Celia's Knight

by Samantha Lovern

  Mike leaned on the table. “I’ll keep that in mind, but she’s adamant. I think she’ll manage. She’s a fighter when pushed into a corner.”

  “I know all too well,” Martin said. “But if you need anything, just call.”

  “I will,” Mike said, taking the last drink of his water and rising from the table. “Gotta run. I need to get some things for the house - a bed, some curtains and get a ramp built. She’ll be in that wheelchair for a while.”

  “You seem to be in a good mood about all of this. Is there anything you want to tell me?” Martin asked, with a sly grin.

  “Yes. He seems to be smiling a lot, don’t you think?” Randi asked, moving closer to Martin on the concrete bench. “I think he reeks of new love. I’ve seen that silly smile somewhere else.”

  Martin turned and looked at her. “Was that aimed at me?”

  “Just a little,” she said, and they both turned back to Mike, who only waved his hand. “You’re not the press, but still ‘no comment’. Have a good trip and keep your noses out of my supposed love life.”

  “I knew it,” Martin said as Mike walked away ignoring their last comments.

  “I know we were mostly teasing,” Martin said, turning his attention back to Randi, “but you should have heard him talking before you got here.”

  “He was telling me Celia has agreed to go camping, and that she and Roger would be moving into that house they’re working on. He’s excited about the changes. I don’t know how it will work out, but I wish them well.”

  “Who knows?” Randi said. “It could work out.”

  “Mike is a great guy and if he wants to give it a go with Celia, that’s up to him. I think he knows what he’s getting into. But enough about them, did the pups see you off?”

  “Yes. I hate leaving them, but they’re in good hands. Julie was so excited and she keeps asking me if she can tell her friends we’re dating. She wants to meet you, and just the whole idea of us dating keeps her chattering at 100mph.”

  “Tell her to scream it from the mountain tops,” Martin said, leaning in to steal a kiss.

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

  “It’s fine. I want the world to know we’re dating. Soon we’ll find some great event to attend, but for now, I’ll settle for a visit with the folks.”

  “Me, too, and some alone time with my favorite guy.”

  “Who is that?” Martin asked, with such a serious tone.

  “You are a great actor, you know. I hope you never use those talents against me.”

  “I never would, not in a serious way. Teasing you is loads of fun and kissing you is better. And, might I add, you’re always great about the Celia stuff. I just can’t see her on the streets with her just coming out of this accident.”

  “I know and I don’t mind. Six months from now she’d better be history but I don’t have a problem with this. You’re a good man despite what she, or my mother, may think.”

  Martin’s brows rose. “Did you have to remind me? I was just about to forget what a lowlife deadbeat my future mother-in-law thinks I am.”

  Randi looked at him and wrinkled her nose. “Did you just say what I think you said?”

  Martin smiled and kissed her. “I’m learning a lot from my new brother-in-law, so on that note let me say, ‘I think I’ll plead the fifth’.”

  Chapter 59

  Beauty Sleep

  “You slept in late today,” Celia’s mother said, as she came rolling out of the bedroom. “Even after a night’s sleep your hair still looks great. Did you have fun last night? You must have, you were out kind of late.”

  “No. You went to bed kind of early. Yes, I had fun and yes, I slept late, but I’m trying to gain some extra strength for a move we’ll be making.”

  “Move? Where are we going? Is Martin kicking you out, dear? I never thought he would do anything like that.”

  “No, Mom, this has nothing to do with Martin. This has to do with me, all me.”

  “Dear, I don’t think you should be moving anywhere just yet. You need your rest and you do need to think about where you’ll be going and if there will be good access.”

  “I know and we’ll be working on that. I might not get to move as quickly as I’d like but I’m ready to move on and get out from underneath Martin’s care.”

  “That must have been some date,” her mother said, shaking her head as she handed Celia a cup of coffee.

  “Well,” she said, not able to keep a smile from her lips, “I must say it was really nice. Mike is very sweet and I like him.”

  “I see more than a little bit of like in that smile.” Her mom sat down at the table and looked at her. “You come in here talking about a move and say how much you like Mike. What’s going on? Are you planning on moving in with him?”

  “No! No. Not at all. I’ll be moving into the house that he and I are working on, if he thinks it’s doable. He’s going over there today to look things over. It will be closer to the dealership and there will be access to a bus for Roger. It’s not as nice as this place but it will feel like I’m moving in the right direction.”

  “Roger is not going to be happy because he loves this place but we’re moving out soon.”

  Celia laughed. “Who wouldn’t? I might stay here a few more days but he gets his warning today that we are going to move. I want him to get a job and I’m going to start trying to work part time with Mike. He thinks I can sell cars and I’m going to try.”

  “Good. I like to see my children taking control of their lives. I’m happy for you but let’s talk more about Mike and that date last night. Did you feel any sparks? Do you think there might be a second date in your future?”

  Again, Celia found it hard to keep the smile from her lips. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up but, yes, I think there will be more dates. Mike is interesting to say the least.”

  Her mother leaned back. “That’s all you can say?”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “Was he a gentleman? Did he kiss you? What did you talk about? Where did he take you? I want to know it all. I’ve missed so much of your life by us living apart. I want to catch up.”

  About half an hour later when Roger came walking in, Celia was wrapping up all she intended to tell her mother about her date. She told her a few things but left out that they had sat outside in the car for over an hour, kissing and holding hands. It had felt good and it had felt real.

  Roger looked like he’d been up for a while. As he sat down at the table, he said, “I’m starving. Can you toss me a sandwich together?”

  “What have you been doing?” Celia asked. “I hope you were not like me - sleeping the day away.”

  “No, I was working on Mike’s websites. I’m not finished but I’ve been working all morning. I have the main site done but there are five stores and each one offers different things - one rents cars, another has car shows, one caters to the rich and famous, and so forth. I just need to get all the details taken care of.”

  “That’s great. A mini job.”

  “Yes. I’ll need to get out to the stores and take some pictures for each site. I think he’ll like them. He’s not a computer geek and for that I’m thankful. The site they had up, why, Sis, you could have done better.”

  “Wow, that’s not good.”

  “I know. I think he’ll be impressed. I’m hoping he’ll let me do more. It might turn into a part-time job if I can show Mike the websites are bringing in more business.”

  Celia reached out and patted Roger on the hand. “Good because in a few days, we’re going to start needing money. We’ll be moving out of this place and closer to town.”

  “What? Why?” Roger asked.

  “Because I’m no longer dating Martin Taylor and this is not my house. He wants to get it on the market and sell it. I wanted to buy it, but you talked me out of that.”

  “But I’ve not even had a chance to get in the pool.”

  “Well
you better get in it. I’ll give you a couple of days to get used to the idea, but don’t get too attached to this place. If you are staying in L.A. you will be moving with me, and for now, there will be no pool.”

  “Wonder if Martin has a website he needs worked on?”

  Celia laughed. “I have no idea but I don’t mind if you ask. He may be able to talk to someone and find you work. But don’t expect him to keep this place so you can work on his site.”

  “I wasn’t. It just hit me that he might need some help. A good website says a lot about a person, and I’m good at what I do.”

  “He is good,” her mother said, as she sat a plate of chips and a hearty looking sandwich in front of Roger. “But Celia is right. It’s time she and you both get on your own, and if you want to start out together to make ends meet, that will be just great.”

  “I think so, too. Who knows Mom, you and Dad might want to move out here and get away from those long, cold winters. It’s really nice out here all year long.”

  “I don’t know about that but we’ll see. I do hate the cold and your dad would like being near so many golf courses. I’ll mention it to him when I call him later.”

  “Do that and tell him I miss him and that I appreciate all those years of hard work and taking care of us. I can see now that it wasn’t easy for sure.”

  “Maybe you should tell him that yourself. I think it would mean more coming from you.”

  “I bet you’re right and I’ll do just that tonight.”

  Chapter 60

  A Surprise Gift

  Mike wasn’t looking forward to talking with Celia. Her ideas of moving out soon were going to be dashed. It was not going to be easy to make the house they were remodeling wheelchair accessible.

  There wasn’t a bathroom she could use on the ground level and building a ramp to the house was not going to be easy. It could be done at the back of the house but the house was built on a slope and it had a lot of steps.

  He’d ease into it and not burst her bubble for a few days. He would let her know he was looking into what needed to be done but that there was no rush. He had decided that the easiest thing to do would be to sell it. Even though they would take a loss if they didn’t complete the upstairs, he thought it would be best. He doubted if Celia would let him buy her out but he could try.

  She did not have a lot to put into the house but she’d sold a few pieces of jewelry and had enough to get her foot in the door. Most people would have laughed at her investment but he was doing it for her, not for what he would gain.

  He parked the car and sat for a moment thinking about the kisses they’d shared. It had been more than he expected on the first date. He had imagined she would be cold and not allow him more than a peck but she had kissed him back as he’d pulled away.

  They had talked and kissed and talked. Then for about thirty minutes, they sat holding hands just enjoying each other’s company. She had talked about her parents and he’d told her about his childhood. All in all, it had been the best date he’d had in ages.

  It was just after three as he stepped out of the car and went inside. He had a small gift in his hand and he hoped Celia wouldn’t be angry. It wasn’t much. He had seen it in a window while stopped at a red light and thought of her. He had parked, went in and bought it.

  He hadn’t wrapped it but left it in a small brown bag. It wasn’t a gift that most women would appreciate but it suited his sense of humor.

  When he went in he could smell something wonderful cooking, and of course, Vicky was at the stove. He’d made enough noise coming in not to scare anyone and spoke as he stepped into the kitchen, “Something smells good.”

  “Chili, and we’ll have some grilled cheese sandwiches, too. That is, if you were not planning on taking Celia out tonight.”

  “I think we can wait on that. Where is everyone?”

  “Roger’s been working on your website most of the day and he’s taking a break by the pool. Last I noticed, Celia was out there, too. Why don’t you join them? Supper will be ready in an hour.”

  “Do you need any help? I’m pretty handy in the kitchen.”

  “No, I’m fine. Go on and join Celia. I think Roger got wind that we’ll be moving and he’s trying to take advantage of the pool.”

  “Yeah, about that, we may not be moving as fast as Celia wanted, so if we can, let’s avoid that topic without being too obvious.”

  “Sure. Want to share why?”

  “Just some issues with making the house accessible for her. It’s an older house and it won’t be easy to move things around. I’ll put her off for a few days and then tell her. I don’t want to slow down her momentum of coming out of this mental funk.”

  “Thanks, and that’s sweet of you. All of this is so kind of you. I wanted to remind you that we are all grateful for the help you’ve given Celia.”

  “You’re welcome. Celia’s had some bad breaks - no pun intended - and I just wanted to help.”

  “Well, thanks. Now go on out there and rest some before supper. And don’t mind Roger if he starts pushing that phone of his in front of your face. He’s driven us nuts today showing us what he’s doing with that website of yours. I will say though, he’s good at that kind of thing.”

  “I’ll check it out, and thanks for the heads up.” Mike didn’t give her time to say anything else as he went out the door and around to the pool. He walked over and sat down by Celia, laid the bag on the table and flashed her a smile. “Hey, pretty lady. How has your day been?”

  “Good. I’ve been resting and studying cars.”

  “That’s my little salesgirl. I bought you a small gift but don’t get too excited, I might have to take it back.”

  “A gift? Why do I have the feeling I need to ask if there is a frog in there?”

  “No frogs. Nothing that’s going to jump out. I promise.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh at the look on her face as she reached over to take the bag in her hands. She moved it slowly as if it might explode, and when she did peek in, he saw her brows furrow and she shook her head.

  “A multi-purpose flashlight?”

  “Yeah, for our camping trip. It does a lot of things. It has several beam settings and came with an extra gift - a knife that has a spoon, a little pair of scissors - all kinds of handy things.”

  “You’re determined that I go camping.”

  “Yes. You’ll have fun. Just keep an open mind.”

  Celia smiled and pulled the flashlight closer. “Would we have some alone time or would this be all about fishing and sitting around the fire with others?”

  “Celia, are you hinting that you might like to get me alone? I’m going to tell your mother.”

  “Don’t tell her. She already sees grandbabies everywhere she looks. She might just pack for both of us.”

  “I know that story, or one close to it. Just this morning my mother called and ask what was I doing this week. She wants me to show her neighbor’s daughter some cars. I know what that means. It’s code for, ‘Do you have a date, and if not here’s one’.”

  “Would she do that?”

  “Oh, yes, she’s tried. Most of the time I just send them off with one of the salesmen. I am not interested in blind dates.”

  “What about those in wheelchairs?” Celia asked, with a grin.

  Mike turned around and leaned on the table. “They can be kind of bothersome, quarreling all the time - get me this or get me that - but then again, they can’t get away quickly if the conversation is boring.”

  “Well, if memory serves me well, you’re pretty good at talking and your kisses aren’t too bad. Meet me out here around eleven for a bedtime snack and I’ll get rid of the guy in the pool.”

  “Sounds like a plan and bring your new gift. We might want to try it out.”

  Chapter 61

  Promises, Promises

  Randi didn’t realize how tired she’d been over the last few days and was embarrassed when she woke to find that they were ab
out to land. She yawned and smiled at Martin who also looked like he’d been sleeping. “Did I sleep through the whole trip?”

  “Yes, you did. I guess you didn’t think much of first class.”

  “It’s not that . . . I’m just so tired. I’ve not had much real sleep the last few nights. I’ve been thinking and worrying about this thing with Mom. I don’t know what to do.”

  “We’ll work it out. Just enjoy this trip and try not to think about your troubles.”

  “I will do my best, and I apologize for sleeping. I promise I’ll stay awake through the wedding.”

  “You’d better, sleeping beauty, but I can’t complain. I think I was out for most of it, too. I’ve had a lot on my mind. Being the scoundrel that I am takes a lot out of a man.”

  Randi smiled. “I’m surprised my quiet mother said all those things. It makes me proud and ashamed at the same time.”

  “It was brass for sure. But as I said, we are not thinking about our problems, just the good times that are ahead.”

  Randi leaned in and gave him a quick kiss, and he smiled. “Starting the good times a little sooner than I planned?”

  “Why not? I’m on vacation with my so very handsome boyfriend and I’m going to enjoy it.” She was going to steal another kiss but the seatbelt sign began to flash so they both buckled up.

  “Will you be playing a part in the wedding?”

  “I’m not sure. I might be standing in as a best man.”

  “That sounds good. I’m sure Rafa would appreciate that. Will you be going with them to meet his family?”

  “I hope Addison doesn’t plan on my doing that. I don’t really want to, but if she asks, I’ll consider it.”

  “You two get along really well.”

  “She’s bossy, is why.”

  Randi laughed. “Why is it men hate to admit they love someone? It seems like it just goes against your nature.”

  “I don’t have a problem saying it to you.”

  “True, but a lot of men do have a problem.”