by Nikki Duvall
Catrina sighed. “Get to the point, J.D.”
“I need you to go to New York with me.”
“To do what? Carry your ball bag?”
J.D. hesitated. “I need you to pose as my fiancé.”
Catrina snorted. “Your fiancé? We can hardly stand to be near each other.”
“Closest thing to love is hate.”
“Maybe in the movies.” She narrowed her eyes. “What are you up to?”
“Federals think a man who’s settled at home has his head in the game.”
“The Federals want a man who can catch a ball,” she scoffed. “What do they care how many women you sleep with?”
“They ain’t budgin'.”
“I’ve seen you play your best on the heels of loose women and too much liquor. You need to renegotiate.”
“Gladly. First I need a fiancé.”
Catrina studied him. “This is not the J.D. Shaw I know and loathe. Since when do you take orders?”
“It’s complicated.”
“I’m all ears.”
“I want the money. I’m sure you can relate to that.”
“You must want it real bad to take it on the chin.”
“Maybe we can beat them at their game.”
“There is no we, J.D.” Catrina studied him for a long minute. “Why me?”
“Devil women don’t get hurt.”
“And your little Halee would.”
J.D. tossed his cup in a nearby trash container. “Halee McCarthy isn’t in the picture. Like I said, I don’t do permanent.”
“Humph. Well, there’s no love loss between the two of us, that’s for sure.”
“Exactly my point.”
“Let’s get this straight. I pull off the best performance of my life pretending I give a damn about you; you get to play for the Feds. What’s in it for me, besides pulling a fast one on a bunch of rich pricks?”
“You live in Manhattan luxury till the end of the season at which time we stage a fight and you declare to the press that you’re going home to Daddy. You get a new wardrobe and your name all over the papers. Roudy sweeps in to save the day. You forget my name.”
“Separate bedrooms?”
J.D. nodded.
“Unless I get desperate.”
“I doubt you’ll get that desperate.”
“But no social life.”
“I expect Tony will want us seen at every night club in New York.”
“Sober.”
“And very much in love.”
Catrina grimaced.
“It’s about time you put all those acting lessons your Daddy paid for to good use.”
“I’ll need a big ring.”
J.D. shook his head and laughed. “I’ll call King.”
***
“Catrina Hiett? The Titan manager’s daughter? Are you out of your mind, J.D.?”
“She was available.”
“Halee McCarthy is available.”
“Cat’s a better actress.”
“That’s probably true. But what’s Daddy going to say?”
“I promised her six months of Manhattan on your bill. I expect he’ll be thrilled.”
“You did what?”
“It’s in your best interest, King. You get a cut of my salary for the next ten years.”
“Not the way you’re cradling that shoulder of yours. What else did you tell her? Did you tell her about the kid?”
“What kid?”
“The kid the Federals expect you to produce.”
J.D. groaned.
“I didn’t think so. And I’ll tell you why you didn’t tell her. Because Catrina Hiett doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body.”
“There won’t be no kids.”
“You’d better hope not.”
“When do we announce the engagement?”
King considered. “I don’t suppose I can hire Halee McCarthy to arrange your engagement party?”
“Bad form. You comin’ to my game tomorrow night?”
King hesitated, and then smiled as a fresh idea came into his calculating mind. “Oh, I’ll be there,” he said. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
~FOUR~
“You had sex!”
“No, I didn’t.” Halee turned her body to hide the smile forming on her lips and continued stacking wrapped packages of silverware for the evening rush. Benedetto’s Bar and Grill was dimly lit even though the clock on the wall said half past four. Somehow the dark wood interior and the Kelly green walls always made it seem that way. From the kitchen, the intoxicating smell of Uncle Gus’ homemade Irish stew wafted out to the dining room, reminding Halee just how much she’d had to drink the night before. It would take a couple more days to get her appetite back.
Rita Benedetto jumped in front of her wearing a white apron, running shoes, and a full grin. She stood three inches shorter than Halee. Her dark hair was cut into a short bob. She wore too much makeup and enough perfume to announce herself long before she entered a room. “You had sex. You’ve got whisker burn on your neck. And that smile is the smile of a wicked woman.”
“Nope.”
“You and that professor what’s his name got it on!”
Halee grimaced. “Hardly.”
“Better than softly.” Rita laughed at her own joke. “Halee got laid,” she sing-songed.
“I don’t want to talk about my sex life, Rita. The adoption agency is coming to my house tomorrow morning and I need you to coach me. I’ve already talked to Uncle Gus and he’s given me his blessing. Now I need you to tell me all your parenting secrets.”
“Don’t do it. That’s all you need to know.”
“Seriously.”
“If you and J.D. decided to make a child together-a possibility I fantasize about all the time, I’ll have you know- if you turned up pregnant with J.D.’s child by the grace of God, I would offer up all the advice in the world. If you insist on adopting a child on your own, I can’t help you. It’s just not natural. A child should be raised by two parents- their own parents.”
Halee tied on a clean apron and heaved a hefty sigh. Even though it was still early, she felt like she was sleep walking. Too much tequila and too much J.D. could do that to a girl. Except she hadn’t had enough of J.D. Something told her she never would.
“How many sets do we need?”
“Two hundred,” replied Rita, shoving a stack of napkins her way. “And don’t ignore me.”
“You’re a single parent. You’re doing a great job.”
“So I know about these things. It’s unnatural. And way too hard. I wouldn’t wish single parenting on anyone.”
“But you love your kids.”
“Of course I do.”
“And you have Uncle Gus and all your cousins to help when things get tough.”
“Not always a help.”
“And you wouldn’t give up Vince and Teresa for anything.”
“No way.”
“Then your argument is illogical.”
“Thank you, counselor. Maybe you should go to law school.”
“Not me,” said Halee with a snort. “As soon as this thesis is done and they hand me my diploma, you won’t catch me in a classroom for a long time to come. I thought I’d never finish.”
“Speaking of lawyers,” said Rita, “I ran this idea of yours past my ex. He says you’re better off waiting to adopt a baby until you land a professional job. Either that, or get married. Single parents can adopt older kids or kids with disabilities, but babies are tough unless you can show you have the means to hire a live-in nanny.”
“You told Frank about my plans?”
“Yes. What’s your salary like at the foundation?”
“A volunteer could do better,” Halee replied. “Why do you think I’m still moonlighting here?” She shook her head. “I can’t believe you told Frank about my plans.”
“I still think you should hold out for Mr. Right. What are you now, twenty two?”
“
Twenty four.”
“Oh, that’s different. That’s an emergency. Tick, tick, tick. That biological clock is about to go off.”
“There is no Mr. Right, Rita. Frank should have convinced you of that.”
“We’re still living in a conservative world, Halee. The courts expect you to be heterosexual, light skinned, and wealthy. And they think two parents are better than one.”
“That leaves about a million babies without a home!” Halee blew out a breath and summoned a calmer voice. “I’m sorry if I sound emotional,” she said. “I just feel like I’m always defending myself for doing the right thing. It’s frustrating.”
Rita placed one hand on her arm. “Not attacking, Hon. Just trying to get inside that head of yours.”
Halee straightened her spine and tossed a package of silverware onto the top of the heap. “Some parents are overwhelmed with their own problems, Rita, or just plain absent. There are lots of kids out there who need a better situation. I may not be able to give them a father, but I could give them a mother, which is more than they have now.”
“Maybe there’s a reason J.D. showed up at your party,” Rita suggested. “Maybe the forces of the universe want you to be together.”
“J.D. is a temporary diversion from reality, nothing more.”
“OK. How about Dr. what’s his name?”
“Enough to bore you senseless.”
Rita laughed. “Couldn’t say that about J.D., could you?”
Halee blushed, remembering the way J.D. had swept her across the deck in his arms.
“You’re too young to be having this argument with yourself, Halee. You haven’t given it a chance. Why don’t you see if things heat up between you and J.D. again?”
“Stop it, Rita.” Halee grabbed a bin full of silverware and headed for the kitchen with Rita close on her heels. “No self-respecting woman gives a cheating man a second chance.”
But she had. And she knew, without a doubt, that she’d do it all over again.
“If you ask me, there are two J.D.’s. You dated the playboy. The other is a family man.”
“J.D. tied down? No way. He would never want children.”
“Didn’t you tell me he’s a rancher’s kid?”
“Yeah, so?”
“So, ranchers are traditional people. They value family. Besides, every man wants children,” said Rita. “It’s a predatory thing. It lets them leave their mark on the world. And for a man who loves a woman, it’s the ultimate possession.”
“You’ve been hijacked by Hollywood. The day I get married it will be for love, not possession.”
“No J.D.?”
“Nope.”
“It’s really over?”
“I’ve already forgotten him.”
“Just like that?”
“Yup. Just like that.” She glanced at Rita. “Why are you smirking?”
“I was just wondering if there’s a branch of AA devoted to women addicted to Jonathan Dillon Shaw.”
Halee sighed. “I’ve made up my mind,” she said, heading back toward the dining room. “It’s Halee McCarthy on her own from now on. I’m going to adopt a baby and start a life and family without a man. I already signed the paperwork. All I need to do is pass the home inspection.”
“I’ve seen your place. You’d better start praying.”
“Temporary situation. First big paycheck and I’m moving back to this side of town. There’s a two bedroom over by the park that would be perfect.”
“Did the agency ask about a boyfriend?”
Halee grabbed a container of salt from behind the bar and started to fill up salt shakers.
“Well, did they?”
“Yes.”
“And what did you tell them?”
“I said I was single and planned to remain so,” she said, handing a tray of half empty shakers to Rita. “Give me a hand, would you?”
“Gee,” said Rita with a sad smile, “I was looking forward to being a bridesmaid in your lavish wedding.”
Halee groaned.
“You’re like a sister to me, Halee, you know that. We’ve been tied at the hip since grade school. I want whatever you want. But I need to say this. I’ve watched men come and go from your life. You always seemed to get over a breakup without much trouble. J.D. was different. J.D.’s infidelity hit you like a tidal wave. You had a hard time getting back up.”
“You make it sound like I stayed in bed for six months. So, I grieved. That’s normal. It’s even healthy.”
“I’m just saying he found his way into your heart. He hurt you.”
Halee swallowed hard. “Water under the bridge,” she said softly.
“So if J.D. walks through that door tonight and proposes to you, you’ll say no?”
“Stop it, Rita.”
“Just a question…”
“He’s already engaged.”
Rita stopped dead in her tracks. “Where’d you hear that?”
“From his manager.”
“Tony King? That sleaze ball?” Rita snorted. “I wouldn’t believe a word he says. The day J.D. Shaw asks a woman to marry him, it’ll make the Tribune headlines.”
Halee picked up the last stack of napkins and began folding. “He’s moving to New York.”
“New York?”
Halee nodded, avoiding Rita’s eyes. “Got the call from the majors. The Federals centerfielder tore his ACL. They need J.D. to finish the season.”
“Damn!” Rita dropped her salt shaker. “That’s like a dream come true.”
Halee nodded. “So I won’t be running into him again.”
“What, they’ve cancelled all flights between O’Hare and LaGuardia?”
“I’d rather be happy, thanks.”
Rita reached across the counter and squeezed Halee’s hand. “J.D. is like a thick dark bar of chocolate. There’s no resisting him. Don’t rush into anything like adoption.”
“My life is already screwed up. Add J.D. and I’m over the edge.”
“Your life is far from screwed up. You just have a little man trouble, that’s all. Now help me get this silverware on the tables. It’s almost five o’clock.”
***
By half past six, a hundred Cubs jerseys crowded the small restaurant, demanding hearty food and plenty of alcohol to ease the pain of another near win. Uncle Gus had retreated to the back office to pout with the first round of receipts, leaving Rita and Halee to handle the restless crowd. After suffering through an early morning management class on a J.D. hangover and the emotional verbal spar with Rita this afternoon, Halee’s energy reserves were just about used up. All she wanted was a cup of warm chocolate and a feather bed. She glanced up at the clock in search of mercy, then turned wearily back to the bar as a familiar face approached the last empty seat. Could the night get any worse?
“Barstools all filled at the Palmer House?” she sneered.
“Hello to you, too.”
She tossed her empty drink tray on the bar and watched Tony King scan the room with an air of contempt. “No gold diggers in tow?” she asked. “Guess the fake tan and Rolex aren’t working, King.”
“Your customer service skills need polished, Honey.” He wiped a vinyl bar stool with a cocktail napkin and gingerly set his Guess jeans down. “I got hungry and I was in the neighborhood. Got anything on the menu that isn’t deep fried?”
“I’ll see if we can rustle up some escargot.”
“You look cute in that uniform, Halee. No wonder John still has wet dreams about you.”
“What do you want, King?”
“I’ll start with a vodka martini.”
Halee stood her ground. “We don’t serve alcohol to go, King, and you were just leaving.”
“Now, now, Halee, you’ll have to learn to be nicer to me now that we’ll be rekindling our relationship.”
“Don’t hold your breath. On second thought,” she said with a smirk and toss of her head, “please do.”
“I understand you need so
meone to blame, Honey, but I’m not your man. I never told John to sleep with that sleazy blonde.”
“Probably not. You were just in the background cheering him on.”
“Nothing to be embarrassed about, Doll,” he said, dropping his eyes to her chest. “Her tits were bigger. John couldn’t help himself.” He grinned. “It’s a guy thing.”
“Actually, it’s a little boy thing. I’ll get you another waitress,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Hold on, now. I forgot to give you something at the gala.” Tony leaned in and waved a $10,000 check made out to North Shore Literacy.
Halee eyed him warily. “Since when are you interested in literacy?”
“I’m not. I’m interested in you.”
“Your interest,” she spit, “is better spent elsewhere.”
“I want you to spend time with John again.”
“I don’t think so…”
“Unless you’re still with that guy from the gala. What was his name? Pretentious Prick?”
“Doctor Cottrell. And it doesn’t surprise me that you would find him intimidating. Brainless lumps of muscle usually do.”
“That’s a little haughty coming from a waitress.”
“A waitress with a master’s degree. What’s your degree in, King, unethical behavior?”
“Success, Baby. I’m the one wearing the Rolex.”
“And you’re improving the world how?”
Tony smiled. “So reform me. Go see John and cash this check.”
“I don’t think he’d like that.”
“That’s the point. John is a better player when he’s angry. You’ll be doing him a favor.”
“While ruining my own life.”
Tony leaned in. “Everyone knows you and John left together last night, Halee. Your picture getting into the Porsche was splashed across every tabloid this morning. By the blush creeping up your neck right now, I’m going to wager you didn’t play cards. You can cut the act.”
She looked away. “That’s none of your business…”
“You take up with John, it becomes my business. We’re linked at the hip.”
“You mean at the wallet.”
“You want to talk about money, let’s talk about money. How many young ladies are in your program now, Halee?”
She hesitated. “Three hundred or so.”
