“Matthew is my boyfriend.”
“I heard about you. I’m glad I can put a face with the name,” Mr. Baldwin remarked.
“Same here.”
“I’m sure Paige told you about me.” Mrs. Baldwin peered over her glasses.
“She told me that both you and Mr. Baldwin were young grandparents, and she was right.”
“I like this one, Paige. He can think on his feet,” Paige’s mother remarked.
Paige’s cell phone rang. She took it in the other room and came back out a couple of minutes later.
“Joshua’s around the corner. Keep Max and his friends inside,” she whispered to Matthew.
“Okay.”
Paige went out front. A couple of minutes later she saw the car turn onto her block and pull up in front of the house. Joshua got out.
“Hi, Paige.”
“Hi.” She looked at the car. “It looks good.”
“Yeah, and it’s a certified pre-owned car and the mileage is low, too,” he said as he went to the trunk to pull out a large red bow. “All the paperwork is done. The car is registered and the insurance is paid through the next two years.”
“I still can’t believe the deal you got on the insurance.”
“It pays to be a tax lawyer.”
“I can see that.” She thought again. “We got it equipped with Low Jack, right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. By the way, where are your parents?”
“They’re coming later with Tara.”
“Oh, okay. So are you ready?”
“Ready.”
Paige opened the door. “Max! Please come here!” she called.
A few minutes later Max opened the door. “What’s up Mom? Oh, hey Dad.”
“Hey, Max.”
“Max, you were a joy from the moment we brought you home from the hospital. Although you’re headed to college you are still my sweet baby boy.” Paige choked up. “And I couldn’t be more proud that you’re my, I mean, our son.” Paige wiped the tears that began to flow. “Joshua, I need you to step in here. I thought I could get through this without crying but apparently I can’t.” She sniffled.
“What your mother is trying to say is we couldn’t be more proud of you, son.”
“So we decided to do something special for your graduation,” Paige said as she and Joshua stepped out of the way to reveal a blue 2004 325ci BMW coupe.
Speechless for a moment, Max yelled and jumped. His friends started screaming with him.
“Oh, Mom! Dad! A BMW!” Max grabbed his parents. “You’re the best, Mom and Dad!”
Joshua held the keys. “Here you go. It’s already registered and the insurance is paid.” He dropped the keys in his hands.
“Can I get in?”
“Sure, but you can’t drive it now. You still have people coming for the party.”
“Okay, Mom,” Max said as he rushed to the car.
“I think it’s fair to say he’s excited and happy,” Siobhan joked.
Adriana arrived in time to watch Max whiz by. “Wow. Can he move or what?”
“Hey, Adriana.” Paige hugged her. “Where are the girls and A.J.?”
“The girls will be here in a second. Joseph is getting A.J. out of the car seat.”
Amanda and Nicole rounded the corner. “Hi, Aunt Paige.”
“Hello, Amanda and Nicole. How are my favorite teenage ladies?”
“We’re good.” Amanda kissed her on the cheek.
Nicole kissed her, too. “Wow, is that Max’s car?”
“Yes. It’s his graduation gift.”
“Oh, that’s too cool. Can we go over and look?”
“Go right ahead.”
They took off for the car.
“I hope they don’t get any ideas from this, Paige.”
“Of course they will, Adriana. They wouldn’t be teenagers if they didn’t.”
Joseph walked over holding A.J. by the hand.
Paige bent down. “Hey there, A.J. How are you? Hello, Joseph. Thanks for coming.”
“Thanks for having us.”
“It wouldn’t be a party without you. Oh, you know, I have someone for A.J. to play with. Cole is here.”
“Oh, good. Did you hear that A.J.? You have a partner in crime.”
“Hi, Matthew.”
“Hi, Adriana.”
“Matthew, this is Adriana’s husband, Joseph Tassone, and those whirlwinds you saw fly by were Amanda and Nicole Davenport, Adriana’s twin girls.”
“They’re pretty.”
Paige watched Max show the girls all the little gadgets.
Matthew put his arms around Paige. “You did good, Mom.” He shook Joshua’s hand. “You too, Dad.”
“Thanks.”
“You realize you’re going to have to pry him away from the car.”
“Oh, I know that, Mom,” Matthew answered.
Everyone watched for a few minutes as more guests arrived. Within a matter of hours the party was in full swing. The caterer’s servers earned their money as guests returned for second and even third helpings. Despite the loosening of belts, Paige knew they’d find room for dessert. So she went inside to get the desserts ready for setup. As she glanced out the window she saw Matthew playing with the children like some kind of pied piper. He rolled on the ground with them with abandon and they shrieked gleefully when he picked them up. Even Adriana’s little ladies Amanda and Nicole were in on the act.
“Hey, Paige. Do you need any help?”
She looked up. “Hi, Jennifer. When did you get here?”
“Michael and I just got here a few minutes ago.”
She kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for coming.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” She looked at the desserts. “Wow, you made some bakery a lot of money today.”
“I bake when my nerves begin to get to me, so all you see before you was made by yours truly.”
Her mouth dropped. “You made all of this?”
“Yes. The only thing I had made was his cake. Come with me.” She motioned for her to follow her into the dining room.
There on the table was a sheet cake with the McGraw Tower along with a candy version of Max and the founder of the university Ezra Cornell.
Jennifer’s eyes were wide. “This is unbelievable. Did Michelle make this?”
“She’s the only one I would trust to do it. She’s a genius, isn’t she?”
“She is. I am so glad she’s doing my wedding cake.”
“So am I.”
They went back to the kitchen. “Oh, before I forget, my parents asked me to give this to you for your son.” She handed her a card.
“Oh. Thank you, Jennifer. Your parents didn’t have to do anything.”
“They wanted to. I think they’ve been happy with my transformation since I started hanging out with you.”
Paige laughed. “Your transformation?”
“I haven’t been as sassy with my mother, and she approves of my wardrobe choices.”
“I didn’t do that. You did.”
“No, Paige, you did. You and your sister.”
“How did we do that?”
“Well, I’ve been paying close attention when I go in for my fittings with you and Siobhan. I hear the way you talk about the constructs of the gown and how it will look on me. It’s almost like being in a classroom.”
“We do it so naturally it’s not something we think about.”
“I for one am glad you do it.” She grinned.
“Good. Have you checked out the spread?”
“Oh, my God. The food looks great.”
“Make sure you make a plate for you and for Michael right away I have a high concentration of teenagers here, which means there are bottomless pits on the premises.”
“Speaking of teenagers I saw your son in that BMW out front. What a graduation present.”
“I know. He’s so excited I’ve given up on keeping him from eating and entertaining in the car. He’s b
een out there practically since Joshua drove it here this afternoon.”
“I bet. I see my future brother-in-law is up to his usual tricks with kids.”
“He’s a natural.”
“I know. That’s why he’s such a great teacher. He has no problem getting in there and helping whatever way he can,” Jennifer said.
“That’s a good quality to have in a teacher, and a father, too.”
“Father? Paige, you’re not.”
“Oh, no. I’m not expecting.” Paige dismissed the thought quickly.
“Oh, I thought you were telling me something for a minute. Maybe someday, right?”
“Perhaps, but for the time being we’re just having a good time and enjoying each other’s company.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it wound up down the aisle.”
“Are you trying to tell me something, Jennifer?”
Just then Matthew walked into the kitchen. “There you are, sweetheart. I wondered where you went off to.” He paused. “Hi, Jennifer. Your fiancé is out there at the food table and he’s looking for you.”
“Okay. I’ll join him.”
“We’ll talk later, Jennifer. In the meantime chow down, girl.”
“I plan to.” She went outside.
Matthew put his arms around Paige. “I just met the rest of the Sheratons.”
“You mean Bill, Sam, and Tyler?”
“Practically in that order. I don’t know if it’s me, but they’re kind of a throwback to the fifties or something.”
Paige laughed. “When I first moved into this neighborhood they were the reason I thought Park Lanes Estates was a recruiting place for Stepford.” She paused. “But I have to admit they’ve been good neighbors who have always looked out for Max.”
“So they’re good people.”
“Exactly. Even if they seem to be carved out of white bread.”
Matthew snickered. “I also met Tara. She’s an interesting woman.”
“I’ve heard Tara called many things, but interesting is usually not one of them.”
“She is something else. Where did Joshua meet her?”
“I really don’t know. It could have been a convention or a T and A place like Hooters.”
“What does she do?”
“Her main occupation is being the wife of a senior partner in a law firm.”
“I guess any little brother or sister for Max is out of the question.”
“Tara likes her life and her body as is. Motherhood is not her bag.”
“His parents seem like they like you more.”
“I’ve always gotten along with them, and they love their only grandson to death.”
“Joshua doesn’t have any siblings?”
“No, he’s an only child. He’s thrilled he had a son to carry the name on.”
“You did say Tara wasn’t the maternal type.”
“Her idea of making a meal is reconstituting that freeze-dried diet food she gets delivered. If Joshua didn’t have so many business lunches and dinners, he would have starved by now.”
“Didn’t you say something about a housekeeper?”
“Oh yes. In fact she made the fried chicken for me. She’s from South Carolina like my mother, which means she’s knows a thing or two about making good fried chicken.”
“I second that. By the way, I am quite happy to have met your parents. I like them.”
“Good. I thought I saw you chatting them up.”
“Yeah, they’re a lot of fun.”
“Of course they’re fun now. They’re grandparents.”
“Knock. Knock. Is the coast clear?” Stuart asked.
“Come on in, Stuart.”
Stuart walked in hand-in-hand with Patricia.
“Hi, Paige.”
“Patricia!” She hugged her. “How are you?”
“I’m very good these days, thank you.”
“You look wonderful.”
“I guess new love agrees with me.” She smiled at Stuart.
Paige looked at Stuart. “It looks to me like it agrees with the both of you.”
“It does.” Stuart grinned from ear to ear.
“Patricia, have you met Matthew?”
“I don’t think I have had the pleasure.”
“Patricia, this is my boyfriend Matthew.”
“Nice to meet you, Patricia.”
“Likewise.”
“You two better hit the food table. It looks like there’s a line forming.”
Stuart looked. “Oh, yes. I heard the chicken’s great.”
“You heard right.”
“Sweetheart, we’d better go. Joshua’s housekeeper makes the best fried chicken.”
“Okay. We’ll see you later,” Paige said.
Matthew waited until they’d left. “So when did that happen?”
“I’m not sure exactly, but he started calling her maybe a week after the wedding that was and then wasn’t.”
“She looks happy. They both do.”
“I’m glad they found each other. Sometimes things happen for a reason.”
Matthew looked outside again. “Is that Daisy and her partner?”
Paige turned to look. “Yes. That’s Lauren. They’ve been together for about ten years now. Lauren’s an artist and a bit of a recluse when she’s involved in a new series of works. Last summer her work was in a gallery in the Hamptons.”
“Maybe Jennifer should talk to her about her work.”
“That’s a good idea.” Paige finished setting up the last tray. “I’d better get back out there before I’m considered a bad hostess.”
Matthew and Paige joined the celebration. Everyone had a good time as the music played into the evening. Eve’s husband Barry showed his stuff on the dance floor with the teenagers. Deidre and her son Augusto tried to dance away the calories. Even Larry managed to make it for the last couple of hours. Just a little before nine o’clock Paige rolled the cake out to the oohs and ahhs of the guests.
Max held center stage. “Can someone turn the music down, please?” Max asked.
Mr. Baldwin nudged the DJ.
“Thanks, Gramps.”
“I just wanted to thank everyone for being here today. I’m so happy that high school is over.”
Everyone laughed.
“But I wanted to take time to thank my parents for putting this together and for staying friends even though they’re divorced. I know a lot of kids have divorced parents and sometimes they don’t get along. I’m lucky and I know it. So thanks, Mom and Dad. I love you.”
Everyone applauded.
Joshua and Paige walked over and hugged their son. Both of them looked as if they were going to lose it.
“I was good. I haven’t cried in an hour,” Paige said as she wiped her eyes. “Then you go and do this. I love you so much.” Tears streaming she hugged him.
“What does that say about me? I’m a crying Charlie, too.” Joshua gave Max a big hug.
“Okay, how about we cut the cake?”
“Good idea, Mom.”
Flashbulbs popped as everyone took photos of the amazing cake Michelle had created. Max cut the cake with his parents.
Everyone clapped.
“Hey, Paige, let me help you serve this.”
“That’s okay, Siobhan. That’s why I hired a staff. Just sit and relax.”
“Okay.”
The music played while everyone dug into the array of other desserts and the cake. Matthew watched Paige in her element. She made sure everything was on time and that each and every guest was happy. Later on she showed him a few moves on the dance floor.
* * *
Once Paige pried Max from his new car she flopped onto the sofa, convinced she couldn’t make it upstairs. She asked Matthew to put all the gifts Max received in his room. When she heard his door open, Max was blasting Gary Neuman’s “Cars” on his stereo.
Matthew came downstairs. “He is in love with that song.”
“That means I’ll hea
r it nonstop for about a week before he gets tired of it.”
“You look tired.” Matthew plopped next to her on the sofa.
“I am tired.”
“The party was terrific. Everyone had a good time.”
“I’m glad. I saw you having a good time with all the kids out there.”
“I had fun.”
“You know, you’ve never told me if you want children of your own one day.”
“I can’t say I ever really thought about it.”
“Really?” Just as Paige was about to say something else, she winced in pain. “Ouch!”
“What’s the matter?”
She grabbed her calf. “It’s a Charlie horse.”
Matthew began massaging her leg.
“Thanks.”
“I think we’d better get you upstairs and into a nice bath.”
Paige looked at the staircase. “I don’t think I can make it upstairs. I’m too tired.” Without another word Matthew picked Paige up and carried her upstairs.
“Matthew! Put me down. I can hop.”
“I won’t hear of it.” He carried her past Max’s door.
Paige and Matthew were too tired to bring up the subject of children. For her part Paige was happy the graduation party was a success and her son was happy. In the end that was all that mattered to her. They’d talk about it another day.
* * *
Even though Jennifer had won the battle to have only one attendant in her wedding party, it was much harder getting her maid of honor into Siobhan’s to even look at dress styles. Finally, after weeks of cajoling, Avery finally agreed to make the trip.
Jennifer’s first cousin, Avery Markowitz, was Mr. Klein’s late brother Abraham’s daughter. Although she was six years older, she and Jennifer were close growing up. They saw each other over the holidays and spent two weeks together every summer at their family’s summer place in Nantucket.
Two years earlier Avery married civil engineer Hershel Markowitz in a traditional ceremony, and less than a year ago she gave birth to Christopher.
When Paige arrived at Siobhan’s, Jennifer, Avery, and Mrs. Klein had just gotten out of the car.
“Good morning, ladies.” Paige smiled.
“Good morning, Paige,” Mrs. Klein said.
Jennifer turned to Paige. “Paige, I’d like you to meet my cousin Avery Markowitz. Avery, this is my wedding planner, Paige Baldwin.”
Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum) Page 25
