Would You, Could You

by Felicia Mires

  "It looks more like you're the one who's been tortured. Have you seen these bruises?"

  "Battle scars."

  "And what battle was that, sir? I didn't see anything but a man with a crazy bent for a mechanical beast."

  "The battle for your heart." He slid his hands across her back in slow, rhythmic circles, humming while he did it.

  "What is that you're humming?"

  He began to sing the lyrics. "My love must be a kind of blind love. I can't see anyone but you...jebop, jebop! I only have eyes for you."

  "Well, you better see Julianne before she asks us what's taking so long."

  Julianne squirmed in the water. "The bottom is so squishy in some parts. Come on! What are you waiting for?"

  "See what I mean?"

  Bryce laughed and held out his hand to Lisa. "Princess, I think it's time."

  They waded out to their waists.

  "Eek, I thought you said it was warm." Lisa grimaced.

  "The deeper you go, the colder it gets. Feel the bottom?"

  "Yeah, I see what you mean. That sun must really be hot. Glad you brought that sunblock."

  "I'm always thinking of my princess."

  She splashed water in his face.

  "Woman! You did not just do that. Julianne, I think you're mother wants to have a splash war."

  Julianne didn't hesitate. A flurry of water hit the air for the next few minutes as they each tried to outdo the other.

  Finally, Lisa held up a hand. "Give. I give. You win."

  "Who wins?" asked Julianne.

  "Both of you," Lisa said, spitting out water. "I'm out of breath."

  "I'm not giving up," taunted Bryce with a swift splash of water at Julianne. "If you want the title, you'll have to work for it."

  Lisa backed away as he and Julianne went after one another.

  Suddenly, he picked up Julianne and threw her through the air. She landed within an inch of Lisa, sending a tidal wave of water crashing over them both.

  They came up spluttering and laughing.

  "Ok," said Julianne, coughing. "You win. Totally. Do it again."

  He laughed. "You can't even breathe yet."

  She waved her hand in the air. "Do it again."

  Lisa yelped. "Not by me. I'm getting out of here."

  He grabbed Julianne's hand and pulled her to the deep water before positioning her on his shoulders. "Jump, Jujube."

  She let out a Tarzan yell and bounded off his shoulders then swam underwater back to him. "Again?"

  They did it over and over until Bryce thought his arms couldn't pick her up another time and his shoulders felt like trodden mud.

  "Again?" She asked with an impish grin.

  "You've created a monster!" Lisa yelled from the beach.

  "You are forgetting my encounter with a bull last night. I don't think I can take anymore."

  Julianne kicked water at him with her foot. "Whose fault is that?"

  "That would be you. Oh, come on Booob. Do it for me," he wailed in a falsetto.

  "I do not sound like that," she declared in mock outrage. "You have insulted me. I am going to the beach until you apologize."

  She stuck her nose in the air and did her best to stomp her way through the water until she reached the shallows.

  "Come on, Jujube. Have pity on an old man."

  "If I must. You may build a mud castle with me." She patted the damp sand beside her.

  Bob took a quick glance at Lisa who tilted her head and smiled at him before he settled in the shallows beside Julianne.

  "I used to do this when I was a kid."

  "Are you saying I'm a kid?"

  "Are you saying you're not?"

  Julianne laughed. "Touché. Booob, you're kinda funny."

  "Julianne, you're kind of funny, too."

  They had a picnic lunch then Bryce stretched out on the blanket and closed his eyes. Lisa scooted beside him and put his head in her lap.

  "Mmm," he sighed. "I think I could stay here forever."

  "Then you don't know Julianne very well. You promised another surprise."

  About that time Julianne came running back from the bathroom. She had showered and changed. "I'm ready for the next surprise."

  Bryce opened one eye. "Have a heart. I've been resting, what, five minutes?"

  "I was gone for at least ten minutes and you sat the whole time you ate."

  "You are more torture than the mechanical bull. What am I saying? Of course, you are. You made me ride that thing."

  "Mom says no one can make us do anything we don't really want to do. That's just an excuse."

  "Ouch! Tell your mom to look at your big, brown eyes and say no."

  "I do it already!" announced Lisa. "Every day."

  Bryce sighed. "You're really not going to let me enjoy just one moment of being pampered by your mom. Look, she's massaging my head. You could massage my feet."

  "You can go to the spa tomorrow. Mom will make you an appointment."

  But he couldn't. He was leaving the next day. They just didn't know it yet.

  He sat up. "I give in to your superior whining skills."

  "I am a girl."

  "So you admit girls are whiners."

  "I admit we're better at negotiating."

  Bryce flicked a towel at her. "I can't win with you. Start packing while your mom takes a shower. I'll get the plane ready...and stay away from the water."

  "What am I...three?"

  "You heard me."

  He stood and pulled Lisa to her feet. She was all smiles as he put his arm around her and began walking.

  "I told you not to spoil her. She's gaining ground."

  "I've still got the upper hand."

  She chuckled. "That's what she wants you to think."

  They reached the building, and he turned her toward him. "What do you want me to think?"

  "What do you want to think?"

  He slid his hands around her trim waist. "I want to think you're mine."

  "Why?"

  "Would you two quit mooning at each other and get ready?" Julianne called.

  Lisa offered up a wry grin. "Saved by the child...again."

  "One of these days, Lisa, you and I are going to have a serious talk if I have to wade through puke and tears and tantrums or anything else the universe throws at us."

  "I hear you."

  Bryce showered underneath the outdoor spigot and walked back to the plane to change clothes. He was ready to leave the minute Lisa emerged from the building, sleek and fresh with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

  She waved to him. "I'll help Julianne. We'll be right there."

  The ride back to the airport was more sedate than the ride out. The physical activity had tired everyone, even Julianne.

  When they taxied at the airport runway, Julianne sprang forward. "I thought we had another surprise."

  "We do," said Bryce. "We're taking the Jeep."

  "More Hank, the Cowdog."

  "No doubt."

  Lisa shared a smile with him, and he leaned over to kiss her upturned face. "You ready?"

  "I guess. I have no idea where we're going."

  "You'll like it."

  Twenty minutes later, Bryce had to cover his ears when Julianne squealed. "The mall. You're taking us to the mall."

  "Jujube, I'd have thought you've never been to a mall with all the noise you're making."

  "We almost never go to the mall. It's such a long drive, and Mom is tired on her day off."

  Bryce turned to Lisa. "Are you too tired? I didn't think to ask."

  She shook her head. "It's all right."

  They piled out of the car and walked inside. Bryce stopped them and held up some cash. "This is for you. Have fun."

  "No, Bob" said Lisa. "We can buy our own things."

  "I never said you couldn't. Jujube, here, has a birthday next month. This..." He waved a hundred dollar bill. "...is her present."

  Julianne yanked it from his hand before Lisa could pro
test. "He's right, Mom. It is my birthday. Who knows when we'll come to the mall again? Besides, I can't hurt Bob's feelings."

  She linked arms with her mom and started off before glancing back. "Come on, Bob. If I have to shop, you have to watch."

  "I'll catch up to you in about thirty minutes. Where are you going?"

  "Unlimited Too."

  "I'll be right there."

  Lisa wandered off with Julianne, still not sure if they should accept anything else from Bob. He'd done so much already.

  One look at Julianne's face and she couldn't say no. Her daughter absolutely beamed with goodwill. Then she caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror and realized she felt the same.

  Bob had spent the day doing things that made them feel special. He was attentive. He listened. He offered their favorite treats. She hadn't met anyone like him in a long time...not since Roger.

  Was she ready to fall in love again? Was she half-way there already or just enjoying the attention of an attractive man?

  With an excited giggle, Julianne selected several outfits and moved into a stall. Lisa settled on a bright pink loveseat outside the changing room and waited. Her thoughts immediately went back to Bob.

  She had done that a lot lately. Their relationship may have started out as physical attraction, but he had shown he was capable of more, that he wanted more. The talk they had planned for that night was probably a good idea. She wanted to know what he wanted out of life.

  She gave Julianne a thumbs-up as she came out to pirouette in a bright lime green blouse.

  She took a deep breath and sighed. If she was going to ask Bob what mattered to him, they would have to discuss what mattered to her. She'd been ignoring her relationship with the Father ever since Roger and Jonathan died. That wasn't what she wanted for Julianne. She knew faith was important, but she'd been angry and didn't know how to get past that. Fortunately, she was beginning to see that God hadn't let go of her through this long stretch of rebellion. There had been people to come alongside them at every juncture. She'd been blind.

  Help me see, Lord. I've been thinking about myself for so long.

  Bob sank on the couch beside her and grinned. "Hot pink. I suppose in a place like this you have to sit on a hot pink couch."

  "That or stand against the wall."

  Julianne flitted out. "Bob...Bob, look at this. Don't you love it?"

  "Oh. Absolutely. I can so see you wearing that to the hoe down."

  "What! I would never...you don't get it. Mom?"

  "That's my favorite so far...very slimming. The color compliments your face."

  "Right," nodded Bob. "That's what I meant."

  Julianne smiled and stepped back in her stall.

  Bob leaned close to Lisa's ear. "Why is it that she needs to be slim? She's perfect."

  "It's a girl thing."

  "You may have to help me with that sort of thing." He reached for her hand. "In fact, I would like it if you helped me with a lot of things in the future."

  "Of course. Let me know."

  "Lisa, if you could live anywhere you wanted, where would it be?"

  Her heart practically leaped in her throat. He wanted to discuss it now? With people wandering to and fro all around them?

  "I'm not sure. I haven't thought about it. What about you?"

  "I'm pretty open, I think. Do you and Julianne have a favorite church?"

  "We did. Then we moved into the resort and sort of got out of practice. Since the funeral, you know."

  "Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a painful memory."

  "It's all right, Bob. Julianne and I should be going to church. Roger would have wanted that. I mean...God, too...of course."

  Julianne paraded before them in another outfit.

  This time Bob whistled. "Do you have to look so much like a teenager?"

  "That's the point. I'll be thirteen. Remember?"

  "You look incredible. I love it."

  "Me, too," she said with a grin. "One more." She disappeared behind the curtain.

  "You're very good with her," said Lisa.

  "She's easy to be good to. Am I good with you?"

  She nodded. "You're very thoughtful."

  "Thoughtful...ugh! Sounds like my grandmother, and she's dead."

  Lisa laughed. "You're funny, too."

  At Bob's warning glance, she shrugged. "Ok. You know you're attractive..."

  "It helps to hear you say so."

  "Well, I have," she said with a grin then glanced at their surroundings, barren of other customers for the moment. "I enjoy how I feel when you hold me, but there's more. I like talking to you. I feel like you listen. You aren't overbearing like some of the men I've met at the resort. You're a very nice man."

  "Nice...another killjoy."

  She punched him in the side. "What do you want from me?"

  "I just want you. What do you want from me?"

  Julianne sashayed out and struck a pose.

  "I like it," said Lisa.

  "I love it," said Bob.

  "Ok," said Julianne wringing her hands. "Which do you like more?"

  "Wheeew," said Bob with a great outrush of air. "Tough one. Lisa?"

  "I really like the black skirt, but I think you'd have more opportunities to wear the pink shirt with the jeans."

  "Why not get both?" Bob looked from one to the other.

  "That means I'd be done," said Julianne with a crestfallen expression.

  "Do you like how you look in those outfits?"

  She nodded.

  "Then get them and spend the rest of the afternoon window shopping. We don't have to leave now just because you buy something." He looked at her face. She was thinking about it but not quite sold on the idea. "Or...we go to the next store on your list and you try on clothes until you're absolutely sure."

  "Yesss! Bob, you're the best!"

  She disappeared again.

  Lisa leaned her head on his shoulder. "You know, she could be at this for hours."

  "I've got you. What more do I need?"

  "Bob White, are you for real?"

  "Ok, maybe I need ice cream."

  "Sounds good."

  They stood as Julianne headed out of the store.

  "Julianne, Bob wants ice cream."

  "Score!" she shouted with a little victory leap.

  Bob leaned to whisper in Lisa's ear. "Don't think I've forgotten our conversation. I still want an answer."

  "What conversation was that?"

  "Uh huh. I'm looking forward to tonight when you'll have nowhere to go and no distractions."

  "Actually, so am I."

  Eventually, Julianne wound down and made her selections.

  When they stepped outside of the mall, dusk had fallen.

  "I am so tired," she said, swinging her bags on her arms. "We should do this every week."

  "I don't think I can afford to shop this much every week," said Lisa. "Not if you're going to buy everything you see."

  "I didn't buy everything. That was so much fun. Thanks, Bob. You really are the best."

  "I think you're wired," he said with a chuckle.

  "Maybe. I can't wait to get home."

  "Would you mind if I borrowed your mom for a chat?"

  "Nope. I'll be busy anyway, finding jewelry that matches."

  They rode home in near silence, each occupied with their thoughts. It didn't bother Lisa. She had ample time to consider what she would say to Bob. What did she want from him? Perhaps the time had come to consider something more long-term, something past this week. She wasn't fond of long-distance relationships, but it would give her time to think about how she felt. There was a lot less pressure. Maybe they could make it work.

  She gave his hand a squeeze and smiled up at him. "This was a great idea. Thanks."

  "You're welcome. I enjoyed it, too, but the night is young."

  The light in his eyes gave her stomach butterflies. "I'm ready."

  Chapter 11

  Would You, Could You..
.When You Know

  Almost as soon as they reached the suite, Julianne disappeared in her room.

  Lisa kicked off her shoes and padded into the kitchen.

  "Do you want anything?" she called. "A drink...water?"

  "No. I'm fine."

  He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. His kiss was slow and deep. When she leaned into him, his grip tightened. If he didn't watch himself, he could lose his head with her. Every time they kissed, he wanted more. He sighed and stepped back.

  This was not how he wanted to spend the evening, not at first, anyway.

  His hand cupped her chin. "I've wanted to do that all day."

  "Come on." She smiled and grabbed his hand. "Let's sit on the balcony. We'll have more privacy."

  He followed her out to the settee and sank into a deep cushion. They both sighed then laughed.

  "I am so tired, but this feels wonderful." Lisa curled into him and pulled his arm around her. "How are your bruises? Are you hurting?"

  "I think they look worse than they feel."

  "You aren't just being macho, are you?"

  "No, I'm fine...Lisa..."

  "Hmm?"

  "I've been thinking of leaving the FBI. There are a number of things I could do. Would you be interested in doing them with me? You and Julianne?"

  "I like you very much. Julianne likes you. Are we ready to pull up stakes and move on? I don't know."

  "I'm leaving tomorrow."

  "I see."

  "And I want you to go with me."

  "That's impossible. I have a job...responsibilities."

  "I can take care of you. You could give notice."

  She sat up and looked at him. "Bob, you said yourself that you never spend time in your apartment. What are you going to do with us? Leave us alone somewhere and visit from time to time? What kind of life is that?"

  "That's not what I meant at all. I'll quit my job. We can move somewhere together. Wherever you want. Alaska. Disney World, even. I don't care. You mean that much."

  "I'll have to think about it."

  "Sweetheart, what does your heart tell you right now? If you didn't have to think about anything but us..."

  "My heart's been frozen for so long...until you came along, I didn't think about ever feeling something again."

  "But you do...feel something."

  "Yes." She smiled up at him. "And I like it, but I do have to think about something other than us. There are lots of things to consider."