After the reception, and taking time to change, Martin drove his dad, Addison and Rafa to the airport. There had been a teary goodbye between mother and daughter but Martin knew, as his mother and Randi began chatting, his mother’s blues would soon fade.
Martin glanced at his dad as they were driving home. He was waiting on the usual lecture. His dad seldom missed a chance to preach to a captive audience. Starting as he normally did, Ethan cleared his throat. “Your mother told me about your troubles with Randi’s mother. It seems she has the same opinion about some parts of your career as your mother and I have.”
“You would be right and Randi’s also voiced her viewpoint. She’s not as adamant, but I can see she’s hesitant.”
“As she should be! Being a Pastor and a Father, I understand any mother’s hesitancy in putting the stamp of approval on a marriage to an actor. I knew one day if you found a woman with true grit this would be an issue.”
Martin wanted to sigh, but for a change he was looking forward to what his dad would say on the matter. He didn’t want to make any changes in his life, but he also didn’t want to lose Randi. “I can’t change careers at this point. I’m making a good living at what I do.”
“I understand but if you can’t have the young woman of your dreams, what good is money? Honestly, Martin, I’d rather have you working as a carryout boy and see you married and happy. I could handle the kissing scenes as long as you were single. But if you want Randi, you’re going to have to consider her feelings.”
“I know what you’re saying, but some women don’t mind.”
Ethan laughed. “They may love the fancy lifestyle that the money buys but I will never believe they don’t mind. Tolerate it, maybe, but what other people think or want is not your concern. What you need to think about, and the only thing you need to be concerned about, is how does Randi feel and what does she want?”
“I know. It’s just that I’ve spent all of my life to get to this point and now I could end up throwing it all away.”
“What you have to think about is, what will you gain? If you want to think about loss, consider life without Randi and compare it to doing love scenes with women you don’t even know. The marriage bed is sacred, Martin. It's not something to play with and it's not something you share with other women.”
"But it's not real, it's make believe."
"Martin, when your hands touch the body of another woman, it's real. Randi's mother is right. You may not do the actual act of sex, but you touch parts of their bodies that should be off limits. I bet we'd be having a different conversation if Randi was the actor here. What would you say then? How would your heart ache at the sight of another man's hands on her body? Let that sink in deep and hard into your soul and then consider what you're asking Randi to do."
Martin let his dad’s words play through his head on the ride home. Randi and his mother were out for an evening stroll when they got home so he went to his old room to be alone. He laughed when he found a contract lying on his bed. “Funny, Addison, real funny.”
He sat looking at the three pages. The first page began with the facts. It contained his name, Randi’s name and some legal terminology that, in the end, said he agreed to the following two pages of information. He read through the pages and smiled. Addison had done a great job explaining his problem to Rafa.
Once he signed the contract, he would be agreeing to never accept a role that contained scenes with another woman that were romantic or sexual in nature, without Randi’s consent. If the filmmaker wouldn’t allow Randi to stand in for, and during, these scenes, he would agree to pass on the film.
The document stated that Randi would be willing to do the scenes with Martin if they both deemed the movie was viable and profitable. The document was well worded and would make Randi and her mother very happy.
Martin knew the papers wouldn’t be binding, but his word would be. If he signed the contract, he would know in his heart that he would have to stand by what it said. People could say what they wanted, but no one could ever say he went back on his word. He laid the papers face down on the bed and found a sticky note on the back. He pulled it off and read it.
Randi is the one. I can see it in your eyes.
Don’t let her slip through your fingers.
No amount of money on this earth could be
worth losing the woman of your dreams.
Love you,
Addison
Martin laid the papers face down on the bed. He ran his fingers through his hair letting out a sigh. Deep down he knew Addison was right. If he had all of the money in the world and didn't have love, it would all mean nothing. He had lived that lifestyle with Celia and he did not want that again.
He wanted a woman who cared about him. He wanted a woman who would be jealous if he flirted with another woman. He had just never put any deep thought into how this would affect his acting career.
Martin got up and left the contract lying on the bed. He walked into the living room to find his mother walking in the front door. He expected to see Randi step in also, but his mother closed the door.
"Where's Randi?"
"I didn't know how long you'd be staying so I asked your dad to show her the new kittens out by the barn. They just opened their eyes yesterday."
"First, she's on a walk with you and now she's out with Dad. Do I smell a conspiracy?"
"Not much of one. Did you and Dad have a talk in the car?"
"He lectured me on my immorality." His mother gave him a stern look as he continued with a note of hesitation. "Well, I'm not sure what else to call it."
"You could call it advice. And, if he told you what we discussed, it was sound advice."
Martin glanced toward the front door. "It sounded more like preaching."
"Did you find any of his advice useful?"
"It confirmed what I was thinking."
"Good. I like Randi and I think she'd make a fine addition to our family."
Martin rested his hands on the back of a chair and looked searchingly at his mother. "Do you think it's too soon to know she's the one?"
"No, and looking back, I knew the first time I kissed your Father that he was the one. But, it never hurts to ask the hard questions to see if you're on the same page. Marriage is something you want to do only once, if at all possible. So, have lots of long talks . . . see how you work together, have a few fights and pray, and pray, and pray . . ."
Chapter 65
With Age Comes Wisdom
“Hey, Sis, how did the late night date go?”
Celia opened her eyes and looked at her brother. He was standing at her door, eating a piece of toast.
“Does being sick mean anyone can wake you at any time?”
“You’re not sick, and it’s ten. You should be up learning everything you can about cars. I know you want to get that job.”
“Yes, I do. I want to be on my own, like yesterday.”
“About that,” Roger began, “I’ve got some bad news.”
“What?” Celia moved gingerly to a sitting position.
“It’s about the house. It and your wheelchair won’t mesh. Too much rebuilding, but don’t tell Mom I told you. She’s afraid the news will upset you, but not to worry, I’ll get a job, we’ll pool our expenses and get a place of our own, if you want.”
“I wanted out now, but yes, let’s do that. I don’t want to rely on Martin. I don’t want to feel like a sponge.”
“I’ll start looking and we’ll be on our own soon.” Roger walked over, popped the last bite of toast into his mouth and said, “Martin owes you and he doesn’t seem to care, so enjoy. Take it easy, rest and mend.”
Celia gave him a warning glance. “Just beware. We need to be out ASAP. And don’t be giving out this address to every cute girl you meet!”
“You wound me, but got it. I’m actually looking for a two bedroom condo. I think Mom and Dad would like not worrying about the upkeep of a house and get out of the snow and ice.”
“I’m
sure they would. That old house needs a lot of work.”
“I’ve heard Dad talk about how he hates yard work and house maintenance. I’m going to look at some places, and when Mom goes home, we’ll try to convince Dad it’s time to move.”
“I hope he’ll go for it. I’d be happy to contribute until I can get on my own.”
“What about you and Mike?” Roger asked, making kissy faces while making a hasty exit so she couldn’t hit him.
“Have you been spying on me?”
“No, but I thought after an hour you would be in bed. How was I to know you'd still be by the pool? That looked serious.”
“I don’t know. We’re taking it slow. I can’t say I’m on the rebound, but it still feels too soon.”
“I didn’t see him twisting your arm.”
“Shut up.”
“If he was forcing himself on you, let me know and I’ll give that young man a piece of my mind.”
“Funny. Make yourself useful and fix me some breakfast while I clean up,” Celia said, moving to the edge of the bed.
“Sure, but you need to think about this. You’re not getting any younger and Mike seems like a great guy.”
The pillow she threw didn’t go far and he only laughed as he walked out the door. She knew he was right, that if she and Mike did work out that it would be a good thing. She could stay in California, maybe not in this house but in something nice.
She closed her eyes and pushed out the thoughts that crowded her mind. How much money does Mike make? What kind of house does he own? What kind of a life would he provide? It wasn’t easy to change over night, but she was trying.
Celia sighed. She had to get her life on track and that would start with ironing out her past. She wanted answers about her parents and hoped she could get them without hurting her mother. Who was this other man and was he still in the picture?
Celia rose to go clean up. Would her mother get a divorce? If so, what would happen to Dad? She hushed her mind - no use trying to guess. She’d sit down with her mother when they had a quiet moment and start asking questions.
“You call this breakfast?” Celia asked, looking at toast, juice and yogurt.
“I’m not Mom. I fried you an egg but you took so long I ate it. It was cold and I know you don’t like cold eggs.”
Celia shook her head. “You’re such a good brother.”
“I’m glad to hear you admit the truth. I’d revel in the fact but I have to go. Do you want me to reach you anything.”
“Jelly and another toast, and a spoon and a cup of coffee.”
“Sheesh! I didn’t take you to raise,” Roger said, but did as she asked before heading out. Celia took her medicine and was about to take her dishes to the kitchen when her mother came in.
“This house is way too big. I made a wrong turn and found some rooms I’d never seen. Who would want a house like this?”
“I know and I’ve given up on it being my dream house.”
Her mother kissed her on the cheek and took her dishes to the sink. “I think that’s wise. I can’t imagine trying to keep this place clean or paying for upkeep. Our house is just about more than we can handle.”
Celia knew this might be the opening she wanted. “Did you talk to Dad about moving and getting a condo?”
“I mentioned it, and I think if there were grandchildren in the picture, I might be able to talk him into it.”
“Mom, I’m not even dating!”
“Not yet, dear. I’m not pushing, just stating the truth.”
“I thought you said you didn’t care if I had kids.”
Her mother sat down and forced a smile. “I want grandchildren. What parent wouldn’t? But, I’ll be happy without them.”
Celia shrugged. “I guess it’s natural to want grandchildren. I never thought about kids with Martin. And, to be honest, he didn’t mention them until that maid came along.”
Her mother sighed and patted her hand. “I always wanted kids. When I was young, I wanted to hold babies and baby-sit. I think we all have a different calling. Maybe things will change with another man. I’ll be honest though, I think when you get older, if you don’t have children, a part of you will regret it.”
“I suppose. I’ve still got time to make up my mind. I don’t want to be tied down. I can’t see myself crawling out of bed at all hours to change a diaper or get a bottle.”
“You’re trying to raise the baby in your head. That’s not going to work. First comes love, next is marriage, then babies.”
“But how do you know what to tell the man beforehand? I knew I didn’t want kids with Martin the moment he asked.”
“I think it will change when the right man comes along.”
“I guess. I know I was with Martin for what he could give me. But is it wrong to want a man who can give me a nice life?”
“No, but you should want love first. That doesn’t always work out either . . . like we hoped and planned.”
“Oh, Mom, I didn’t mean for that to sound harsh. I’m still getting used to the idea of what you said. What happened? Did the guy run off? Did he love someone else?"
“Both. He didn’t want to get married. He wanted me to move in and I wanted a commitment.”
"How did Dad come into this story?"
"Your dad grew up next door. He was a good friend and he fell in love with me at an early age. I've always loved and respected your Father, I just wasn't in love with him. The fact that he wasn't my first choice was always a barrier."
"Did you ever cheat on him?"
"Maybe in my heart, but I was faithful. I tried to love him and show him love. I've done better over the last few years. I'm sure your brother has seen a difference but your dad deserved more. We fought about it a lot. I would tell him that he had me. I was in his house, under his roof, but that wasn't enough. He wanted something I couldn't give."
"Are you over this other guy?"
"Yes, years ago, I just didn't know how to let your Father into my heart, but I did the best I could."
"I'm sure you did, but I'm thankful I know the whole story."
"Me too. Life is not perfect, and to be honest, I don't know of any outcome that would have been better. We've always been there for each other and always will be. It's just sad our problems spilled over on the two of you. I allowed his tirades to affect the way I treated you and Roger, and for that, I'm sorry."
"You don't owe an apology but the explanation does help."
"I hope so. With age comes wisdom and hindsight is 20/20. Hopefully, you and your brother can learn from the mistakes of our past to help build your own better tomorrows."
Chapter 66
Night Moves
Mike could have stayed at home since Martin and Randi were out of town, but here he sat in his car looking at the mansion. After a minute or two he got out of the car carrying the pizza he had picked up on the way home and walked toward the house.
Roger was doing a great job with the website and Mike was pleased with the results. When Celia’s mother had first mentioned that Roger was a talented website designer, Mike had doubted that anything would come of it, but he’d been wrong.
Roger had taken pictures and taped interviews for the website and had even produced a few online commercials. With a new venue for advertising, a new and different audience would be reached. Hopefully, this would mean an increase in car sales as well as more work for the Service and Parts Department.
As a family surprise, Mike had worked up a job offer for Roger. He would have a base salary with commission. He’d be in charge of web-design and advertising for all five locations.
The job would be a six-week trial but Mike was willing to guess his investment would not return void. At the worst, he’d be out three grand on a cheap venture. He knew, in his own way, he was trying to pave the way to keep Celia in California. He just hoped that his plans were not too obvious.
“I hope my son didn’t gab your ear off tonight but I’ll echo his enthusiasm and appr
eciation for you giving him this chance,” Celia’s mother said as she helped Mike carry their plates and glasses to the sink.
“You’re more than welcome. He appears to be a hard worker and came up with the idea of making videos and commercials on his own. It’s one reason I wanted to give him this opportunity. I hope he’ll come up with more great ideas.”
“I used to think playing with so many gadgets was a waste of his time. I’ve learned since then that we all have our own talents and we can’t fit in boxes to try to suit other people. I think he’ll be a fine employee, just don’t ask him to change the oil in any of your cars. The boy is not a mechanic. If I can ever return the favor in any way, please, just ask.”
“Duly noted, and I hate to call in that favor so quickly but if you could find some task for Roger that might keep him busy for a couple of hours, I would really appreciate it.”
“Say no more,” Vicky said, and with that she headed out to the pool. Mike wasted no time in going to the back bedroom where he kept his clothes. He changed into a white shirt and jeans, and by the time he made his way to the pool, no one was there but Celia - just as he had hoped.
“You know how to put a smile on our faces,” she said, as he approached carrying two glasses of tea, “and, you know how to clear a room.”
“All in a days work,” he said, as he sat a glass of tea in front of her and kissed her on the cheek. He set his own glass of tea on the table, pulled a chair closer to Celia and sat down. “Roger was ecstatic.”
“He sure was, and I can’t thank you enough. We’re both looking for something permanent and that’s a good start. Mom and I were talking today and she’d like to talk Dad into moving out here. The winters are going to be harder on them as they get older, and I want to spend more time with them.”
“Roger and his ideas are a good investment, and I understand what you mean about your parents. I made a dinner date with mine today. You get to a point in your life where it just hits you, they’re not going to be around forever.”
“I know. I hate to think about it, and the time I’ve wasted. The time we could have spent together, the things we could have done. I don’t like to dwell on the past, but if I could go back in time, I would change so much.”
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