Vanessa's Match

by Judy Christenberry

  “I see.” There was no smile attached to her words.

  “Are you ready to go?” Rick asked, hoping to get her into the car before she had a chance to change her mind.

  “Yes, of course.”

  As they walked down the hall, Vanessa stepped to the door of the kitchen. “Betty? Lindy and I are going out with Rick. We’ll be back after dinner.”

  “But I have plenty fixed,” Betty said.

  “You’re feeding me tomorrow, Betty. I need to feel I’m doing my share,” Rick said over Vanessa’s head. He winked at Betty and she smiled, satisfied.

  Rick escorted his two ladies out to the car. He opened the back door for Lindy, though Vanessa protested that she should be the one in the backseat.

  “We’re going with age before beauty today, my dear,” Rick said before winking at Lindy.

  “Vanessa’s the prettiest,” Lindy said staunchly.

  “Well, I’d say it’s a close race.”

  Vanessa remained silent on the ride to the movie theater. There was no enjoyable conversation such as they’d shared last night. And when they entered the theater, she insisted on having Lindy sit in the middle, between them, saying that that way, they could both share in her excitement.

  Rick wasn’t fooled. He knew the reason for Vanessa’s coolness. She was upset that he’d kissed her last night.

  It hadn’t been a long kiss, or a deep kiss. It had been a chaste salute for a job well done. A demonstration of affection for a woman he was beginning to appreciate much more than he’d expected.

  It had also been a mistake.

  He hadn’t realized how much that kiss would awaken a hunger to repeat the move. Hell, he’d kissed Sharon much more intimately, but most of those kisses had been instigated by her and had left him cold. One simple kiss with Vanessa and he found himself longing for more.

  But she was sending him a message by her behavior today. Keep your distance.

  Unwilling to accept his dismissal, he stretched his arm around Lindy after the theater darkened, letting his hand rest on the edge of Vanessa’s seat. He knew it was contrary, but he enjoyed thinking that his behavior upset her.

  When the lights finally came on, Lindy still sat there, not moving.

  “Lindy, are you okay?” Rick asked.

  “Yes, but—but wasn’t that amazing?”

  Rick looked at Vanessa and, to his surprise, she met his gaze with a smile. “Uh, well, it wasn’t too bad.”

  “Honey, you’ll get more used to seeing movies in a while. There are better movies, I promise.” Vanessa patted her charge on her back.

  “There are?”

  Rick chuckled. “Yeah. Come on.” He moved to the end of the row and then stood back for the ladies to precede him. Which, of course, meant Vanessa would be immediately in front of him. He couldn’t think of any reason to touch her, as much as he wanted to.

  They came out into the sunlight, blinking several times to deal with the brightness. When they reached the car, Lindy naturally took the backseat again. Vanessa glared at Rick and he lifted his hands in innocence.

  He backed out of the parking space and then said over his shoulder to Lindy, “I made us a reservation at a restaurant I thought you’d enjoy.”

  “Where is it?”

  “It’s called The Dragonfly. It’s in a hotel off McKinney Avenue.”

  “It’s well known for its diverse clientele,” Vanessa added, smiling at Lindy.

  “Have you been there?” Lindy asked.

  “Yes, a couple of times.”

  “I should’ve known,” Rick said. “I bet there’s not a restaurant in town you haven’t been to.”

  “That’s not true. I hadn’t been to NaNa’s until last night,” Vanessa replied.

  “I’m glad to be one of your firsts,” he said with a big grin.

  Her chilly air returned and she looked out her window.

  Lindy was properly awed by the restaurant. Though she might’ve preferred a good hamburger, she willingly tried whatever they served.

  By the time they left the restaurant, it was dark.

  “Wow, I didn’t realize we were in there for so long,” Lindy exclaimed.

  “Fine dining takes time,” Rick said as they got into his car.

  “Of course, it wouldn’t have taken quite as long if we’d passed up the dessert,” Vanessa said. “I’m going to have to exercise a lot to get rid of those calories.”

  “I think you’ll be fine,” Rick assured her.

  She sent him the dirty look he was beginning to think was the only way she ever looked at him. “Easy for you to say.”

  “And here I was going to suggest we stop off for ice cream on the way home,” Rick teased.

  “Even I’m not interested in ice cream tonight,” Lindy said with a sigh. “But tonight was so much fun. Thank you both for making it happen.”

  Again Rick and Vanessa exchanged glances. He knew that in his mind the evening had become about him and Vanessa, but it wasn’t really about that. It was about Lindy doing what most teenagers had done when they were three. Going to the movies for the first time and then to dinner with family.

  They both looked at Lindy.

  “It was my pleasure, little sister,” Rick said.

  “Yes, it was fun, honey. And you’re going to do a lot more things. We want to make up for those nine years with your mother,” Vanessa said.

  “I don’t think she meant to be mean,” Lindy said hesitantly. “She was just busy.”

  Vanessa seemed to force herself to smile. “Maybe you’re right, but you’ve missed out on a lot.”

  Rick stopped the car in front of their house, then got out and opened Lindy’s door. He started around the back of the car to open Vanessa’s door, but she was already out, and passed by him.

  “Thank you for today, Rick,” she said politely before he could turn to walk them to the door.

  “My pleasure,” he said, then motioned to the house. “Shall we?”

  “It’s not necessary. We’ll see you tomorrow after church.”

  He got the message. But he couldn’t help teasing her. “Here’s your hat—what’s your hurry?”

  “I just assumed you’d be pleased to—”

  “What?” he asked.

  With her gaze on Lindy, Vanessa said, “I assumed you had other things you needed to do, but, of course, you’re welcome to come in for coffee. I would guess Rebecca and Jeff are still here, too.”

  Rick had noticed Lindy’s stare. “Thanks, I’d enjoy some coffee. I’ve had such a nice time, I hate for this day to end.” He put an arm around Lindy, and they followed Vanessa to the front door.

  When she opened it, Peter appeared in the hallway.

  “Hi, Peter. Are Rebecca and Jeff still here?”

  “Yes, they’re all in the morning room. Shall I bring more coffee?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Oh, good, I get to see Jamie and Joey as well as Danny,” Lindy said, rushing ahead.

  Rick put a hand on Vanessa’s arm. “Good catch back there. We almost ruined a fun day for Lindy.”

  “Yes, I hadn’t thought—She was watching us, horrified.”

  “Yeah. But I think you made everything all right. I appreciate it, on Lindy’s behalf.”

  Vanessa took a deep breath. “Let’s go get coffee.”

  For a little while, at least, they were on the same side.

  MONDAY WAS THE FIFTH DAY in a row that Vanessa would spend time with Rick Austin. Considering she hadn’t known him but two weeks, she thought the constant association with him was a little over the top. Besides, he was occupying too much of her mind, and that was becoming a problem.

  Today they were going to the appointment with Lindy’s counselor at the private high school she attended. Vanessa had dressed to impress, choosing a cream-colored suit in linen that showed off her dark hair. To impress the counselor, of course. Not Rick.

  Lindy was dressed in one of her new blouses and a pretty skirt. Together the
y went downstairs to await Rick. They didn’t want to be late.

  When Rick pulled up, they dashed out the front door and got into the car before he could make a move to get out.

  “Are we late?” he asked with a frown.

  “No, but we don’t want to be,” Lindy said from the passenger seat. “She almost gave up on me last year. I want to show her how everything has improved.”

  “I think just looking at you two would convince her. You make me proud,” Rick said, his gaze wandering to Vanessa in the rearview mirror.

  “Are we going?” Vanessa reminded him, since they were still parked at the curb.

  “Right now.” He pulled away, grinning.

  When they reached the school, Lindy guided them to the counselor’s office. Lindy knocked on the door and walked in. “Hello, Mrs. Wilkie.”

  “Why, Lindy, don’t you look nice.” The tall woman stood to greet them.

  Rick stepped forward. “I’m Lindy’s brother, Rick Austin.”

  Vanessa was waiting to introduce herself when the woman said, “I’m so glad you and your wife were able to come. Last year, it seemed like no one cared about Lindy.”

  Rick immediately said, “She’s not my wife.”

  At the same time, Vanessa said, “I’m not his wife.”

  Mrs. Wilkie blinked. “Girlfriend?”

  They both said, “No!”

  Vanessa decided to take charge. “I’m Vanessa Shaw, Lindy’s temporary guardian. Because Mr. Austin travels a great deal, we thought it would be better for Lindy to live with me until she’s older.”

  “Oh. I’m sure that will be a good arrangement. Last year I could never reach her mother.”

  Vanessa smiled. “I’ll be available or someone at my home will know where to find me. Before we leave I’ll give you numbers where you can reach me.”

  “I’ll give you my numbers, too,” Rick said. “Though, of course, Vanessa will call me if it’s anything serious anyway.”

  Mrs. Wilkie seemed pleased. “Won’t you all be seated?”

  They began to go over Lindy’s choices, Vanessa leaving it up to Lindy to explain what they’d decided.

  Before they finished, Rick’s cell phone rang. “Uh, I’ll just step outside to take this call,” he said hurriedly and slipped out of the room.

  He still hadn’t returned when they ended the interview. Vanessa led Lindy outside, wondering if they would find Rick out there, still on the phone.

  He was there, pacing back and forth, talking fast.

  Vanessa frowned. Were they supposed to stand around and wait for him?

  He saw them and waved for them to come along as he headed to the car. It didn’t appear he intended to end his call. When they reached the car, Vanessa went to the driver’s side and held out her hand for the keys.

  Surprising her, he dropped the keys into her hand and went around to the passenger side.

  While Rick spoke on the cell phone, Vanessa drove the short distance to her house and parked the car. Just as she did so, Rick ended his conversation.

  “I need to come in and talk to both of you,” he said, his expression serious.

  “Is something wrong?” Lindy asked in an anxious voice.

  “Come on, Lindy. He’ll explain when we get inside,” Vanessa said.

  When they were settled in the library, she asked Rick, “What is it?”

  “I’ve been offered the opportunity to join a government group on a trip to China. It means I’ll be gone for three weeks. I won’t even be able to call you during that time. We’ll be moving around a lot in areas that are fairly primitive.”

  “Why do you want to go?” Lindy asked.

  Vanessa took her hand, recognizing some fear in the girl’s voice.

  “Lindy, it’s an opportunity to expand into a country that has the biggest population in the world. I can’t pass this up.”

  “But—”

  Vanessa reached out and took Lindy’s hand. “Sweetie, we’ll be okay without your brother for three weeks. You’ll be safe and loved. That’s why he’s letting you live with me.”

  “I know,” Lindy said, her voice small.

  Rick knelt in front of her. “Honey, I know I’ll miss you, but it will establish our company, Dad’s company, as one of the premier ones in the world. Dad would be so proud.”

  “Me, too, I’m proud,” Lindy said as she hugged his neck.

  Vanessa saw on Rick’s face that he was touched by her words and courage.

  “I love you, Lindy,” he said.

  “I love you, too.”

  He smiled at her. “I need to talk to Vanessa before I go. Why don’t you go on upstairs?”

  Lindy nodded and left the room.

  “Yes?” Vanessa said, drawing his attention back to her.

  “I’m going to check with Jeff and make sure the money and power of attorney are all in place. Is there anything else you need?”

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  He pulled her to her feet. “Then I guess all I have to do is tell you goodbye.”

  “Good—” Before she could get the word out, he pulled her against him and kissed her. And it was not the kind of chaste kiss he’d given her on Friday night.

  As she’d known in her heart, such close contact with the man was dangerous—because it made her want more. And she didn’t intend to get involved just yet. She pushed herself away. “Why did you do that?” she demanded.

  “So you wouldn’t forget me while I’m away,” he whispered. “Take care of Lindy.”

  “Of course,” she muttered, and found herself wrapped in his arms for a hug. Then he was gone.

  She should’ve gone up to Lindy at once. Instead, she went to one of the front windows to watch him drive away.

  “You all right, Vanessa?” Betty asked, coming up behind her.

  “Oh! Yes. Have you got a nice snack for Lindy? She’s a little upset. Her brother just left for three weeks.”

  “Why, that poor little thing. I’ll fix a tray and bring it up right away. You go see about her. I’ll take care of everything.”

  Vanessa hugged Betty and thanked her. Then she hurried upstairs, wishing a snack would fix what was wrong with her.

  THE NEXT TWENTY-FOUR HOURS for Rick were nonstop as he packed in a rush and made his way to the airport to fly to Washington for a quick indoctrination for the trip to China. He was given enough reading material to keep him busy all during the long flight overseas.

  So why did his mind keep returning to those few minutes with Lindy in the Greenfields’ library? He hadn’t realized how much being reunited with his baby sister would mean to him. It was as if she’d restored his father to him. The three of them had shared a lot for the first six years of her life. Then her mother had driven him away. Or he’d allowed himself to be driven away.

  He should’ve fought for his father and Lindy. And he hadn’t. Now he was being given a second chance to reunite his family, even though it now consisted only of him and Lindy.

  He could still feel her young arms around his neck as he told her he loved her. And she’d responded in kind. Family was important. He realized now that he’d felt hollow since his dad’s death. Alone and not significant to anyone else’s life.

  He also remembered the kiss he’d given Vanessa. It had taken her a minute to push away. In that minute he’d realized he didn’t want to leave her. She was beginning to mean a hell of a lot to him.

  In three weeks he’d be back. Then he could see her and make her understand what he was feeling. For the first time in his life, he thought he might be falling in love. And he liked it.

  VANESSA ARRIVED HOME after teaching her first class, glad to settle back into a routine she loved. Lindy had started school a week ago, just after Rick left. The homework kept her occupied in the evenings, which helped pass the time before her brother came home.

  As Vanessa started upstairs, Betty came out of the kitchen and called her. “You have a visitor. She insisted on waiting.”

 
Something in Betty’s voice warned Vanessa that she was not going to like what was about to happen. She entered the library to find Sharon sitting there with a bored look on her face, sporting some new diamond earrings.

  “Hello, Sharon.”

  “Oh. You’re finally here. I need to know how to get in touch with Rick. The people at his company won’t tell me anything.”

  “Why do you need to talk to Rick?”

  “Because I’ve just found out I’m pregnant!”

  Chapter Ten

  Vanessa stared at the woman. All the warm feelings she’d had for Rick Austin suddenly turned cold.

  Tamping down her emotions, she said in a professional tone, “I’m afraid he can’t be reached right now.”

  “Why not?”

  “He’s in China with a group from the government.”

  “China? You’re just making that up!” Sharon challenged.

  Vanessa didn’t react. “I have no reason to lie to you. Have you been to a doctor?”

  “That’s none of your business.” She stood up. “Where is his sister?”

  “She’s in school, of course.”

  “Well, I think I should tell her that I’ll soon be her sister-in-law.”

  “I don’t think you should pass on your fantasy to Lindy. When her brother returns, if he wants to introduce you as his fiancée, then you can see Lindy.”

  “You don’t think he’ll marry me? He bought me these earrings.” She pointed to the two-carat studs.

  “Very lovely. It’s not my affair whether Rick marries you or not. But Lindy is my business. Stay away from her.”

  “I’ll show you!” Sharon spit out. “I’ll have a ring to match the earrings.”

  “How nice. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do,” Vanessa said, holding open the library door.

  “You’re throwing me out? How dare you!”

  “I’m simply asking you to leave, Sharon.” She remained by the door, waiting for Sharon to walk out. She was so glad Lindy was at school. The girl shouldn’t have to witness this scene.

  Finally, Sharon walked into the hall. “Who is his lawyer? Since he got rid of that other one, I don’t know who represents him.”