by Mimi Barbour
“No, not you,” replied Belle. “I just hated the life. Living with you both being so unhappy wore me down, I guess. It got so I mostly existed in my own little world. But that’s behind us now.” Belle desperately wanted to change the subject. How could she explain to this nice man today how, back then, she’d needed him to stand up for her, to fight for her so she’d have felt a sense of worth?
“Mama, can we eat now? I’m hungwy.”
Saved by the pangs in a little girl’s tummy!
“Sure. It’ll take me a few minutes to cook the perogies and then we’ll be ready. You can come and help.”
Jesse piped up when he heard the words. “I’ll help too.”
Belle wouldn’t look at him. Instead, she took Layla’s hand and spoke over her shoulder. “No thank you, Jesse. I’ll call when it’s ready. Please stay and visit with Dad and Mari.”
Chapter Thirty-five
Jesse knew he was in trouble. Shivers of anxiety raced over his body. They ended up clashing in his head where a harsh headache warned he’d be paying soon. He had to get Belle aside and try and smooth the waters… but he didn’t quite trust himself to let her look too deeply into his eyes.
Knowing that Belle had heard the sound of wonder and happiness that rang out when he’d said Mari’s name, he couldn’t lie his way from that truth. Why he’d reacted that way, God only knew. Was there still some leftover passion for the girl who he’d worshipped for so many years? Truly, he didn’t think so. His mind travelled back.
When Mari had thrown herself into his arms, she must have thought they were open to welcome her. In actual fact, the action had been a spontaneous move, showing shock. But she’d taken it as an invitation and had responded accordingly with a hug that lasted a few seconds too long to be acceptable. Instinctively, his arms had enclosed her.
While she’d draped herself around him, he’d smelled the perfume she wore and it had changed from the lighter, flowery scent she used to prefer. Now she wore a musky, kinda sexy fragrance that was meant to disturb a man’s equilibrium—and did. However, not in a good way! It irritated. Like a pushy woman would irritate a shyer man.
At that moment, he remembered Belle and looked up in time to see her stiff back as she guided Layla in opening her present.
The silence became uncomfortable for Jesse. Purposely, he moved Mari aside and filled the void with small talk. “How weird is this? When you left all those years ago, it was because your mom had married Belle’s father.”
“Yes. Harry’s been my stepdad for the last ten years. Sadly, mom passed away recently and he’s been very lonely. That’s the reason for the visit.”
“Yeah, Belle told me her father wanted to renew connections and meet his granddaughter. She mentioned a step-sister. I guess since you were living with Harry, I thought you a much older person.”
Mari laughed, but without humor. “She might be my little sister but it’s only a matter of a couple of years. And I don’t live with Harry. I live in my own place. Harry was having some issues with the holidays approaching and I was at a loose end and decided to cheer him up. It’s what prompted me to call Belle.”
All the while he listened to Mari; Jesse watched Belle and Layla until his little champion flew at him with her hand held out, flaunting a new prized possession.
Loving the happiness shinning from her adorable green eyes, Jesse introduced her to Mari and was astonished at the blatant green-eyed monster this small girl-child displayed toward her new aunt.
Layla turned away from Marilyn and gripped Jesse as tightly as she ever had. Her reluctance to admit Mari into the family circle had his macho ego grinning. Hard to imagine that possessive behavior could start in one so young but then again, what the hell did he know about the female psyche?
Once Layla forced him to put her down, something he was reluctant to do since she created an effective barrier, his attention was drawn to Belle and her father. They were huddled together, her hand being held ever so carefully in his wrinkled palm. Important issues about a framed picture were being discussed and Jesse sensed they needed this time.
Decision made, he smiled at Mari and said, “So tell me, what’ve you been up to over these last years?”
Feigning interest, he listened while keeping an eye on Belle and her expressions. By the time Layla came begging her mom for dinner, Belle seemed more resigned than anything else. Thankfully, Mari had wound down and decided to renew her glass of wine so he went to sit down next to Harry who looked rather forlorn.
Jesse picked up the photograph he believed was the crux of Belle’s pain and felt his heart melt into a puddle of pure affection. “It’s Belle as a child. She’s adorable.”
“Yes,” Harry said, “She’s pretty close to the same age as Layla is today.”
“It’s amazing. They could be twins.” Jesse passed the photo over to Mari whose hand waited.
“I have a picture of myself at that age at home. It’s strange how we all look so much alike.”
Politely ignoring her self-centredness, Jesse asked, “I don’t think you mentioned it earlier… where’s your home now, Mari?”
“I live in L.A. and used to work for Winle, Pawne and Brown, a rather prestigious law firm in the city.”
Harry spoke up and added. “The same firm where her husband works.”
Mari shot him a dirty look before replying. “My ex-husband. And yes, he works there, which is why I’ve left.”
“I’m sorry.” Jesse said kindly, while searching inside to see if there was any sense of gladness for knowing this woman from his past was now free. She’d haunted his dreams for years and he knew that his infatuation for her had stopped him from forming any lasting relationships.
Nope, didn’t seem to be anything lifting his spirits. In fact, the only thing he felt was a sense of doom. Mostly, he kept catching himself looking toward the kitchen and waiting for Belle to reappear.
Finally, he couldn’t stand it. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and see how Belle’s making out with dinner. Just help yourself to more wine.”
Mari started to say something and Harry caught her arm to get her attention. While he questioned her about some inane thing to do with their luggage, Jesse escaped.
In the dining area, he found Layla helping her mom put out the silverware and napkins while the pots on the stove boiled away. The smell of the cloves poking from the cooked ham dug deep into his senses and a small stirring of hunger clawed its way past his apprehension.
He sauntered closer. “I’ve come to help, Belle. I’m all yours.”
The sound of disgust she made scorned his words and he knew she was furious. And rightly so!
I should be shot. “Belle, let me explain.”
Her furious face turned his way for only a second before she once again ignored him. “No need. Mari’s finally back in your life. The woman you loved for so long. Kim told me how you’ve kept her on a pedestal since high school.”
“That ended years ago.”
Belle knew she was over-reacting. She couldn’t put a lock on her jealousy and it showed in her stupid behavior. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I think you need some time to sort out your feelings, Jesse. I’ll move back to my apartment for tonight.”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“I’ll move with you.”
“No, you won’t.” Father and Marilyn can move in here with you where it’s more comfortable. We’ll take Sam with us so he won’t be a bother.”
“It won’t work. There are only two beds.” He knew he sounded sulky but what the hell was a guy to do when met with a rock-wall of female resistance.
“Hell, if Mari won’t sleep with you, then you can sleep on the couch.”
Chapter Thirty-six
Jesse took offense to her last smart-ass remark and Belle knew it as soon as the mean words left her mouth. Hurt feelings and… face it… jealousy had made her speak without any restraints. His shock, followed by anger, made her aware she’d gone t
oo far.
The evening meal, although delicious, was strained and uncomfortable. The only relief came when Layla had let out a rather unladylike burp and Belle automatically followed it with a “What do you say?”
Much to everyone’s amusement, the little girl answered in a manner showing annoyance, “I can’t wemember,” then looked surprised at the sound of trivial laughter her answer produced.
“You say excuse me when you burp.”
“Oh. Do I also say that when I fa—?”
“Lay-la!”
“Billy Arnold says that word.”
“No doubt Billy Arnold’s mother doesn’t hear him say it or she’d correct him.”
Layla tried to outstare her mom but it didn’t work. “Sow-wy Mama.”
Belle shook her head, a grin fighting to break loose. Unable to stop herself, she glanced at Jesse and caught the same reaction on his face. They shared a small moment before she remembered and her food drew her attention once again. The meal plodded on.
Harry reached for the dish of perogies and took more onto his plate. “These are delicious, Belle dear. The store-bought ones aren’t anywhere near as good.”
Jesse who already had his second helping piled on his plate, piped up. “They’re my new favorite food.”
“Mine is pizza.” Yaya grinned across the table and Jesse winked back.
Harry joined in. “I like pizza too.” And that got the two pizza lovers sharing which ones they liked the best. If Layla and her grandfather hadn’t kept the conversational ball rolling, the evening would’ve been a complete fiasco.
Even Mari didn’t seem to have any of the earlier vivacity until Jesse went along with her reminiscing, and then she sparkled.
For Belle, the time couldn’t go by fast enough. As she picked at each course, she tried to focus on Layla’s conversation. Soon even Layla wound down and Belle used it as a reason to excuse herself.
“I’ve done most of the clean-up, it’s just putting the dishes in the dishwasher and I’ll leave that part with you Jesse. I’ve already moved Layla’s and my stuff over to the other place and brought Father and Marilyn’s luggage here. It’s in the front hall.”
Harry frowned at her. “You want us to stay here now?”
“It’s for the best. That way Marilyn and Jesse can catch up on old times and I can settle Layla down in her own bed.”
A sulky expression flooded Yaya’s face. “No Mama. I don’t wanna go home. And I don’t wanna go to bed.”
“Too bad, muffin. You can have a bath. I’ll read you your favorite “T’was the Night Before Christmas” book. Then lights out. You’re tired, and tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It’ll be a long day for you.” Honesty had to be faced as she heard her own words: it would be a long day for her more so than Yaya.
A sob escaped as Layla started to fuss. “I wanna stay with Jesse and… and Gwampa.” Her words were followed by another sob. When she read the stubborn look on Belle’s face, she let loose with the wails. “I don’t wanna go to bed.” The last words were roared in her don’t-mess-with-me voice.
Belle, who knew that the nonsense had to be stopped before Yaya got carried away, lifted her out of her chair. “Tomorrow you can play with Grampa. Now it’s time for bed. Say good-night to everyone.”
Respecting the note in Belle’s tone, Layla sniffed, wrapped her arms around her mom’s neck and murmured, “G’night.”
***
Jesse looked around at Mari’s expression and saw something that annoyed him. “Belle is a wonderful mother. She was right you know. Layla needs to have an early night.”
“Oh, I totally agree. It’s just that I’ve never been in close proximity with a child before. I mean, I’ve been forced to listen to many brats in restaurants and periodically on plane trips. To tell the truth, that type of behavior totally turned me off little kids. Now seeing how special Layla is and the way Belle handles her, I’m realizing there are methods to deal with the little devils.”
Jesse answered with a smile in his voice. “No doubt about it. Munchkins are a handful. When they dig their little claws into your heart, trust me, they can take you to heaven or hell. Either way, you’ll find the trip one you’d never want to miss.”
After saying his piece, Jesse noticed the look that passed between father and daughter. “Did I say something wrong?”
Harry answered, his face lit up with enjoyment at an inside joke. “Not at all. You said exactly what she needed to hear, didn’t he Marilyn?”
She hesitated before nodding and agreeing. “It’s a lot to consider. You two go and get acquainted. I’ll tidy up here and join you for a nightcap in a little while.”
Harry pushed his chair back and caught Jesse’s confusion. “Let’s leave this young woman alone. She has some very serious thinking to do.”
Chapter Thirty-seven
Jesse settled Harry with a nightcap and joined him on the couch.
“Can I ask you a question about Belle, Jesse?”
“What do you want to know?”
“She seems a bit under the weather. And I noticed she didn’t eat nearly as much as the rest of us. She wouldn’t have any perogies or bread, not even some of the apple pie she made for dessert. I’m a bit concerned.”
Filtering through how much he could safely tell Harry without crossing boundaries, Jesse took a sip of his drink and put it on the table. “Recently, Belle couldn’t keep any food down at all. Then we found out that she has the same symptoms as a person with Celiac disease which means she must have a completely gluten-free diet. You might have noticed that she prepared her food on a different counter. As long as she takes extreme care, her sickness seems to be under control. In the last week, she’s gained a lot of energy—and some of her lost weight.”
Harry leaned forward and listened carefully to Jesse’s explanation. “This Celiac, can it be cured?”
“I don’t believe so. Other than having to take added vitamins, watch her nutrition and use common sense, Belle is perfectly fine and can live a normal, healthy life.”
Harry smoothed his mustache with shaking fingers. “You seem to know a lot about the ailment.”
“I’ve been reading up on it. The mother of one of my workers’ also passed on some information. She’s involved in a study at the university and has had Celiac for a number of years.” Jesse saw the older man relax, seemingly satisfied that his daughter would be fine.
“Now it’s my turn to ask you a question.” Jesse watched the other man’s reaction and noticed how he stiffened slightly. Jesse added words that might take away his discomfort. After all, Harry was a guest in his home—technically his sister’s home, but since he was in charge, it was up to him to play host. “If I’m prying, you can tell me it’s none of my business.”
“Shoot! If I can answer, I will.”
“What’s up with Mari and her husband? One minute, the lady’s giving me the come-on like we’re kids again, and the next minute, she’s radiating so much pain that she looks like she’ll explode. She says they’re divorced. You say no?”
Harry spoke, scorn obvious in his tone. “They’re separated and the divorce will be final on the 28th.”
“Did she leave him?”
“Yes.” Harry hesitated and then continued. “Considering my daughter is a top litigator, she can be quite dense when it comes to men.”
“Why? What happened?”
While Jesse watched, Harry sorted through his conscience, deciding what he could say without breaking any confidences. Jesse respected that and didn’t push. Finally, after smoothing his mustache a number of times, Harry checked the kitchen door and then spoke in a low voice. “Steve wanted children.”
Jesse waited for more but it wasn’t forthcoming. “And…”
“And Marilyn didn’t.”
“So…?”
“He pushed too hard and she left.”
The kitchen door closed making the two men jump. “What are you two hatching?” Mari’s playfulness sounded as fake as a
bad actress in a third rate movie.
“Nothing, dear.” Harry put his empty glass on the table, stood then stretched. “If you show me where my things are and the room you want me to use, I’ll be saying good-night.”
In a no time, Jesse sorted him out and returned the living room to find Mari had lowered the lights and filled their glasses. Soft music now played in the background. The setting perfectly arranged for seduction.
“Come and sit, Jesse. I’ve been looking forward to getting you alone so we can catch up on old times.”
Apprehensive, like a man would feel if told he had to stick his hand in a snake-pit full of venomous critters, Jesse picked up his glass and went to move to the chair.
“No here, beside me. I need to talk with you.”
Stubbornly, he sat in the chair and leaned toward her. “I can hear very well from here.”
If Mari only knew that all he wanted was to go to Belle’s place, she might not look so pleased for his company.
In his imagination, he fantasized about how he’d force his way inside and beg Belle to listen to him. Just thinking about the conflict made his stomach tighten. Maybe he’d just whimper like Sam did when he wanted her to pick him up and she’d take pity on him. His nonsense made him smile and Mari, misunderstanding, smiled back with delight.
“It’s nice being together again, isn’t it Jess?”
Her calling him by the shortened version of his name instantly transported him to a past where pain and sorrow had been his two best friends. “I missed you when you left, Mari. For a long time, I missed you.”
Getting comfy, she leaned back and tucked her legs under her. “I missed you too.”
She spoke softly but they were just words, no depth, no passion, only empty words. Maybe she’d missed him to begin with, but she’d moved on. Found a career. Got married.
