"It's what you're good at, Mike. You've always had good instincts. That's an asset to a homicide investigator."
"I guess I'm looking forward to it. Are you headed to Louis’ yet?"
"Yeah, I'm just picking up Carla. Lillian is coming, as well. We'll see you there."
"Yep,” Michael said before hanging up the phone.
Lillian is definitely going to be there tonight. I will prove to her that I'm not such a jerk. Damn. Why the hell do I even care? I can't believe I'm acting like this. My hands are sweaty, my stomach feels all twisted inside. Snap out of it buddy!
You're the man. You can handle any woman.
Michael checked himself out in the mirror one more time. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans and a snug-fitting, designer-blue tee shirt. This was he. She could take it or leave it. If she didn't like it ... tough! The confident facial expression disappeared as quickly as its reflection in the mirror.
Who am I kidding?
He never went to this much trouble for any women, never mind one he didn't even have a date with.
Feeling annoyed at himself, he blamed his foolish behavior on the head injury. Taking one last glance in the mirror, he forced a nervous smile, then left.
* * * *
Lillian sat on the barstool, legs crossed, twirling the small red straw around in her glass of soda mixed with Captain Morgan's spiced rum. She didn't care for it that much, but Eddie, a fireman from the station house located down the street from the bookstore, ordered it for her. Another guy from the station Lance stood next to her, too. They were talking about the neighborhood as well as some new businesses opening up.
Lillian glanced over at Carla who winked at her seemingly aware that Lillian was the center of attention.
Lillian had struggled all day wondering what to wear, not wanting to appear as if she went out of her way to impress anyone, particularly Michael. She opted for a short fitted flare black skirt and a purple, off-the-shoulder fitted blouse. Her black-heeled sandals gave her an extra inch. She was relieved her manicure and pedicure from Wednesday looked freshly done. She had added some extra curls to her hair with rollers this afternoon, then decided to wear a little eye shadow accompanied by some mascara as well. Carla said she looked fantastic. Carla wanted to know whom Lillian wanted to impress. Lillian swallowed hard, denied any such reasoning behind her use of makeup and curls to her hair. She just couldn't imagine Carla's reaction if she were to get involved with Michael.
Across the room, a roar of laughter filled the air. Everyone glanced in that direction. Her heart leaped at the sight of Michael, standing with a bunch of guys, obviously telling a funny story. They made eye contact. Both were interrupted by other people around them.
"Hey, gorgeous, I've been watching you from across the room. Great legs!"
Lillian turned to find Gary Clarkson, a local jerk who had been asking Lillian out for months still not getting the message she wasn't interested.
"Hey, buddy, we're talking with the lady,” Eddie stated. Lance took position close to Lillian.
"We're friends. Ain't that right, Lillian?” Gary asked as he swayed a little from drinking too much. His horrid breath reeked of bourbon and his blue eyes were blood shot. He was young. Lillian assumed in his early thirties and had light colored hair with big brown eyes. It was sad to see what the ‘juice’ could do to such a young man.
Lillian looked toward the crowd where Michael had been only moments ago and again more laughter exploded through the room.
Gary looked in the same direction, started making comments as he leaned closer to Lillian.
"That fucking guy Michael is as good as dead. Who the hell does he think he is?"
"He's a good man, Gary. A real hero,” Eddie sounded rather annoyed at Gary's comments.
"Bull shit, he's nothing but trouble. He's gonna get some good men killed,” Gary added.
"How can you say that? After everything he's done. He's laid his life on the line for all of us,” Lillian stated rather abruptly. The words came out of nowhere. She glanced around noting the surprised expressions. Lillian was not one for confrontations.
"You're wrong sweetheart, he's trouble. All he's after is the glory. What has he done for this community, except get his name all over the papers ‘cause of a drive by shooting?” Gary demanded, rubbing Lillian's arm.
She pulled away. “He served our country and now he protects our streets."
She would stand her ground. The anger was building.
"You're so cute, Lillian. Always wanting to see the good in people. He's a fake, a fraud who's only after attention and women. Haven't you ever seen the guy in action? His most recent brush with death nearly landed him in the grave, never mind his fellow officers. He's a loser."
Lillian caught herself standing straighter and feeling more annoyed than before.
"I think you should quit drinking, Gary. It's obvious you're killing brain cells."
"What?” he asked angrier than she anticipated. Gary acted like a jerk, a know it all who had it coming. He had a reputation to cause fights, start feuds, and bad mouth good people. Tonight, he wouldn't get away with it.
Gary caressed her arm. Lillian pulled away. He gave her the creeps, made her fearful.
She turned, tried to calm herself down. She didn't want to fight. She didn't want this creep so close to her, invading her space, and damn it, talking negatively about Michael.
She froze the second she felt the clammy hand against her cheek.
She looked into Gary's blue, bloodshot eyes recognizing the look of control and something came over her. She shoved his hand down, then quickly moved to the side, nearly knocking over the barstool. She could hear it rocking as she stood her ground.
"If you had a brain, Gary, you would know that it takes strong, well-trained professionals like Michael, willing to put their lives on the line to better this community. Even if that community includes low-life, dirt-bag cowards like yourself. So why don't you just order yourself another drink and head for your nightly drunken stupor!” She raised her voice at the end.
Everyone around them had to have heard what she said.
"You don't know what you're talking about. Let me clue you in, darling.” Gary moved closer, licking his lips, his eyes didn't hide his bad intentions.
Lillian attempted to walk away when he grabbed her wrist.
"Hold it right there. I'm not finished with you yet!” he yelled, pulling her against him. In an instant, Eddie firmly told Gary to let go of her.
Lillian's heart beat rapidly. She had no idea Gary had a temper. She should have remained quiet and just let him talk. What came over me?
Gary's comments toward Michael angered her. She hadn't given her safety a second thought.
"Let go of her, Gary. Right now,” Michael demanded.
Lillian glanced toward him. His demeanor made her cower. Now if only Gary reacted the same way.
"I'm not finished with the little...."
"Don't even try it, Gary. Let go of her now!” Jimmy yelled.
With their gazes locked, neither Michael nor Gary backed down.
Gary abruptly released Lillian's wrist but not before giving it a deep, painful squeeze. She cringed in pain. Her shoulder dropped as she pulled her wrist to her chest.
"We'll finish this another time.” He gave her body the once over, then touched her chin with his hand. Still holding her wrist, Lillian abruptly turned her face away from Gary's grasp.
Michael placed his body between Gary and Lillian. The two men stood nose to nose. Lillian could see Gary had at least an extra fifty pounds on Michael. That didn't seem to be a concern for Michael.
"Don't you ever touch her again."
"Or else what, hot shot?” Gary antagonized Michael and Lillian spotted the bandage, remembering Michael's injuries. She was concerned he could damage it again, and didn't think twice about her next move.
Lillian pushed her way between the two men.
"Cut it out, guys. Just forget abo
ut it. No one got hurt. Everyone's had a bit too much to drink."
Her focus remained on Michael and his wounds. If the two men were to fight, she would feel responsible if he re-injured himself.
"I haven't been drinking,” Michael said sarcastically, egging Gary on.
Eddie pulled Gary away from Michael to the other side of the bar while Lillian held her hands against Michael's chest.
"Don't do it, Michael. He's not worth it or re-injuring your wounds,” she whispered.
Michael's eyes stayed focused on the guys taking Gary away from them. Then he locked gazes with her.
"I can't believe he touched you like that. Are you all right?"
She smiled, said ‘yes,’ and quickly removed her hands. They walked back toward the bar. Their friends hadn't joined them yet.
Lillian took a seat on the barstool. Michael leaned next to the bar. Lillian glanced over her shoulder to see where Gary sat.
Michael followed her line of sight. To Lillian, it appeared he didn't trust the guy, either. Gary, a low life with a small record, could not be underestimated.
"I wish you didn't do that, Michael. I would have felt terrible if you had re-injured yourself."
"You would have been worth it. I'm glad you're concerned for my safety, but there's no need to worry."
She released a sigh, then glanced away.
She was genuinely concerned for his safety and he spoke as if he were invincible. She felt annoyed. Her body shook, still feeling the aftermath of what she did, what she said, and of course what could have taken place.
"What? You don't think I could handle a guy like Gary?” He sounded a bit insulted.
Lillian gazed into his eyes, noting the anger, the insult she caused with her comment. Could this night get any worse?
"It's not that, it's your ‘I can kick the whole world's ass’ attitude. It's annoying,” she stated before turning away.
Michael leaned in closer, his thigh touched hers, causing a surge of heat to travel through her.
"I never said I could kick the whole world's ass. I'm just angry still. I'm sorry.” He took Lillian's hand, noticing the redness around her wrist.
"Are you sure you're all right?” he asked again just as Carla and Jimmy approached. Lillian immediately pulled her hand away from him, hoping no one noticed.
"I thought you were gonna add another bar fighting story to your list.” Jimmy patted his friend on the back.
Michael kept a straight face, it became obvious Lillian disliked aggression.
"Lillian wouldn't let me, over concerned about my stitches.” Michael smiled at Lillian.
"Oh, shoot that's right. Thanks for reminding him, Lilly. My brother tends to think one way sometimes.” Carla laughed. She sat on the barstool beside Lillian.
"We heard what you said to Gary. Thanks for sticking up for my brother,” Carla added.
Michael looked sideways at Lillian.
"What is she talking about?"
Lillian tried to blow off the question, but Eddie had returned filling them in verbatim. Lillian caught Michael's gaze, all Michael could do was smile.
* * * *
The conversations continued, causing the remnants of the bar fight to diminish over time. Everyone now enjoyed catching up on town gossip and business while Lillian found herself engaged in deep conversation with Michael. They went from one subject to another.
"Carla told me that you got a transfer,” Lillian stated to Michael before taking a sip from her soda.
He leaned back against the bar, looking toward the crowd of people playing a game of pool.
"Yeah, I guess it's time for a change."
To Lillian, he didn't sound too happy about the transfer. She knew his family was relieved, especially Jimmy. She couldn't help but wonder why Michael liked living on the edge, taking so many chances, purposely risking his life.
"I don't know too much about law enforcement or homicide investigation, but it sounds like the B.C.I. Unit is pretty cool."
"Oh, it is cool. It's a great unit. Anyone involved with it should feel proud. Other departments in the surrounding area as well as other jurisdictions need the aid of the BCI Unit. You'd be surprised, Lillian, at just how much goes down in quiet Rockland County, New York.” He winked at her before taking a sip from his mug of beer.
"It's good to know the local departments have access to such a force, especially one with such high tech, modern equipment. I guess it's necessary these days with gathering evidence that's actually admissible in court."
"Detectives need the high tech stuff. We can't take any chances contaminating evidence or a crime scene. The defense attorneys would have a field day in court."
"Years ago, evidence was stored right in the garage, hanging on clothing racks while detectives did their best to keep the evidence from getting contaminated. Now the B.C.I. Unit has their own large holding refrigerator to prevent contamination."
"I read about one of those compartments. They're very expensive and are divided into two separate compartments. It's called a DNA Containment Unit."
He smiled, appearing surprised at Lillian's knowledge of investigative technology.
"That's right, Lillian. One is for evidence from the victim and the other is for evidence from the suspect."
Lillian smiled, enjoying her conversation with Michael.
They spoke a little more until Eddie joined the conversation.
* * * *
Eddie along with some other friends was telling Lillian some stories about Louis the guy who owned the bar.
Lillian scanned the room.
"Who are you looking for?” Michael asked still holding his position right beside her. He wasn't taking any chances that someone else might make a move.
"Where is your sister? It's getting late."
"They left about an hour ago. Carla asked me to give you a ride home.” Michael looked toward the others who appeared to be listening.
"I can give her a ride home. It would be my pleasure, Lillian,” Eddie offered, taking a small bow.
Lillian barely even knew Eddie.
"Thanks anyway, but it looks like I already got a ride. I'm sure you guys will stop by for one of your afternoon snacks tomorrow?” Lillian teased.
"You bake the most delicious biscotti we've ever tasted,” Eddie rubbed his belly. The others joined in making similar comments.
* * * *
Lillian and Michael said their goodbyes before heading out the exit door. Lillian looked up toward the night sky. She welcomed the cool temperature after being inside the stuffy, crowded bar all evening. She inhaled the fresh air as she absorbed the star-filled scenery of the night.
"What a gorgeous night,” Michael added, gently taking Lillian's elbow, leading her toward the parking area.
She didn't reply and gave him a return smile, acknowledging his comment but suddenly feeling anxious and nervous inside. The thought of being alone with Michael put her on edge. Carla had no idea what she was doing, asking her brother to take her home. If her best friend knew her brother continually flirted with her or that Lillian flirted back, Carla would surely flip.
Michael stopped just shy of a black Ford Expedition. He immediately opened the passenger door for her, smiling wide.
Lillian thanked him before he closed the door. He hurried around the front of the truck. She took a few seconds to just breathe, try to relax, get rid of the shakiness she felt. Michael made her so damn nervous.
He entered on the driver's side, still smiling as he started the ignition. He appeared to be checking out her legs or maybe the simple fact she sat in his truck and he was taking her home. She should have worn pants. Did he think she would invite him in? Allow him to stay? Oh, my God! Lillian tried to relax as she placed her hands on her lap, but he continued to stare.
He leaned across the seat.
Is he going to kiss me?
"Are you forgetting something?” he whispered. Those damn dimples of his combined with the smell of his alluring colo
gne, instantly made her weak at the knees. Her voice shook and sounded giddy and girly.
"What?” she asked.
Michael reached across her body, his elbow barely touched the material of her blouse, yet her breasts instantly stood at attention. She held her breath.
"Safety first, gorgeous.” He pulled the seatbelt from confinement, buckled her in.
"I promised my sister I would get you home safely.” He smiled, slowly leaning back before taking the wheel.
Lillian feared she would pass out from the instant dizziness and heated flashes she felt. She tried to look at the interior of the truck instead of watching Michael drive.
She focused on the cleanliness of his vehicle, the gray, freshly waxed interior and the slight hint of Armor All.
Who am I kidding?
* * * *
They talked about the town, the increase in small businesses including the prosperity of places like Louis’ as they headed toward Lillian's Love.
"The premiere really seemed to boost sales. I wasn't sure such an event in a town like ours would attract so much attention."
"You have a great selection of books combined with a very comfortable atmosphere. It's a nice place."
"Thanks.” Lillian smiled, glancing back out the window.
"The coffee and snacks are really delicious, as well."
"I want my patrons to feel comfortable. As the owner, I want to be accessible, ready to help make their reading experiences as enjoyable as I can. That is exactly what will keep them coming back."
"So the local firefighters even stop by Lillian's Love for a snack? Or so they say?” Michael teased.
"What other reason would they have, besides the fact that Eddie enjoys reading a good Sci Fi book every month?"
"If that's what he tells you and you believe him...."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Michael turned away. Once again, he stuck his foot in his mouth. He cringed to think that he and Lillian headed for another fight. This time, he wouldn't let it happen.
"It doesn't mean anything. Forget what I said."
When they got there, she waited for him to open her door then walk her up the front walkway.
"So do you still think I'm a real jerk, or what?"
Lillian's Love Page 6
