself if her daughter didn’t want them, she turned to put them into the cart and found herself almost nose-to-nose with an older woman whose faded blue eyes were complemented by short white-blonde hair. The woman’s eyes were fixed on Alicia’s face.
“Um, hi.” Alicia started to back away, grabbing the handle of the cart as she did so. “I’m sorry. Were we in your way?”
“Oh no, dear.” The woman smiled, her face transformed by the simple gesture. “I just think I know you. Or at least I knew your husband.”
“Really?” Alicia hesitated. “You knew Ty?” She steeled herself. The small-town mentality reared its head again.
The woman nodded. “You’re Millie Galloway’s daughter-in-law. She’s shown me pictures of you and the children many times. I taught your husband English in high school.” The older woman’s expression became reminiscent. “He was a good boy, a real hero. You’re very lucky to have been married to him.”
“Yeah.” Alicia tried not to sound sarcastic, though the irony of Ty’s old teacher’s words hit her right where the pain of his loss still hurt. “I guess I was.” She hesitated, hoping to find a way to back out of the conversation, but the other woman didn’t seem to notice.
“My name is Trudy Jackson. Ty used to tell me I was his favorite teacher.” She laid a hand on Alicia’s arm. “He was a charmer, wasn’t he?”
Alicia fought the urge to pull away as she looked down at the simpering expression on Mrs. Jackson’s face. She patted the old lady’s hand. “He was. But I’m sure you were his favorite, if he said so.”
The look of delight in the faded blue eyes made the corners of Alicia’s own mouth curl up a little. Mrs. Jackson chortled. “Oh, you’re just as much of a charmer as he was!”
“Really, I’m sure of it.” Alicia disengaged her arm. “I’ve got to go, Mrs. Jackson. It was good to meet you.”
“Mommy’s got a date.”
Both women looked at Gemma with very different expressions. Alicia, eyes wide and horrified at what her daughter’s declaration sounded like, turned quickly to the other woman.
Mrs. Jackson shook her head, a confused expression on her face. “I’m sorry, dear. What did you say?”
“She’s just talking out loud.” Alicia wanted to clap her hand over her daughter’s mouth but didn’t. “She’s got a very active imagination, but she doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
“Well, that’s good.” Mrs. Jackson straightened her shoulders and hitched her purse up a little bit. “It sounded like she said you had a date, but I’m sure you don’t. After all, you were married to an American hero.” She looked sharply at Gemma, then back at Alicia. “So who would you date?”
Gemma opened her mouth as if to answer, but Alicia quickly held up a finger in front of her daughter. Knowing her mother meant to be quiet or face punishment, Gemma retired into sulky silence.
“I have to go now, Mrs. Jackson.” Alicia took two steps backward and steered the cart around with difficulty but as much grace as she could muster. “It really was wonderful to meet you. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
She walked away, her back straight and her head held high, but the tiny seed of guilt in her chest had sprouted roots that had begun to dig into her heart. No matter how often she told herself she wasn’t going on a date with Liam, she knew whatever she called it, she deserved to feel guilty for going out with an attractive man whose company she enjoyed.
* * *
Liam pulled his Camaro into the driveway and put it in park. For a long moment he sat staring at the house he knew so well. Her house. Ty’s house. How many times had he pulled into this same driveway during his teenage years? If he turned his head left, he’d see the yard where he and Ty tossed a baseball and talked about sports and girls and school and girls. In the backyard the maple tree still held the remnants of their old treehouse. He remembered the “No Girls” sign they’d nailed over the door, all the while hoping some girl would happen along and object.
Of course, Penny had done just that. Liam gritted his teeth. She was probably in there right now helping Alicia get ready. Sighing, he got out of the car and walked to the front door.
Penny opened at his knock. “Why, fancy seeing you here.” She widened her eyes in seeming innocence.
He resisted the urge to push past her. “Hi, Pen. The surprise is entirely on your side. Didn’t you say you had a husband?”
“He’s working. And Amy’s running late, so I’m covering for her until she gets here.” Penny stepped aside, her arms folded over her chest. As he started past, she stuck an arm out and stopped him. “You better be good to her.”
“Would I be anything but?” He looked directly in her eyes.
“No tricks?”
“No tricks.” He nodded acquiescence. “You have my word.”
After another moment, she dropped her arm. “You can’t blame me for being suspicious. You’re not known for restraint around women.”
“I don’t think you know much at all about me anymore, Penny. She’s my best friend’s widow for God’s sake.” He started to push past her but froze when Alicia came out of the bathroom, fastening an earring. She looked amazing in a long black skirt and white silk blouse with her brassy red hair falling over her shoulders. For a moment he had trouble breathing.
He’d considered bringing flowers, but he’d known what Penny’s opinion of that would be, and more important
ly he hadn’t wanted to do anything that would make Alicia uncomfortable. Confronted by her beauty, however, his fingers felt empty, as if he needed something to offer just for the opportunity to look at her. Was this how Aphrodite’s worshippers had felt as they left their worldly goods at the feet of her statue in ancient Greece?
“Hi.” Alicia finished fastening the earring and dropped her hands. “Sorry, I’m running a little over. Are we still okay?”
“Pardon?” He searched blankly for an answer to her seemingly nonsensical question.
“The reservations?” She arched her eyebrows at him and he shook his head to clear it.
“Oh yeah. I mean we’ve got a couple of hours before the dance lesson, right? The Inn doesn’t take reservations, but we should have plenty of time.”
“Great. I’ll be right back.” She waved and disappeared down the hallway.
Liam stared after her, refusing to look back at Penny until the last moment. When he did and saw the disapproving glimmer in her eye, he shrugged, making a helpless motion but trying to sound light. “She’s gorgeous. I never denied that.”
“No, you never did.” Penny sighed. “Just be careful, Liam. I don’t want to see either of you get hurt. Or anyone else—me, for instance.”
His smile had nothing to do with amusement. “That’s the Penny I know. Looking out for number one.”
She gave him a severe look. “That’s not what it’s about. You know that. If she finds out—”
“Mr. Liam!” The back door slammed open and Gemma catapulted through the kitchen and into the living room, running directly into him.
“Whoa!” He reached out to catch himself but found nothing to grab except the child whose forward momentum shoved him backward. His knees buckled as he lost his balance and fell, sitting down hard on the wood floor. Though he pulled Gemma with him, he managed to cushion her fall so she ended up on his lap. After a stunned silence in which Gemma’s lip began to quiver, he said the only thing he could think of. “Ow.”
Penny began to laugh and Gemma’s quiver turned into giggles. Alicia came around the corner at a run and stopped in the doorway, her expression bemused. “What on earth?”
“I was greeted enthusiastically.” Liam gave Gemma a quick hug and set her on the floor beside him. “You’ve got to get me up again, now you’ve knocked me over.” As Gemma, still giggling, pulled ferociously on his hand, he mimed having trouble getting to his feet, finally allowing her to pull him upright but almost tumbling over at the same time.
Alicia watched the proceedings with a grin, but Penny’s merriment faded to a controlled smile. Liam turned to Alicia. “You need to get me out of here before your daughter kills me!”
“Oh, she’s just happy to see you.” Alicia bent to kiss her daughter on the forehead. “Be good for Miss Penny until Miss Amy gets here.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Gemma threw her arms around her mother’s neck. “Have fun. I love you.”
Liam felt a qualm as he watched Alicia bury her face in her daughter’s neck for a moment before standing, a suspiciously teary look in her eyes. He wondered if her guilt was about leaving Gemma or about going out with him. As he took her hand and started out the door, he caught Penny’s eye.
“Be good.” Her warning was clear, though her tone was light.
“Okay.” His voice didn’t quite achieve the carefree ease the reply deserved, but as he walked Alicia through the door, he was fairly certain nothing about the evening would be easy.
* * *
Liam pulled his car into a space almost directly in front of the Colonial Inn, and Alicia wondered again if she was doing the right thing. As he got out of the car and came around to open her door, she experienced a dizzying déjà vu, her mind slipping back to the last time Ty had taken her out for dinner.
About a week before he shipped out, he’d surprised her with a sitter for Gemma and reservations at her favorite restaurant. It was such a typical, thoughtful Ty move. The whole evening, she’d thought about how much she’d miss him and his spontaneous displays of affection. She hadn’t allowed herself to dwell on the fact that it might be the last night on the town they’d share.
She realized now that it had been.
She looked up as the door opened, but when her gaze found Liam’s green eyes instead of Ty’s blue ones, she couldn’t help but experience an instant of disappointment followed immediately by regret. She took Liam’s hand, but he must have noticed something because as he helped her from the car, he leaned toward her.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine.” She turned toward the restaurant, trying not to picture Ty leaning against the Camaro and watching her walk away with his old friend. What expression would he have? Sorrow, disappointment, love, understanding? She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder, and when she turned to find Liam’s brow furrowed with worry, she added, “I was just admiring the car. It’s one of the new ones, isn’t it? I had you pegged for more of a classic guy.”
He shrugged. “I am, actually. The new Camaro’s just more practical, and it’s a pretty good tribute to the original.” He grinned. “I’ve got a classic too, though. It was my dad’s really. It’s still parked in the garage at home, but it’s in such bad shape, I can’t drive it. I’ll have to show you sometime.”
Inside the restaurant Liam spoke to the hostess, who nodded and wrote something down. Several other people were already waiting, but he returned to her side with a satisfied expression. “Shouldn’t be more than twenty minutes, she says. Would you like to wait outside or in the bar?”
“The bar.” Alicia knew Ty’s ghost wasn’t really waiting outside for her, but she decided it might be better not to take chances. Besides, she could use a drink.
They worked their way through the crowded area of happily chatting people to two stools at the bar and Liam signaled the bartender, a silver-haired gentleman with rosy cheeks who looked more like somebody’s grandfather than a bartender. He greeted Liam in a friendly manner. “I heard you were back in town.” He shook Liam’s hand. “It’s good to see you again.” He glanced at Alicia and leaned closer to Liam. “Always with the beautiful ladies, eh, Liam?”
Alicia blushed but Liam appeared unperturbed. “Good to see you too, Rob. You probably haven’t had a chance to meet Alicia Galloway yet. She’s a friend, so treat her well, if you know what’s good for you.”
Rob looked a little startled. “Galloway? Ty’s wife?” At Liam’s nod, he turned to Alicia with new respect in his eyes. “I knew your husband well, my dear. He was a good man.”
“Thank you.” Alicia met his eyes and realized this man truly had known her husband, not just by reputation. And his memory of Ty wasn’t tinged with anything else. He didn’t look twice at her because she was out with Liam, and there was no overt curiosity in his eyes. “How did you know Ty?”
“Used to own this joint until I got tired and re-tired.” He waggled his eyebrows and when she smiled at his joke, he continued. “Ty worked for me a couple of summers when he was just a kid. Saving money for college.” He sighed and pulled the towel from his shoulder, scrubbing at an imaginary spot on the counter. “I never saw the beat of that boy for wanting an education.” Shrugging, he looked back at Liam. “What can I get you two?”
Liam turned to Alicia, who said, “A glass of white zinfandel would be wonderful.”
“Got it.” Rob nodded and pulled down a glass, pouring the wine with practiced ease. He narrowed his eyes at Liam. “You still on the wagon?”
Liam drummed his fingers on the bar. “Rum and coke, hold the rum.”
“Good boy.” Rob supplied the requested drinks, then leaned across the bar. “Tell you what, though, I’ll put those on the house tab if you’ll do that trick again. There’re some fellows over there that’d really enjoy it.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder.
Alicia hid
a smile as she took a sip of her wine. She reflected that whatever the “trick” was, Gemma would be sorry she wasn’t there to witness it. She was actually a little disappointed herself when Liam shook his head. “Not tonight, Rob. I’m here with a lady, and I’m sure Alicia has better things to do than watch a silly physics trick.”
“Not really.” She was a little startled to hear the words come out of her own mouth.
“You don’t mind?” Liam raised his eyebrows. “You said you didn’t like science.”
“But physics is the most intuitive of all the sciences, after all.” She awarded him a sly smile.
Liam looked doubtful, but shrugged. “If you’re sure.” He turned to Rob. “You got a box of matches?”
“Great!” Rob clapped his hands together and started to make the preparations, which evidently involved letting everyone in the immediate area know what was about to happen. Within a few moments, Liam and Alicia were surrounded by a large group with several latecomers jockeying for a better spot at the back. “Okay, everybody, don’t let the professor’s unassuming attitude fool you, he’s the best damn magician I’ve seen outside of Vegas. I swear, this man can levitate a lemon slice—” At the rumble of disbelief, he insisted, “I’ve seen him do it! But anyway, he’s got a little trick he’s agreed to do here tonight.” He handed Liam a box of matches.
Liam emptied the box onto a napkin. Taking the box and four of the matches, he carefully set three matches up in a teepee formation with the ends of two resting slightly inside the corners of the box and the heads at the top of the teepee. He struck the fourth and held it under the other three. After the other three matches flared up, he removed the fourth match and blew it out. The little knot of people watched in silence, and Alicia, who had the best view of any of them, was the first to notice the end of the third match rising slowly into the air. A sharp intake of breath and then a cheer from those gathered was Liam’s reward. He blew out the matches and bowed with a flourish.
Where the Heart Lies Page 10
