Arriving at the home, Mary led the way into the building. The residents were assembled in the community room and a special area was cleared for the singers. The children began the program with Away in a Manger and then began to pass out gifts as the seniors joined in and sang a rousing rendition of Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, and Santa Claus is coming to Town. They continued with traditional hymns and took a break to enjoy cookies and punch, visiting with each resident. Watching the faces of the elderly folks, Rebecca forgot her aching feet. The ladies were dressed in their best for the occasion, some with ribbons in their hair or other adornments. Rebecca was glad she had dressed in a festive red dress with a green and red Christmas scarf. The mood was one of celebration and good cheer and when they began to sing again they asked their audience to join in. The closing of their program was Silent Night and they dimmed the lights making the star on the Christmas tree the only glow. The beautiful hymn was sung with reverence and heart and Rebecca’s eyes misted, wondering how many of these people were alone in the world, sharing a moment of peace and love with friendly strangers.
The lights came up and the happy carolers trouped out of the room to heartfelt applause, starting down the corridors of the home. They stopped at each occupied room for a few minutes, and Mary spoke to several of the friends she had made introducing the group in general. Rebecca didn’t know how much of their response Mary heard, but her smile went a long way toward making up for her hearing difficulty. When they reached Bill Havens room, Mary hung back for a moment, squeezing Rebecca’s hand. Laying her hand on Rebecca’s smooth cheek she gazed wistfully at the soft, glowing skin under it, and then squared her thin shoulders.
“You’ve done a good thing here Rebecca,” she told her looking intently into Rebecca’s eyes. Misty green eyes smiled into faded blue and understanding Mary’s emotions, Rebecca was not surprised when Mary stayed a little way back in the group. As they sang ‘0 Holy Night’, her sweet clear voice rang out and Bill Haven’s eyes found her without fail. The wrinkled face lit up with love and pride and it was obvious he wasn’t seeing a frail, bent old woman, but the lovely young girl he’d married so many years ago. He was seeing with his heart. When he reached out in her direction, Mary went to him, clasping his large hand in her small one. The light shining in her eyes as she finished the song brought a lump to Rebecca’s throat. This is forever she thought, for no matter who should go first, their love for each other would live on.
The group filed quietly out leaving Mary and Bill a few minutes alone. Rebecca quickly wiped away a tear. No one could watch the elderly couple without remembering a loved one of their own but when Mary came out of the room she refused to cave into emotions and led them down the hall singing her own rendition of ‘Rocking around the Christmas Tree’. Rebecca smiled through her tears and joined in.
Back at the senior center, Rebecca thanked each caroler with a homemade ornament. Transportation arrangements went off without a hitch and she locked up the building after everyone had gone. The sky was clear, stars twinkling brightly, the air crisp. Walking to her car Rebecca was overwhelmed with the beauty of the night. It was a night to be shared and suddenly sadness assailed her. She was as much alone as some of those people, but she didn’t have their excuses. The choices she’d made were her own, not forced on her by poor health and age. No one there had chosen to be alone, but she’d chosen just that for herself. Did she have the courage to change it? She hadn’t heard from Mason and Christmas was three days away. The wind suddenly seemed much colder now and she hurried to her car.
Rebecca juggled the bag of groceries in one arm while inserting her key into Mason’s door. After spending the day torn by emotions, she finally decided to put things right. She knew she’d not only acted immature, but hastily. Mason was probably the only man on earth who could drive her to distraction but he was also the only one she loved. Much as she had misgivings about marriage she realized that living without him was just as unacceptable and it was time she faced facts. It was all or nothing with Mace. Yes, she could seduce him into her bed, but Rebecca wanted more. She wanted what Mary and Bill Havens had. Wanted to experience the kind of love that overcomes all obstacles and flourishes. A love that defies time. When she had seen their shining eyes, Rebecca had suddenly and clearly understood that sometimes you took your chances and cherished every moment.
Kicking off her shoes she padded across the deep chocolate colored carpet. She loved Mason’s apartment, the warm tones, and the plush oversized furniture. It was a man’s home, comfortable, yet functional and as always neat as a pin. Going through the dining room and into the kitchen she glanced out the French doors at the twinkling skyline. Maybe after they were married she would give up the house and move in here until they bought a house together. It was time to give up the past and look to the future and living in a home that had known so much sadness was probably not a good thing. Shaking off her somber mood, Rebecca began to prepare the special meal she’d planned. Putting the bottle of wine in the fridge she then set to work seasoning the small roast she’d bought. Next came the potatoes which she peeled and set in cold water until it was time to add them to the roast. The meal was designed to be a man pleaser with roast beef, potatoes, carrots, onions and crisp hot bread.
After making sure all was progressing in the kitchen, she went back down to her car and grabbed a bag with her clothes and another with a beautiful linen tablecloth. There were also candles and linen napkins as she wasn’t sure what Mason had in this line and she wanted everything to be perfect. Returning upstairs she proceeded to set the table, using his good china and crystal, making sure everything was placed just right for an intimate dinner for two. After checking the roast and the time, she added the vegetables and put the loaf of French bread on a baking sheet. Picking up her bag and went into the luxuriously appointed bathroom. Humming quietly she sat her toiletries on the marble counter top and hung up the shimmery crimson dress she had chosen for the occasion. Adjusting the shower to the right temperature she got in, the warm pulsating spray washing away her tensions. Rebecca began to sing quite loudly then, washing her hair and as she continued her feminine ritual she relaxed further, enjoying the acoustics of Mason’s bathroom.
Mason let himself in the door just about the same time that Rebecca was stepping out of the shower. His eyes traveled from the high heels lying on the carpet by the door, to the glittering table in the dining room. The smells coming from the kitchen were wonderful and Mason felt a pang of regret that all this effort hadn’t been for him. When Nick had called to say he’d be coming in for the holidays, Mason had figured he’d meant alone, but when he heard muffled singing coming from the bathroom he decided to grab a change of clothes before high tailing it out of there. The table was only set for two and this had all the makings of a private dinner. Either he’d brought a woman with him or he was a better man than Mace had given him credit for, as he’d only have been in town a few hours. Smiling he quickly crossed to the bedroom door, listening before he knocked softly. It sure hadn’t taken Nick long to find some female company.
Rebecca toweled her hair and left the wet curls to dangle down her back. Wrapping the towel around her she peered into the mirror and seeing it was steamed up she decided to use Mason’s bedroom to dress in. Opening the connecting door she padded into the room and went directly to the dresser her feet making no noise on the thick cream carpet. Glancing into the mirror she froze. Lying propped up in the king-sized bed was a large naked chest, a hairy masculine chest, attached to an equally masculine face that was smiling in a totally unconcerned way.
Mortified Rebecca could only stand speechless, staring into the reflection of Mason’s brother Nick. The sudden opening of the door startled her to the point she almost lost the towel and she turned stunned when Mason strode into the room. Embarrassment seemed to be the prevalent emotion in the quiet room but Nick’s obvious amusement came in second.
Mason reeled from the sight that met his eyes. Nick apparently naked
in his bed and Rebecca close to it was more than his brain could take in. His inability to move gave Rebecca the edge and she stumbled back into the bathroom, slamming the door and sagging against it, face buried in her hands, lungs fighting to draw breath. Hearing Mason’s roar and Nick’s laughter did little to settle her nerves and when Mason’s voice got louder she dropped the towel and swiftly locked the door, seconds before his hand tried the knob.
“What the hell is going on here?” he shouted through the door, causing Rebecca to actually retreat from it even though it was securely locked.
Nick, it appeared, was content to lounge on the bed and watch the scene playing out before him. He wasn’t sure what was going on but it was damned interesting.
“Rebecca, open this damned door,” Mason continued, not even making an attempt to control his rage.
“I’m not dressed,” she shouted back, hating the shaky sound of her voice. What the hell was Nick doing in Mason’s bed anyway?
“So what,” came the came his angry response. “Obviously it didn’t bother you to parade around damn near butt naked in front of my brother. Are you trying to keep it in the family?”
“NOW, wait just a minute there little brother,” Nick finally responded, climbing out of bed and pulling on his pants. “I am not into that sort of thing and furthermore I had no idea whose lovely voice was coming from the bathroom until she walked in here.”
Rebecca, hearing the insulting tone of Mason’s voice, was growing more steamed by the second. How dare he insinuate there was something going on between her and his brother. If he’d bothered to inform her that Nicholas was in town she’d have made other arrangements. Dressing quickly she prepared for battle, preferring to speak her piece face to face but wanting to have the advantage of being dressed to do it.
“All I know is that I come home to find my brother stark naked in bed and my woman close to it in the same room, and somebody had better do some pretty fancy explaining.”
Mason’s voice was dangerously low now, and Rebecca could picture his clenched jaw and flashing blue gray eyes. For a second she wavered and almost slipped out the other door, leaving him to his own jealous imagination, but she had done nothing wrong and she’d be damned if she leave without at least telling him so.
Opening the door she stepped into the room.
“It’s all right Nick,” she told him, the light of battle in her eyes. “I’ll take care of the explaining.”
Mason’s heart stopped in his chest. Rebecca stood in the dim room, the soft light spilling from the bathroom almost giving her a glow. The red dress she was wearing hugged her curves like a second skin, accenting her small waist and full breasts. The thin spaghetti straps didn’t look strong enough to hold all that loveliness in and his mouth went dry as he studied her. Her golden curls framed the delicate face and his stomach clenched in anguish at the thought of her with his brother. When she began to speak he had a hard time taking in her words so stunned was he by the sight of her short flaming dress and silky legs in red high heels. His desire, in spite of the situation, blinded him to reason and he began to sweat, clenching his hands into tight fists.
“I came over here tonight with the intention of trying to work things out with you Mason. I’ve missed you. The dinner was by way of a peace offering to make up for dumping your breakfast and attacking you with the broom.”
Nick’s eyes widened at this and he quickly turned away, clearing his throat suspiciously. Rebecca continued undaunted, determined to convince Mason that despite the evidence to the contrary, the situation was really totally innocent. She kept her voice calm even though she was shaking inside with a combination of fear that he wouldn’t believe and anger of her own because she’d gotten herself into this situation. She also felt a little disappointed because Mason was so obviously ready to believe the worst of her.
“I had no idea your brother was here and it never occurred to me that I wasn’t alone in the apartment. I decided to shower and dress here because I wouldn’t have had time to cook the roast and run home before you got here and I wanted everything to be perfect tonight. I hope you will see reason Mason and understand that this was just an unfortunate chain of events.”
“You really expect me to believe that,” he queried, wavering between what he’d seen with his own eyes and what seemed quite logical when spoken by the vision before him.
Rebecca sighed, shoulders slumping in defeat. It hurt to think that he doubted not only her fidelity but something she’d always prided herself on, her honesty. For a moment tears threatened but fearing she was about to make a complete fool of herself not only in front of Mason but Nick as well, she stiffened her spine and smiling defiantly into Mason’s eyes, she did something she never did. She lied through her teeth.
“You’re right of course Mason,” she told him sadly. “I don’t know how I could have thought you so gullible.” Gliding across the room to Nick’s side she slipped her arm around him and leaned into his warmth. If Nick was surprised he hid it well and when Rebecca launched into a new explanation it was all he could do not to applaud her spirit.
“The truth is Mason, Nick and I have been caring on a long distance romance for years. I came over here today hoping to prepare an exceptional four course dinner, make passionate love to your brother, shower, serve him dinner in my towel, clean up the kitchen and dining room, dress, remove all traces of myself from the bathroom, pack up my linens, and candles etcetera, and be gone before you got home.” Raising her chin haughtily she smiled up at Nick.
“Come on darling; let’s enjoy our meal since we no longer have to hide from your little brother.”
“Certainly sweetheart,” Nick replied. “Maybe when my pig headed brother realizes how badly he has misjudged us both we can scrape up some dinner for him.” Smiling at Rebecca, Nick gallantly held out his arm for her and escorted her from the room.
It took Rebecca exactly 10 minutes to put a meal on the table and although the presentation wasn’t as elaborate as she’d planned it was exceptionally good.
Nicholas flipped a dish towel across his arm, seated Rebecca at the table, and opened the wine with all the flair of the most experienced maître d’. While he poured Rebecca smiled gratefully over the rim of her crystal glass.
“Not exactly the dinner nor company you had in mind is it my beauty,” he crooned, twisting an imaginary mustache and raising his eyebrows in a very bad imitation of who she thought was Snidely Whiplash.
“Beauty much prefers your company to that of the beast in the other room,” she countered laughing. This fiasco was unbelievable and she was grateful for Nick’s attempt to keep the mood light. Her appetite was virtually nonexistent but she picked dutifully at her food. Pride kept her there when all she really wanted to do was go home and cry her heart out. How ironic that she had been finally ready to accept the happiness fate had been offering only to have it snatched away. She should have known better.
Nick refused to let the conversation lapse, asking her about her job, how soon she would graduate, and her hobbies. He was attentive and charming and soon Rebecca felt herself relaxing. Studying him in the glow of the lamp Rebecca couldn’t help but notice how attractive he really was. Silver threads were woven throughout his glossy black hair. His eyes were bright blue without the stormy quality of his brothers. The tiny laugh lines added character rather than age to his handsome face and when he genuinely laughed at something she said, Rebecca was startled, a feeling of déjà vu washing over her. He reminded her of someone else. That beautiful flashing smile, the flawless teeth, struck a strange cord in her. Her mind tried for a moment to make the connection. It must be that Mason and he were so much alike, but it wasn’t Mason’s laugh, Mason’s smile. A frown creased her brow and Nick immediately began telling her about his life in Colorado, describing the majestic mountains and breathtaking wonder of his home and it was obvious to Rebecca that, although not a native, he loved it too much to stay away for long.
“When do you go ba
ck,” she inquired softly.
“Right after the first of the month,” he told her, pushing his plate aside. “What are your plans for Christmas?”
Rebecca’s eyes went involuntarily to the bedroom door, her longing clearly revealed to Nick. “We’re having a Christmas party at the senior center but after that…?”
Damn Mason he thought, pushing back his chair and beginning to clear the table. He needed a swift kick in the butt and he was just the one to give it to him. Not only didn’t he have any faith in this girl who was obviously very much in love with him but that he’d think his own brother would…
“Would you like me to make coffee,” Rebecca asked, following him into the kitchen.
“Sure. I was hoping you weren’t planning on running off. I make a mean Irish coffee.”
“Not for me thanks. I’ve had a long day and I’m driving, but I’d be glad to put on a pot if you want.”
Nick took the plate she was scraping out of her hands. “I’ll do that,” he told her. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for that great meal. The only cooking I get is my own and I hate to admit it but microwave dinners are about the tastiest dish I can prepare.
Rebecca laughed. “It takes a brave man to admit that,” she told him, wiping off the counters while he started the dishes. “In this day and age you’re supposed to be not only self-sufficient, but loving it.”
“Yeah well, there are certain things a man still needs a woman for and at this point in my life, cooking is right up there in the top three.”
Changing Her Mind Page 9
