by Beverly Long
“Consequences as in birth control?”
“No, he took care of that. Consequences in that I would want to do it again.”
Now it was Jane’s turn to laugh. “Oh, honey. If that is the worst thing that comes from it, I think you should count yourself lucky. I told you once that he was hot. I’ll bet he’s on fire, get it, in bed.”
“Got it,” she said. He had certainly sparked a flame in her.
“Are you telling Sophie and his daughter?”
“No. And no one but our most trusted confidants.”
“My lips are sealed. But seriously, Daisy. You’re a young woman. You should want to have sex with a gorgeous guy. It’s normal. Now quit worrying. I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
Daisy went back to work. Jane had been her friend for many years. She’d always trusted her advice and counsel.
Jane didn’t think she’d made a mistake.
Jane thought she should enjoy the ride.
She was going to try.
* * *
The next few days flew by. The social media traffic was brisk, with lots of people weighing in on the menu. More photos came in. Daisy glanced at most of them quickly and moved on. And she was just about to do just that when one caught her eye. Blade was in the background, unaware that the photo was being shot, and he was dancing with a very pretty blonde in a long lavender dress. It was not Sheila.
“This is you,” she said, looking up from her computer. They were sitting in his family room. He was in the chair, watching a basketball game on mute, likely so that it wouldn’t bother her. “Someone sent in a photo of you. Raven said you didn’t dance.”
“I dance,” he said, getting up from his chair. “I mean, I sort of shuffle my feet around.” He leaned over her shoulder. “Oh, yeah. That was last year. I told you that I’d attended before.”
He had. At the time, she just hadn’t given any thought to who he might have attended with. Now she found herself intensely curious. “Who is your date?”
“Ashlee with two e’s.”
“Is that how she introduced herself?”
“More often than not.”
“Did you date for a long time?”
“A couple months.”
She had a thousand questions. “Who broke it off?”
“I guess I did. It wasn’t a big deal. We dated for a while, and then we both got busy with other things and I just didn’t call her again.”
“She might still be waiting for your call,” Daisy said.
“Oh, I hope not. A few weeks ago, I heard she was engaged. She was a pharmaceutical representative who called on Bigelow Memorial. Jamie introduced us.”
She sat quietly for a minute. He went back to his chair. “You know,” she said, “I haven’t given much thought to what your life was before Sophie and I overtook it. That’s probably pretty rude of me.”
“You didn’t interrupt anything of importance,” he said. “I had a life. A regular life. Luckier than most. I had a job I liked, a good kid, a relatively friendly ex-wife, good buddies, nice parents. If there had been a Labrador retriever in the picture, it might have been a Norman Rockwell painting.”
“You didn’t want a dog?” she asked, deliberately focusing on the irrelevant.
He smiled. “We both had lives. You’ve told me about Jacob, but I can’t believe he was the only person who has been important to you.”
“I was pregnant at seventeen. I liked Sophie’s father, but I certainly didn’t love him. I didn’t know what adult love was. We were kids messing around in the back of his pickup truck.” She rolled her eyes. “In our defense, there was an air mattress.”
“Your reputation for preferring a bed is intact,” he said.
She could feel her cheeks get hot. She’d been bolder the afternoon she’d taken his hand and led him to the bedroom than perhaps any other time of her life. “I was kind of a lost teenager. After my mother died, my life took a substantial turn for the better.” She paused. “It took me a lot of years and a little bit of therapy to be able to say that last sentence.”
“Want to say it again?”
“Not necessary. I loved my mother. But she was a child in an adult body. I never knew what I was coming home to. Sad Mommy. Drunk Mommy. Absent Mommy. Superhappy Mommy. Some variation of the above.”
“Exhausting for a child,” he said.
“Very. But Nana Jo was absolutely the opposite. Always there, willing to listen. Considerate with her words. Confident in my abilities. Safe. And I decided that was the kind of Mom that I was going to be.”
“Odd how your mom turned out, isn’t it, given your grandmother,” he said.
“I have racked my brain trying to figure it out. I can’t. And I know it bothered Nana Jo that the two of them were estranged. What I didn’t realize was how much it bothered Nana Jo that my mom kept me away from her. I didn’t realize how much she loved me.”
“You and Sophie probably brought a great deal of joy to her life.”
“I think we did. We were happy. That’s a roundabout way of answering your question. Once I had Sophie and Nana Jo, I didn’t really feel the need to date much. I was too busy. Going to school, working a job, trying to be the right kind of parent to Sophie.”
“And then you met Jacob Posse?”
“Yes, about two years ago, I met Jacob at a fundraiser.”
“Please tell me he wasn’t your cochair?” Blade asked dully.
“No. He was a guest. But he made a sizable donation to the cause, and I wanted to thank him in person. He was charming. Polite. He had a very deliberate way of talking that I liked—it was as if he was considering every word. Now, in retrospect, I think he was considering every word. He was acting a part, and he was watching to make sure he never strayed from character.”
“In kindergarten, he was probably conning the other little kids out of their lunch money,” Blade said.
“No doubt. He told me all about his family. His two sisters. His parents who were both attorneys. He had great stories about family vacations and Christmas rituals. I’m pretty sure it was all a lie. When my friend the cop went to Cedar Rapids to investigate him, he couldn’t find any evidence that these people existed. So I don’t really know if anything he said was true. He told me he’d never been married. It doesn’t matter now, of course, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s a wife somewhere. Maybe another commune member. Or was I the only one stupid enough to fall for his lines.”
He reached for her hand. “People intent upon deception don’t generally have that tough of a time. The rest of us trust easily.”
“I console myself with the knowledge that at least I was smart enough not to marry him. One of the things that bothered me along the way was that he basically ignored Sophie. I mean, he was pleasant to her if she was around when he came over. Several times we took her to dinner with us and that always went okay. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t the least bit interested in her as a person. When he asked me to marry him, I made a point of saying that Sophie and I were a package deal. I flat out asked him if he wanted to be a stepfather to a then fifteen-year-old girl. He said of course he did. And when we’d go look for houses, he’d say, ‘This will be Sophie’s room.’ But I really think it was just more of reading off a script. It was what he was supposed to say so he said it.”
He stared at her. “I know that you and Sophie are a package deal. I’m not scared of having another sixteen-year-old around. Raven and I do pretty well.”
She held up a hand. “Whoa. It’s way too early for us to be having this kind of conversation.”
“Is it?” he challenged her. “I know things have moved fast with us, but sometimes I think that’s how it works. I don’t want to lose what we have between us just because we’re scared. Scared of introducing more change to Sophie. Scared of committing to somet
hing as big as marriage.”
Marriage? The two of them? That was way too big to address directly. “Did you like being married, Blade?” she asked instead.
“I did. I liked coming home to my wife and my child. They gave me a greater purpose. And it was a bad time for me when it became apparent that Sheila and I weren’t going to make it. I’d like to have a wife again. A family. But having had the experience of one marriage failing, I know how important it is that the union be right, that it be strong.” He paused. “I think what we have is right. And strong. And that we could make each other very happy.”
He’d brought it right back to the two of them. And she had to admit, her heart was bursting. She’d found a brave and wonderful man who wanted to risk it all for her. She wanted to throw herself into his arms. It almost hurt to slowly shake her head. “I have too much baggage right now. We can’t have this discussion.”
“I’m not afraid of baggage.”
“I am,” she said. “Terribly afraid.”
Chapter 18
On the day of the Spring Spectacular, Daisy woke up to sunshine and a temperature of forty-five degrees. The high was predicted to hit fifty. It was lovely that the weather was cooperating. On her way to the kitchen, she peeked in at Sophie who was still sleeping. Raven’s bed was empty as this was her weekend at her mom’s.
It was amazing how easily Sophie had adapted to the relocation to Blade’s duplex. She supposed it was because they’d been in their house for such a short time that it had never really seemed like home to the teenager—more like a brief bed-and-breakfast stay.
But it was time. There’d been no sign of Jacob for two weeks. No burglaries in the downtown, no other unexplained crime. Marcus thought that if he’d been here, he’d decided not to stay. Had given up.
She supposed it was possible. Better yet, she supposed it was possible that it never was Jacob in the first place. Maybe she’d left her vehicle unlocked? Maybe the person who’d removed her spark plugs and the person who’d kicked in her front door were two different people, committing two random acts.
Had she made a connection where there was none? Could she simply dismiss those things as bad luck? But what about the gift basket and Morgan Tiddle’s description of the sender that could easily have been Jacob? It was maddening.
All she knew for sure was that she wasn’t going to be able to hide out at Blade’s forever. It had been wonderful. He’d been fun and attentive and the sex, even when they had to be superquiet, had been really, really good.
Blade was working, but would be home by 9:30 a.m. She’d be gone by then. Gertie was meeting her at the community center. Someone from the center would be there to set up tables and chairs, and then Daisy intended to help Gertie and her team with the linens and the flowers. Tables would be set with plates and silverware and glassware. Two portable bars that would be set up in opposite corners of the room had been donated by the wine store at the edge of Knoware, and the owners, twin brothers, had agreed to play bartender. It would be a cash bar, and all proceeds above their costs would be donated to the fire department. In addition, they’d already donated a wine tasting for fifteen as a silent auction item.
They’d stopped selling tickets at noon the day before. The number was 424 or as Gertie said, fifty-three tables of eight. At fifty bucks a head, sales would be over $21,000. That combined with the silent auction bidding and the liquor sales almost certainly guaranteed that even after they paid the photographer and the DJ, the fire department would still net $30,000.
Best year ever. It was exhilarating and certainly not shabby, considering that they’d pulled the whole thing together in a matter of weeks. But she certainly hadn’t done it alone. It was a community accomplishment. Such a different experience than when she’d lived in a bigger town.
She didn’t want to leave Knoware. And if Jacob was truly not hanging around at the edges, there would be no reason to.
Blade had said he wanted more. She’d been the one pulling back, as if the M-word was a hot potato.
They were having great sex and fun conversation. It was nothing to sneer at. Lots of people might be very happy with the status quo.
But her heart yearned for permanency. In retrospect, it was probably why she’d said yes to Jacob’s proposal. He’d offered marriage and said that he wanted children.
And she desperately wanted that. Yes, she had a sixteen-year-old daughter. And others might consider her an idiot for wanting to grow her family. But she was only thirty-four. She could see her life down the road and there were babies. Beautiful chubby-cheeked babies. And while some people might be content to go that way on their own, she didn’t want that. She wanted these children to have both a mom and a dad, living together, a family unit.
She drank her coffee and ate a piece of toast. Then she quietly walked back down the hall. After showering and getting dressed, she fingered the navy blue silk dress hanging at the back of the closet. Blade hadn’t asked to see the dress, and she hadn’t offered. She hoped he liked it. She knew what he was wearing. A black suit, white shirt and dark tie. He would be the most handsome guy there, no doubt.
Before she left, she walked into Sophie’s room. “Morning,” she said softly.
Sophie opened one eye, then the other. “Good morning,” she mumbled.
“I’m leaving. I’ll see you tonight. Remember, black pants and a white shirt. Comfortable shoes or you’ll regret it.”
“Raven and I are planning on drinking the leftover wine,” she said.
Daisy smiled. “We’ll see about that. I’m off to the community center to help with setup and then I’m stopping at the salon.” The woman at the dress store had convinced her to get an updo. Said that her strapless gown practically begged for one. “Blade should be home in less than an hour. I’ll lock the door. Don’t answer it.”
“I’m going to have to answer it when Raven comes to pick me up for play practice.”
“Fine. But make sure it’s her first.”
Sophie sat up in bed. “Are you still worried, Mom? About Jacob?”
“I am encouraged by the fact that nothing else has happened and that nobody has seen him. But I’m not letting my guard down, and you shouldn’t, either.”
“I know. I guess it’s been nice being here. I felt safe.”
“I know. Me, too. But we’ll feel safe again in our own home.”
“We’re leaving?” Sophie asked.
“Well, we can’t stay forever.”
“That’s what I told Raven. She said that she thinks her dad really likes you.”
“I really like him, too, Sophie. But sometimes it takes more than that.”
“I know,” she said. “But it’s still good, right?”
“Really good, darling. I’ll see you later.”
* * *
The community center, which had seemed vast and empty the last time she’d seen it, was bustling with activity. There were at least ten people setting up tables and chairs. Gertie was in the corner, sorting through tablecloths and coordinating napkins. There was a whole table of vases with fresh flowers. Daisy didn’t bother to count them. She knew there’d be at least fifty-three.
“Good morning, Gertie,” Daisy said. “How’s it going?”
“The chicken is prepped and the lemon bars are already cooling. We’ll work on the appetizers and the sides this afternoon. Don’t worry, it will all get done.”
A week ago, the votes for the menu had been counted. Winner winner chicken dinner. In specific, chicken cordon blue, wild rice with almonds, green beans, Caesar salad, and lemon bars for dessert. The lemon bars had surprised her. “I’ve got a bit of a reputation for them,” Gertie had admitted.
“I have no doubt. I have to tell you that having you be a part of this event has made it possible for me to sleep well.”
Gertie looked over both shoulders, as if making sure th
at no one was close. “I thought that was Blade’s job.”
Daisy could feel her cheeks get hot. “Uh...”
Gertie held up a hand. “You don’t owe this old woman any explanations. All I would ask is that you treat his very kind heart with care.”
“I wouldn’t ever want to hurt Blade,” she said.
“I’m happy to hear that. And by the way, he seems happier than I’ve seen him in years. Maybe ever.” Gertie turned away, waved at three people who were standing near the kitchen. “Time for the elves to dress the tables,” she said.
Daisy fell in line with the rest of the group. Tablecloths first. Then napkins. Silverware. A knife, two forks and a spoon. Then a dinner plate. The salads would be served on a smaller plate, once everyone was sitting. The final touch was a flower vase. It took more than two hours before everything was finished, but it looked stunning. They really had created a bit of magic.
By then, the DJ had arrived and was setting up his equipment. The bars were getting stocked, and twinkle lights were getting strung on the ceiling.
She wandered back into the kitchen where salad dressing was getting made and cheese was getting sliced. Gertie was directing the efforts while she and another woman snapped the ends off a mountain of fresh green beans. “Can I do anything to help?” Daisy asked.
“I think we’re in good shape. I’ve got your cell phone in case we encounter any disasters.”
“Don’t hesitate to call,” Daisy said. “Although I can’t imagine being able to solve any problem that you can’t. I’m headed to the printers to pick up the menu cards that will be at each place setting and will be back early tonight to get them on the table.” In addition to listing the menu, she’d included an acknowledgment of Gertie’s donation as well as those of the wine store and the other silent auction contributors. At the very bottom, she encouraged attendees to post pictures of the night on social media. It was never too early to start whipping up interest in next year’s event. She likely wouldn’t be a cochair, but if the event provided necessary equipment and training that might someday help or protect Blade, then she was all for it.
