Relenting, she dug into her basket and tossed a chunk of cheese in his direction. She swore he smiled at her before he grabbed the offering and gulped it down. Another woof and he strolled away.
She got to the base of the concrete steps and looked up, then back at her basket and up again. What she wouldn’t give for an elevator. Turning her back to the top of the staircase, she grabbed the handle and pulled it up one step, backed up a step and did it again.
She’d made it halfway up when a piercing scream startled her. She lost her hold on the handle and the basket thumped all the way back down, landing with a crash at the bottom. It didn’t burst open, but Liv could only imagine what the inside looked like.
She was going to have to cook again. She sat down on the step and dropped her head in her hands. Unbelievable.
“Frank!” she bellowed up the stairs and then covered her mouth with a slim hand and giggled. Shame on her for yelling. A lady never raised her voice.
Footsteps thudded along the upstairs walkway. “You hollered?” Frank peered down at her, tugging at his beard.
“You really need to find a quieter record to break. See that?” Liv flipped her hand at the basket. “Your fault.”
“Oh, bummer. Sorry.”
“Think you could pull it up the stairs for me? I don’t think I can do it again.”
“Sure.” He trotted down the stairs and lifted the basket by the handles to carry it instead of dragging it. It was times like these Liv wished she was blessed with more muscles. Guys didn’t realize how lucky they were. She scooted up the rest of the steps to get out of Frank’s way and took hold of the handle when he set the load next to her.
He put a hand on her arm to stop her when she would have walked away. “Uh, there’s some lady hanging outside Mike’s apartment.” He stroked his beard. “It’s weird. I’ve never known Mike to two-time anyone before.”
Liv smiled and patted Frank’s hand. “Thanks, Frank, but you don’t need to worry. I’m expecting her.”
“Oh. Good. Because even though you don’t like Rett, I think you’re pretty okay.”
High praise indeed. “I think you’re pretty okay, too. I just wish you’d stop screaming.” He nodded and she watched his eyes turn thoughtful. Good. Maybe he was thinking of a different record to strive for. “I need to go, Frank. I’m on a tight schedule today.”
“Want me to take Rett again?”
Liv was surprised she hadn’t thought of that. “Yes, please. That would be fantastic.”
They headed off together for number 217, Frank pulling the picnic basket. When they rounded the corner, Liv saw a dark-haired girl leaning against the wall, waiting patiently. She was impressed the maid wasn’t fidgeting. Even better, she looked fairly professional.
“Hello, I’m Olivia Leigh.” Liv held out her hand as she approached the girl. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Zoe.” The girl shook her hand and all but stood at attention. How were they training maids these days?
“Let’s get inside.” Liv pushed the key into the lock, wiggled it twice and, when it turned, bumped the door with her hip. She was sure to have a permanent bruise there and needed to remember to alternate sides.
Rett bounced to the door with the weird, upside-down “U” gait he had and, before Liv could so much as squeak, the maid reached down and held out her hand for the creature to sniff. “Isn’t he cute? Can I hold him?”
Ugh. Liv grimaced. “Sure, if you really want to. I’m told he’s harmless.”
Zoe scooped up the ferret and cradled him, scratching behind his little ears. “What’s his name?”
“Rett.” Frank answered for Liv, and Liv noticed he wore a goofy, love-struck look on his face.
“Oh, like Rhett Butler? How romantic.”
“No. Rett, like ferret.” At both women’s questioning glances, he explained. “When Mike moved in, this critter was already here. For a while, Mike just called him ‘ferret’, but he figured he’d have to name it someday.”
“So?” Liv prompted, eager to get things back on schedule.
“Well, he shortened the word ‘ferret’. He said Rett is close enough to ‘rat’ which is close enough to what Rett is.”
“Okay. Well…” Liv searched for something to say and came up blank. “Zoe, why don’t you give Frank the ferret and let’s get moving.”
Frank’s smile, what you could see of it under his beard, widened when the girl approached him. Oh brother, looked like Frank was gone over her maid. That wasn’t good. Mike wasn’t supposed to know Liv hired help. She’d have to make sure those two didn’t hang out together.
The ferret was passed from one loving embrace to another, and Zoe gave Frank a shy smile. Liv rolled her eyes. “Let’s get a move on, people. I don’t have all day.”
Her voice jolted the two lovebirds, and Frank gave a little wave before heading out the door. Zoe watched him like some lovesick newlywed watching her man go off to war.
“Zoe.” Liv stepped to the door and shut it firmly. “I didn’t hire you to hit on the neighbors.”
“No, ma’am. I’m sorry. But he’s cute.”
“Really? If you say so.” Liv sighed. God save her from youthful crushes. “Let me show you what I need.”
Amazingly, the dinner Sophie made had held up well under the abuse, and Liv was able to arrange the meal for Mike using the instructions taped to the cover. It was ready for him to heat and eat as soon as he returned home.
With a little help from Liv, Zoe did a bang-up job cleaning the place in less than an hour, then headed off for her next job. She’d be back next Monday unless Liv called to cancel. With any luck, she and Geoff would be back together by then and this whole farce would no longer be necessary.
She wondered why that idea made her a little sad. She shook it off and headed down the hall to Frank’s apartment. He answered the door before she knocked, startling her.
“Cripes! Were you waiting for me?”
Frank held up one finger and stepped into the corridor, moving his lips like he was about to blow a bubble. Suddenly he inhaled deeply and spit something from his mouth, watching it fly with an intent she’d only seen before on wildlife shows. The ones where the tiger is stalking the gazelle.
“How far do you think that flew?” he asked Liv.
“What was that?” She wished she hadn’t asked, because it had to be some hokey record he was trying to break, and there was nothing normal he’d be spitting for distance.
“Dead cricket.”
“Oh.” Liv swallowed hard in order to control her gag reflex. “Just had some on hand?”
“I feed them to my lizard.”
“Dead crickets?” Why on earth was she continuing this discussion?
“Well, no, live ones. But some always die out of the batch I purchase. I used those.”
Liv thought about the function she’d be attending tonight and the variety of conversations that would be carried on between attendees. She would never admit it out loud, but this one was far more interesting than anything she’d be facing at the club.
“I see.” She tapped a finger to her bottom lip, trying to seriously estimate the distance. “I’d say that went about 20 feet.”
“Damn. Not far enough.” He tugged on his beard. “I’ll have to practice some more.”
“What’s the record?”
“Just over 30 feet. I think I can do it.”
“Would you just make sure you’re spitting in the opposite direction of Mike’s apartment?”
“Sure.” He started to close the door and Liv put a hand up to stop him. “Did you need something?”
“Well, yes. I’m the one who came over here, remember?”
“Oh yeah. I bet you want Rett.”
Liv backed up a couple of feet. “No. I want you to bring him home for me. I’m not touching him.”
Once Rett was happily returned to Mike’s, Liv locked up and headed for her car, dragging the now-empty picnic basket behind her. When she got t
here, Spike was lying down beside the passenger door, snoring. Maybe she could sneak around him if she was quiet. She picked up the basket and tiptoed with exaggerated care. She set the basket down and unlocked the car.
The sound of the door opening woke the beast up and he lumbered to his feet, looking around. The moment he saw Liv, he woofed happily and began the trip around the car to greet her. She jumped inside, deciding sacrificing the basket might be necessary. She didn’t have time to mess around. It was already after five and Marissa was waiting at Pamper Me to fix her hair and makeup.
“Why do you keep doing this?” she asked the dog through the window. “I don’t like you, don’t you get that? You’re almost bigger than my car. Go away.”
He just plopped his big rear end down and sat, a grin on his doggy face, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, drool creating a puddle on the street.
Liv started the car, hoping that would scare him off. It didn’t. In fact it made him jump up onto the car as if he wanted a ride. She dropped her head to the steering wheel and fought back tears.
Chapter Seven
Someone tapped a horn nearby and she glanced up. Mike sat beside her in his car and motioned for her to roll down her window. She looked at the dog outside and shook her head. He rolled his eyes, put on his hazard lights and got out of the car.
“Come on, Spike, let’s go for a ride!” He opened the passenger side of his car and the dog jumped in without hesitation. Mike shut the door and strolled to Liv’s driver’s side door.
She cranked the window down. “I hate that dog.”
“He’s a good boy, Liv.” Mike leaned in through the open window, filling the car with his presence. “Where are you going?”
“I can’t stay for dinner tonight. I have plans.”
“Oh? Hot date?” His eyes narrowed intently, even though the smile was still on his face.
“Dinner with my father.” That wasn’t entirely untrue, and she couldn’t exactly mention the fact she was involved with anyone—especially not his neighbor’s new boyfriend.
“Oh.” He pulled back from the window. “Give me two minutes to drive around the block with the dog before you leave, would you? You’ve got a prime parking spot.”
“Sure thing. I owe you for getting that monster out of my hair.”
“Will I see you tomorrow?”
“Most likely.” She didn’t think about the fact his question sent thrills down her spine, or that she wished she was staying here for dinner instead of facing her father and Geoff. She knew her place in life and what her goals were, and they didn’t include getting involved with a mechanic.
Liv gave him a wave as he got into his car and took off. She took the time to load the basket into the car. Before she knew it he was back, and she pulled out with a toot of her horn. She watched in her rear-view mirror as he took the now-vacant spot and got out of the car with that stupid dog. Then she turned a corner, and he was out of sight.
Finally, she was on her way. In record time, Liv screeched into her parking place at the spa and dashed inside. Marissa was waiting for her with the new dress and an ash-blond wig.
“Will this work? The color’s a little off, but I thought it was close enough.”
“Yes!” Liv hopped into a styling chair. “Put it on.”
By seven o’clock, Liv was ready. The dress was a little snug, something she blamed on the food at Mike’s and missed sessions with her trainer, but she managed to pour herself into it.
She dabbed one freshly manicured finger at the corner of her mouth where a slight smudge of mauve lipstick offended her, then straightened. “Perfect. Marissa, you are a miracle worker. Remind me about this when you’re up for review.”
“Don’t think I won’t.” Marissa winked at her, then grinned. “I’ll go call you a cab.”
“Thanks.”
Liv slipped on her black velvet stiletto heels and coat, striding into the foyer to wait for the ride to the club. She’d make it just in time.
Her father stood waiting outside the club. He stepped forward with both hands extended to help her step out and paid for the cab without asking. Strange that it bothered her tonight. It was something he’d done countless times in her life.
“Geoff’s already here and waiting inside.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “He looks good. Engagement seems to agree with him.”
Liv wondered what her father would say if he knew just what was really agreeing with Geoff, but she only smiled and nodded, the same gesture she was sure to use a hundred times before the night was over.
“Let’s get your wrap to the coat check and go inside before you get a chill. Besides, it’s almost time for dinner.”
“Wonderful. I’m starved.” The words slid out of her mouth before she could stop them. She hadn’t had to think about what she said for the past couple of days and that could be a problem. She was typically in the habit of implementing something like a five-second delay on her mouth when she was in public.
Stewart raised an eyebrow. “Are you feeling all right, darling?”
Smile. Nod. “Of course. I’ve just been busy today and didn’t have time for a proper meal.”
She stood still and let her father stare at her for a few more moments before he took her elbow and guided her to the coat check. “On the way to our table, I’ll show you the most amazing sculpture. I think it would go wonderfully well in the foyer at the house, but I’d appreciate your opinion.”
No you wouldn’t, Liv thought, pressing her lips together to keep the words inside where they belonged. Nod. Smile.
Her father checked the wrap for her and dragged her to the display of auction items. She wasn’t allowed to stop and look at any of them, though one painting caught her eye and she determined to make a trip to the powder room in order to see it before the auction began.
Stewart eagerly pointed to a white, glossy, sculpture that looked to Liv like a family of snakes writhing in agony. Each slim tendril stretched for the sky, a bulbous blob at the end nearest the top. This was nothing like the sculptures her father usually liked, but when she glanced at the artist’s name, it became clear. The man was touted in important circles as the next big thing and anyone who was anyone had pieces of his work.
Her father, who was certainly someone, had none of the man’s pieces and Liv could understand why. She was pretty certain the guy must be demented.
Nod. Smile. “You’re right, it’s perfect for the foyer.”
Her father beamed. “I thought so. Now, let’s go see that fiancé of yours.”
“Yes. Let’s.” She took her father’s arm and let him escort her inside.
Geoff sat leaning back in his chair, dry vodka martini in hand, when they arrived at the table. He smiled that private smile at Liv, the one that used to make her heart trip in her chest. Now she wondered if the secret behind those lips wasn’t for her. He stood and pulled out the chair next to him for her to sit, his hands lingering on her bare shoulders when she moved in front of him.
“Can I get you a drink, Lee Lee?” her father offered. “Your usual?”
Her “usual” was a glass of chardonnay, but she couldn’t face that tonight. “Could I have a beer?”
Geoff’s hands squeezed her shoulders. “A beer?”
Liv smiled brightly and shrugged. “Yes. Oddly enough, it just sounds good.”
Her father stared, looking as though he was waiting for the punch line, and then exchanged glances with Geoff. Geoff shrugged in reply. “If you’re certain, darling.”
“I’m certain. Darling.” She patted his cheek and sat in down in the chair.
When Stewart stood and crossed to the open bar, Geoff turned to Liv. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Of course. A new friend introduced me to beer this week, and I’ve found I have a taste for it.”
Her father returned with her drink, poured discreetly in a crystal goblet and looking enough like champagne she knew he wouldn’t worry what the other attendees might think.
Liv thanked him and took a swallow. The flavor transported her back to Mike’s studio apartment and she had a sudden craving for pepperoni. “What’s for dinner?”
“Borscht and Caesar salad to start, and then your choice of a fish or chicken entrée. I selected fish for us.”
“I would have preferred chicken.” Or pizza, she thought, glad those words didn’t pass her lips. It was bad enough the others had. She never, ever disagreed with her father.
“Are you sure you’re not coming down with something, Lee Lee?”
Aside from a bad case of hating her nickname, she felt fine. She bit her tongue against saying just that, hard enough this time to make her eyes tear up. “Actually, Daddy, I do have a bit of a headache. Will you please excuse me while I go put a cool cloth over my eyes for a few moments?”
Both men stood as she left the table, desperate for a minute alone. What was wrong with her? Suddenly she couldn’t help blurting out every thought she had. She’d never had that problem before. She was losing it.
The ladies room was situated on the far side of the banquet hall, requiring her to pass the items up for auction. She stopped in front of the painting that had caught her eye when she and her father walked past earlier.
It was a take-off of the “dogs playing poker” theme, and Liv couldn’t imagine how it had ended up here. It reminded her of Mike, of his irreverent and casual approach to living, and she knew she had to have it. But how could she buy it without her father or Geoff knowing?
Ah, she noticed there was a silent auction option. Liv figured no one was going to want this painting, but she didn’t want to run the risk of losing it, so she doubled the opening bid and scribbled it on her piece of paper. She put Marissa’s name on the form and used the phone number of the spa. She folded the paper as many times as possible and popped it into the gold box hanging below the picture. As she expected, she heard it hit the bottom with a soft thunk. There were no other bids.
With a smile on her face and a song in her heart, she turned suddenly to head off to the powder room and slammed into a waiter. Warmth slid down her chest at the impact, and she knew her evening was over.
One Love for Liv Page 7
