Natasha's Dream

by Heather Greenis

  “Just pull up here. You don’t have to walk me to the door.”

  “Aren’t you going to invite me in for a coffee?”

  “Not tonight. Sherry will be home.”

  He put the car into park. “I promise I’ll keep my voice down. She won’t hear us.”

  “Good night, Will. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  She leaned over to give Will a quick kiss. That sweet kiss turned into a long, romantic, nothing-shy-of-amazing kiss.

  “Are you certain you don’t want me to come in?”

  I refuse to rush this relationship. I like you way too much to risk it. “Positive. Good night.”

  * * *

  Not wanting to wake Sherry the following morning, Keeghan relaxed on the couch, still in her jammies and housecoat as she enjoyed a cup of herbal tea. Her cell buzzed. She jumped up and ran to the door of her room. Pulling her purse off the handle, she reached inside for her cell. It was a text from Will.

  ‘Interested in joining me for a late lunch? 1-ish.’

  ‘Sorry, can’t. Lunch with Sherry.’

  ‘Invite her to join us. We can go rollerblading after we eat. I’ll invite my buddy Jim to join us. He’s been bugging me, wanting to meet you.’

  ‘I’ll let you know when she wakes up.’

  Keeghan walked out of her room as Sherry answered the door.

  “Hi, I’m William, and this is my friend, James,” he said. “I read on a text message that Keeghan and her roommate are willing participants to come and out play.”

  Keeghan chuckled.

  “I’m the roommate, Sherry. Pleased to finally meet you.”

  Still chuckling, Keeghan walked over to greet them.

  “Call me Jim.” Will’s friend extended his hand to Sherry. Jim’s attention slid to Keeghan.

  “Hi Jim. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Keeghan shook his hand.

  “Don’t believed a word of it, not from this guy.” His attention shifted to Will and then back between Sherry and Keeghan.

  Keeghan reached down to grab her rollerblades. Sherry leaned in. “Damn, Keegh. If you had warned me his buddy was this bloody attractive, I’d have washed my hair and put on a bit of makeup.”

  They had a great afternoon and went back to Will’s exhausted. The hot chocolate and Irish cream tasted way too good. After enjoying a relaxed dinner, Jim offered to drive Sherry home. They walked their friends to the door and returned to the sofa.

  “Mom wants to meet you. She suggested lunch on Saturday,” Keeghan informed Will.

  “Woohoo,” he teased. “A date with two women. Only a fool would decline that.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Keeghan held Will’s hand as they stood on the dock and waited for her mom to step off the ferry from Victoria.

  “That’s my mom.” She pointed. “The woman with auburn hair and brown eyes.” Keeghan gave her head a quick shake. Will couldn’t make out the colour of her eyes. “My height,” she added.

  “Capris and a blue blouse?”

  “Yup. That’s Mom.”

  After introductions, they went to a nearby cafe. Will made a great first impression, not that Keeghan had any doubts. Mom loved him. After the meal, Will reached into his wallet, pulled out some cash, and placed it on the table. He pushed his chair back and rose.

  “I’ll give you and your mom some time to visit. I’ll be down by the waterfront when you’re ready, Keeghan.”

  That night, they stood at her condo door saying good night.

  “I want to meet your dad, Keeghan. Make the arrangements.”

  “My dad isn’t like your dad, Will. Poppa’s, well, overly protective.

  “I’m an easy-going guy, Keeghan. Don’t worry about it. I need to meet your dad.”

  * * *

  On the day of the big introduction, Will arrived at the condo right on time. Opening the door, she smiled. His blue shirt complemented his eyes. “Hi. A tie?” She raised her eyebrows and smiled. “Trying to make a good first impression?”

  “Yup. Of course. Went digging and found the good clothes.”

  He winked at her. In a simple scooped-neck top and capris, Keeghan felt underdressed by comparison. She followed him to the car and settled in the passenger seat.

  “I’m a bit nervous about this,” she admitted.

  Aboard the ferry, she began discussing her poppa as they travelled across to Vancouver Island.

  “I’ll have him eating out of my proverbial hand,” Will boasted with confidence.

  Arriving at her parents’ two-storey red brick home, Keeghan saw three cars and a dark SUV in the driveway. Her brothers and their families had come as well. Good news, bad news. Poppa’s attention will be diverted by the kids, but will he have a chance to get to know my boyfriend? She opened the car door and was greeted by three young girls and two little boys. Her poppa appeared at the door with his baseball cap covering his grey hair. Dark-brown eyes examined Will with no trace of a smile on his face. He gave his jeans a tug, adjusted the laces on his running shoes, pulled the sleeves on his blue cotton shirt down to his wrists, and suggested Will accompany him on a walk.

  Keeghan went into the house to visit with her mom. Will was quizzed regarding his intentions for marriage and his plans for his career. Her poppa was less than pleased to hear Will planned to leave the security and pension the bank provided to open his own investment firm.

  “You are making a horrendous error, young man.” His voice preceded him into the house on his return. He appeared in the doorway regarding Keeghan with a critical glare.

  “It is obvious the attraction is purely physical when it’s so apparent your friend lacks a brain.”

  He walked out of the room. Her mom followed behind.

  Keeghan hurried outside. Will was leaning against the house, staring into the blue sky. He looked at her.

  “Apparently you have bad taste in men, me in particular. I lack a brain, a brain stem, and even a small amount of common sense.”

  “I am so, so sorry, Will. Poppa is concerned for me, but, my god. I can’t believe he said that.”

  “I was too arrogant, so confident he would like me.” His attention went back to the sky.

  “Give him a bit of time, Will. Poppa will warm up to you.”

  “Don’t count on it,” he groaned.

  “Poppa has a big heart,” she assured him. “He will see what I see. You’re an ambitious, intelligent, compassionate, loving man with a wonderful future ahead of you.”

  He turned his attention back to her. “I was certain he would welcome me into the family and into your life with open arms. The one man whose opinion matters almost as much as my family’s, and he doesn’t think I’m worthy of this daughter. Damn. This is going to be a long day.”

  Keeghan embraced him, offering comfort.

  “Keegh, don’t,” he warned, pushing her back. “Don’t give your father another reason to dislike me.”

  Will was on edge in her poppa’s company. He refused alcohol, turning down a beer with her brothers and the wine that was offered with the meal. Instead, he stuck to water. Once dinner was over, Keeghan suggested they leave. She kissed her young niece and nephew, waved goodbye to her mom, brothers, and their significant others, and looked at her poppa. They never spoke. With her seatbelt done up, Will put the car into gear and drove off.

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like a quick trip to the liquor store before going home. I want to drown my memory in a wine or vodka cooler,” she informed him.

  “To the liquor store for coolers, grab some beer for me, and rent a movie. Then we’ll go back to my place.”

  Will sounded so depressed. It scared her. Would their relationship survive? She really liked Will and didn’t want to lose him. In attempt to put a small positive note to a miserable day, Keeghan turned to him.

  “I enjoyed seeing you with my nieces and nephews today. I don’t remember you being as compassionate or sensitive. I like the matured Will.”

  He gave her a quick
wink before turning his attention back to the road ahead.

  “I’ve always been a softy, but it wasn’t something I showed in high school. Now, it isn’t something I’m ashamed of.”

  “You’ll be a good dad. Mom even commented on it.”

  “I’m glad your mom and brothers like me. Family is really important to me.”

  * * *

  The comedy they rented was mediocre. The alcohol flowed freely. When she started to yawn, Will pulled his arm from around her shoulders and pushed himself off the couch. He extended his hand.

  “Time to seep this off. Cozy bed down there.”

  “I should call a taxi and go ’ome, Will,” she slurred.

  “No. Too tired to wait. Nothin’ll happin’ tonigh’, Keegh. I’m too drunk.”

  She shuffled down the hall after him. Will turned on a lamp in his bedroom and pulled down the navy blue and yellow duvet on the queen-sized bed. He took a T-shirt from the centre drawer of his dresser for Keeghan to wear.

  Glancing around his room, she noticed there were two dressers and scenic paintings on his walls.

  “’Ow much did I dwink?” she asked.

  “I dunno. I finish’d yur boddle.”

  Keeghan stumbled into the washroom, changed, and returned to the bedroom. Will was already asleep on the far side of the bed. She yawned, turned off the table lamp and crawled in beside him.

  “P’ease don’ snore,” she begged. She closed her eyes. “Need s’eep.”

  * * *

  The aroma of coffee and toast woke Keeghan. Inhaling deeply, she smiled and opened her eyes. She made her way into the kitchen wearing the oversized blue T-shirt that hung down to mid-thigh. She heard Will’s voice, speaking to someone. With the phone in his hand he jumped from his chair, disappeared into his bedroom. Seconds later he returned with a robe and slippers for her.

  “Guess who decided to wake up,” he spoke both to Keeghan and to the person on the phone. She secured the robe around her waist. “I’ll talk to you later in the day, Dad.” He ended the call and put the phone on the counter. “There’s a new toothbrush on the counter, mouthwash, a cup, and clean towels.”

  “Thank goodness. I was going to warn you not to come within ten feet of me. I swear something crawled into my mouth while I slept.”

  Keeghan disappeared from the room, returning a few minutes later. She sat at the table, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

  “How I hate the dozies. You were talking to your parents. You told them about last night? I wish you hadn’t. Give Poppa a chance, Will. I promise. Once he realizes how amazing you are, he’ll treat you like a son. He loves me and only wants what’s best. I just have to convince him you make me happy.”

  “That’s doubtful, but I hope you can,” he groaned. “My parents are proud of me, but your father seems to think I’m this useless idiot that plans to ruin my future as well as yours.”

  “What did you tell your parents?”

  “Everything. I warned you. We talk a lot.”

  “I guess I was hoping we would keep that memorable night between us and my family private. Did your parents tell you to run away from me and never look back?”

  “No. But they are excited about the possibility of more weekend dinners with us,” Will informed her, and then winked. “Sunday night dinner with my parents and Papa will become your tradition as well as mine.”

  He leaned toward her and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek.

  “You aren’t much of a coffee fan, are you?”

  “I prefer tea, if you have some.”

  “I do. Someone else is a fan of green and white tea.” He put water in the kettle. “She kept my cupboard stocked with the good stuff. Completely changing the topic, did you know you talk in your sleep?”

  Heat consumed her entire body. Keeghan couldn’t recall a time in her life when she was more embarrassed. Will had discovered her secret, and so early in their relationship, too. She had planned to discuss her little problem before they spent a night together. She tilted her head and stared at the floor, but not before her cheeks burned. When she woke, she knew she had been dreaming, but hoped she hadn’t been babbling.

  “I should have gone home last night,” she groaned. Tipping her head back, she looked up at him. Her dreams needed to be discussed. “I’m warning you, Will. If you invite me to spend another night and I talk, don’t respond to me. Mom and Sherry both tell me I’ll argue black is white when I’m sleeping. Do this relationship a huge favour, and just ignore me.”

  “Not quite the response I was expecting,” he said, sitting on the chair beside her. “Am I to assume this is a regular occurrence?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. If we have a good heated discussion, I’ll get mad at you. I’ve also been known to get out of bed because I see something on the wall or the ceiling. If you speak to me, I get furious to think you are awake but won’t help me get rid of whatever it is. It’s not pretty.”

  “So our first fight could take place while you are sound asleep. I haven’t got a hope of winning that one.” He chuckled. “I’m sure your other attributes will make up for keeping me awake through the night. In the meantime, I have permission to give you my proverbial deaf ear.”

  “Only when I’m sleeping,” she reminded him. “I dream most nights and remember them in detail. We can have some great conversations in the morning.”

  “That is one way to keep you talking,” he replied with another wink. “Changing the subject, your phone rang.”

  She reached for her purse on the other end of the counter and pulled out her phone.

  “The message is for you. My brothers, all of them, want to take you golfing on Wednesday after work. Are you available, or do you have plans?”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to be available. I’d love a chance to get to know them.”

  “Perfect. You’ll love them. Go. I’ll take advantage of the time and spend a few hours at the humane society. I should be ashamed of myself. I haven’t dedicated any time to the animals in over a week. I’m going to lose my volunteer privileges.”

  “Helping critters. Hmm. I’m not much of a cat fan, but I’d love to help with the canine population. I want to go golfing with your brothers, but I may tag along the next time you go.”

  “I’d like that,” she responded.

  Will’s phone buzzed. He grabbed his cell and looked at it.

  “It’s a text from Julianne. She’s booked on a late flight on Friday night and is hoping to see us on Saturday.”

  Keeghan’s stomach turned. She had no desire to meet this friend with benefits. Without even meeting her, Julianne intimidated her. Will admires this woman; he had a sexual relationship with her. What if Julianne decides to fight for him? This woman could be hoping for one of their ‘get-togethers that happen a few times a month.’ Is she willing to give that up? She could convince Will to move to Ottawa with her. Keeghan refused to initiate sex simply to hold onto Will. Keeghan did not want to sit side-by-side with this woman and allow Will to compare them. Oh God. Will isn’t stupid. I haven’t got a hope. It’s been great while it lasted. I need an excuse. Something. Anything.

  “I’m working on Saturday,” she replied.

  “Can I invite her to join us for dinner? We’ll eat here so you can have a good visit.”

  Great. She couldn’t bring herself to respond.

  “Keeghan?”

  I can’t avoid the inevitable forever. “Sure. Sounds good,” she lied with a smile.

  * * *

  Keeghan went to work on Saturday morning. Julianne was joining Will and Jim for brunch. Thank goodness the store was busy or the day would have dragged. Will was at the shop by five p.m. He waited for her to lock up and drove her to his place. They were two blocks from the apartment when Will pointed.

  “That’s Jul walking. The woman carrying the cloth bags.”

  Julianne put her thumb out as if hitchhiking.

  He pulled the car over, jumped out and pulled his seat forward. Juli
anne climbed into the back seat. She introduced herself, and the chatter began. Will was right. She was easy-going and so personable. Will made dinner without any assistance from the ladies. They were too busy talking, as if they were long-lost friends. That night, Will drove Julianne to her parents’ place before taking Keeghan home.

  On Tuesday morning Keeghan was vacuuming the shop when her cell vibrated. She smiled when she saw ‘Will cell’ appear.

  “Hi.”

  “Good mid-morning, Keegh. I’m sitting at my desk with my chair turned to the window. I’m looking at that blue sky. What are the chances you can take your lunch at one o’clock?”

  “Do you work? You haven’t been at your desk for two hours.”

  “My commission cheque confirms I’m a good employee. My sales consistently rank in the top three in the district.”

  “Your clients must be twenty-something females that enjoy spending time with you. Their hearts must go pitter-patter when your number appears on their display.”

  “Bring me your investments, and you can tell me what you think. I assure you. I am very professional.”

  “You’re wasting your energy on me, Will. Your supervisor would laugh if she saw the value, or lack thereof, of my investments.”

  “You give me something that money can’t buy. Join me for lunch. I prepared a picnic lunch for two this morning.”

  * * *

  Early Friday morning, Keeghan received a text message suggesting dinner and an in-house movie. He hinted about an overnight bag.

  The movie ended. Keeghan squirmed from Will’s arms and excused herself. She wandered down the hall. With a soft glow of candlelight coming from the hallway, she returned clad in a forest-green silk negligee. Will never took his eyes off her. The television clicked off. Another click and jazz music began to play. Without saying a word he stood, kissed her, lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom.