by Donna Fasano
Harrison and I would be doing the kids a favor, saving them from making major mistakes and years of heartache. But driving down to the Keys and barging in on their romantic getaway was just wrong. I wasn’t going to do it.
Decision made, I felt better, although only slightly.
It was six-thirty, and I’d dressed in a sleeveless blue dress with a hint of cleavage. The silky material glided over my hips to flow softly to my knees. I’d used a light touch with my makeup, and my shoulder length hair fell in wispy layers, a much younger look than the heavily starched big-hair I’d once so loved.
I poured a small glass of chardonnay and took it out to the balcony to wait for Harrison. Although I did my breathing technique to rid the mounting anxiety, I still felt jittery inside.
On top of this entire fiasco, I had Harrison Wolfe to deal with—and it wasn’t a normal attraction. The physical part was explosive. As much as I’d been hot to trot for Jay Carpenter—this was a different kind of attraction. When our bodies touched I felt instant heat, a fierce yearning, burning inside of me, a desire to snuggle into his body warmth, and let myself melt away.
I’ve always been single. Independent. Tough when I needed to be. Even when my father threw me out and I left home only with a few dollars and a backpack. I’d scrounged together enough for a bus ticket to Florida. First stop had been Jacksonville and I’d waitressed there until my belly became swollen. Then I’d packed up again and headed south. I didn’t know what south would bring me, but if I was going to be homeless with a baby in my arms, I wanted to be damned sure we would at least be warm.
I’d found cheap lodging in a dingy district, and a job waiting tables. Someone told me about a place for unwed mothers, and I spent the last month of my pregnancy there. My legs and my belly had been so swollen that I couldn’t waitress anymore, and my money had run out.
Billy arrived safely into this world. The shelter wouldn’t have thrown me out, but they needed the space for other girls like me, so when he was one month old, I left—determined to find a way to support the two of us. I couldn’t keep taking hand-outs.
I found a cheap, sleazy rental and a woman there told me about a bar that needed dancers. She said we could work alternate nights, and that she’d take care of my baby. For the first few months after giving birth I waited tables, but once my body got into shape I knew I could earn ten times as much if I learned to dance like my friend, Holly.
At first I’d loathed taking off my clothes, but I soon got used to it. Closed my eyes and remembered my little baby’s face, and then I didn’t have to look at the disgusting men leering at me.
Yeah, I was tough. I did what I had to do. Always had and always will. So, keeping Harrison from making a huge mistake was my priority now. After all, a mother will do anything for the child she loves.
Chapter 9
I returned indoors, rinsed my glass and refreshed my lipstick. I picked up my handbag and headed downstairs to wait outside for Harrison.
“Good evening, Jimmy,” I said to the doorman who’d been on duty when we arrived this morning. “You’re still here. No relief tonight?”
“Another hour, Miss, then I can go home.” He saw the Jaguar pull up. “Looks like your young man is here to collect you. Have a nice night, you hear?”
I smiled. “I will. Billy’s back for a few days. Did you see him?”
“I sure did. With a lovely girl too. My, how he’s grown up.”
“Old enough to want to get married.” I made a face. “Over my dead body. I’m too young to be a grandmother,” I said with a laugh.
“You sure are. Hard enough to believe you’re that boy’s mother.”
Jimmy opened the car door before Harrison could get out. “Tell him to wait a few years. A good marriage should last a long, long time.”
“I intend to. Thanks, Jimmy.”
He shut the door. The inside of the car was the perfect temperature, cool without arctic.
“Hi Har,” I said with devilish delight, knowing how much it annoyed him.
He gritted his teeth. “Harrison, please, unless you want me to call you Can.”
“Suits me just fine,” I laughed. “That would only be fair.”
“So where is this place?”
I directed him to I-95 north, and we followed it to the Gables until we reached Old Cutler Road and Matheson Hammock Park. I managed to keep the conversation light throughout the drive. I was already nervous about telling him my decision, but I knew that for me it was the right one. Harrison could choose for himself.
Once we’d arrived, the maitre d’ led us to a table on the verandah--with swaying palm trees and Tiki torches. We were seated at a romantic table for two that overlooked the lagoon, and the sea breeze blew warm and gentle against my skin. It was a balmy night, with a half moon, and a bright starlit sky.
Harrison ordered a bottle of chilled Simi, and we sat back to chat and peruse the extensive menu. “You chose well. This is a nice place.”
“Ever see the movie, ‘Something about Mary?’” I smiled. “A scene in the movie took place right here.”
“Is that right? It was a very funny show.” He glanced at his menu. “So what’s good?”
“Most everything. I happen to love Chilean sea bass, but they also have a delicious red snapper or mahi-mahi. The double boned pork chop is a great choice if you prefer meat.”
“Not tonight. I’ll stick to fresh fish—imagine it’s a better choice, on the ocean and all.”
We ordered, and I played with my chilled glass as I gathered the courage to tell him what I needed to say. There was no way around it.
I took a sip for courage, put the glass down, and blurted, “I think the decision to follow them to the Keys is a huge mistake. I’m not going.”
The pleasant look on his face turned into a frown. I squirmed in my seat and he cleared his throat. “I thought we were on the same page here.”
I gulped and lifted my chin.
My eyes met his.
I stopped fidgeting and squared my shoulders. Time to do battle. Battle for Billy. It was my new mantra. “I turned the page.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“I mean I had all afternoon to think about it, and the whole idea upsets me. I don’t want the kids to marry--at least not for several years--but following them is a sucky idea. Really sucky.” I licked my lips and grabbed the wine. “Come on, Harrison, think about it. We owe them a few romantic days and nights before we demolish their dreams and rip apart this sweet little romance.”
“Is that how you see it?”
I nodded, but didn’t speak. My feelings were in my throat and I couldn’t bypass them with words.
“And you came to this idea when?”
“About two hours ago. I wanted to tell you in person. It’s my decision, but you can make up your own mind.”
“Well, thank you for that.” His eyes narrowed, and he rubbed the side of his nose. “I most certainly will.” He gulped down his wine and didn’t wait for the waiter, but topped off both our glasses.
I picked up my glass just as our salads arrived. I was glad for the interruption. I had ordered a beautiful green salad with walnuts and gorgonzola and I kept my eyes on the plate as I forced down every morsel.
I had no idea if he watched me at all. But I did notice that he left half his salad then pushed the plate away.
“Not hungry?” I asked as sweetly as possible.
“Kinda lost my appetite.” His voice was gruff, but his eyes were gentle as they settled on me. “Didn’t seem to affect yours,” he said with a half-smile.
The warmth of his eyes seduced me, and I relaxed back in my chair. Whether he agreed or not, he understood me. I was doing it for the kids. For my love of Billy.
“I’m sorry. Please go if you feel strongly, but I can’t.” I pushed back my hair that blew in my face. “Billy might never forgive me as it is.”
“Katie either.” He picked up my hand and gave it a sque
eze. “You might be right. Allowing them a few days together can’t hurt. And it is quite possible that they reach the right decision on their own.”
“That’s what my friend, Susie, says. Kids are falling in and out of love all the time.”
“One good fight and it might be all over.”
“If only they could find something to fight about.” I grinned. “Besides us.”
His eyes dropped to my mouth. “They were furious.”
That was a sobering reminder. “Well, let’s enjoy our dinner and forget the kids tonight. They’ll be back in a few days, and by then might have had a change of heart. Or at least cooler heads.”
My cell phone buzzed. “Sorry. I had to leave it on. I’m never totally free of the Candy Bar.”
“Go ahead. Answer it.” He gave me an encouraging nod.
I glanced at the number, my heart skipping a beat. “It’s Billy.”
Harrison frowned.
“Hello?” I whispered, my throat closing with dread. Something must have happened. He wouldn’t have called otherwise.
“Ms. Thompson? It’s Katie…I…was mugged…and Billy’s beat up.” Her voice broke. “He’s…at the hospital.”
My mouth fell open, and I grabbed my chest.
“What is it?” Harrison asked.
“Your daughter.” I handed him the phone. “They were mugged.”
“Katie?”
“Daddy…”
“We’ll be right there, honey. Tell me where you are. It’ll take a few hours, but we’re on our way.”
I stood up, grabbed the waiter and asked for the check.
“They’re at the Lower Keys Medical center on College,” he spoke quickly. “We can Google it.”
“You grab the car. I’ll take care of the bill.”
He didn’t argue.
My hand shook as I signed with my Am Ex card, and I choked back my fear as I raced toward the front of the restaurant and hopped into his rented car.
Looked like the fates were having the last laugh after all, because now we were racing down to the Keys together, to take care of the children we loved.
Chapter 10
Harrison and I arrived around eleven in the evening, and found Katie sitting next to Billy in his hospital bed. We’d kept in touch by phone during the long drive.
Katie had explained that a mugger had grabbed her handbag and Billy had given chase. They’d had dinner a few blocks from the hotel and were on their way back when someone nudged Katie on the sidewalk, cut her shoulder strap and took off down the street.
Billy had jumped the thief, but he’d come swinging with a pocket knife. In an attempt to wrestle the bag away from the man, my son had been knifed in the upper chest, missing his vitals by several inches.
The wound wasn’t life threatening, but he’d been taken to the hospital by ambulance and instructed to stay overnight. The police had interviewed both Katie and Billy but they’d not been able to give much of a description other than he was Hispanic, wore a hoodie, and was tall and skinny.
My first sight of Billy, lying in that hospital bed, brought tears to my eyes. I was relieved that he was safe, and yet both shaken up and angry that someone had done this to him, and that person was still out there on the streets.
“Billy,” I whispered, nearing the bed. “Let me see what that animal did to you.”
“I’m alright, Mom. Just a flesh wound. Could have been worse.”
“You’re right. What were you thinking, going after him like that? Why didn’t you just call 911?”
“I could have taken him if it wasn’t for that knife.” He gave a cocky grin. “I wasn’t afraid of him. He was just some punk. Now, Katie’s lost everything. All her ID and stuff. I should have nailed him good.”
“You’re lucky he didn’t nail you good,” Harrison told Billy. “Didn’t you see him coming, or sense you were in danger?”
“There were plenty of people around. We were just minding our business--walking down the street--going to the hotel. Didn’t expect some jerk to jump out of nowhere and cut her purse and run. Naturally, I took off after him. What would you have done?”
Harrison rubbed his chin. “Same thing, I suppose.”
“I think Billy was incredibly brave.” Katie stroked his cheek. “He’s earned the right to enjoy his new hero status. Haven’t you, honey?”
He blushed. “Not exactly a hero. The guy still has your bag and I’m lying here with a hole in my chest.” He took hold of her hand. “This wasn’t the way I wanted to start our vacation.”
“I don’t see why the hospital won’t let us leave,” Katie said, glancing at her father. “Can you see if they’ll discharge him?”
Harrison shook his head. “They’re just following procedures--probably concerned about infection.”
“I know, but we want to leave. It sucks that I have to go to the hotel alone, and Billy has to stay here.”
“He’ll be discharged tomorrow, won’t he?” I asked.
“I think so.” Katie stood up, touched my hand, and then kissed her dad’s cheek. “Thanks for coming, by the way.” Her eyes darted from her father to me. “Hey, I just thought of something. How come you two were together?”
Oh, oh. I’d hoped they’d forgotten about that. Wrong.
Harrison spoke, saving me the trouble to think up a plausible reason why. “We were having dinner, nothing more, nothing less. Just as well we did.”
“That’s true,” I said quickly, hoping to ease their concerns about Harrison and me. Just because we’d been making out that once and had got caught, didn’t mean it would happen again. “During dinner, I told your father that I had changed my mind about coming down here this week.” I glanced at Katie and smiled. “It didn’t seem right for me to show up and barge in on your mini-holiday.”
Katie looked skeptical, but Billy accepted my explanation. “Since you’re here, are you going to see that guy you mentioned? The one interested in the bar? It’s your life, Mom. I think you should reconsider.”
“It’s not my life, and the area is going down the dumps. You know that.” I shrugged my shoulders. “A seedier element is taking hold and some of the locals are moving out.”
“Maybe the Candy Bar magic can kick the bad guys butt,” Billy said with a grin.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Thompson,” Katie said, “but I still don’t understand why you didn’t just tell Dad over the phone. I mean…why have dinner?” Her eyes were suspicious as they roamed over me.
I felt heat rise up my neck and flood my cheeks. Billy and I were both big blushers.
“Didn’t see any harm in it,” I answered, and shot a quick look at Harrison.
Katie wasn’t finished. “You didn’t have your cell on, Dad. I thought that was unusual since you’re always talking to clients--or your office--day and night.”
Harrison countered, going on the offensive. “If you must know, we were discussing the two of you, and this ridiculous engagement. You haven’t even finished college yet. There’s still a couple more months in this semester, and you, young lady, have many more years of studying ahead.” He gave her a concerned look. “Unless you no longer want to go into law.”
“Dad. You know I’m a hundred percent sure about that. I’ve wanted to follow in your footsteps since I was twelve.”
“Then why would you entertain the idea of marriage?” Harrison ran a hand through his hair.
Billy spoke for her. “She’s not entertaining it. I asked. She accepted. We’re getting married. If you want me to ask formally for her hand in marriage, then consider that I’m asking now. I want to marry your daughter. I love her, and she loves me.”
“You don’t have my consent.” Harrison’s jaw was set, like a man who didn’t intend to give an inch. Not even for my poor son, who’d been knifed in the chest chasing after a robber who’d taken his daughter’s handbag.
“We don’t need it,” Billy shot back.
I put my hand on Harrison’s arm, warning him to back down.
“You two are of legal age so we can’t forbid you to marry, and I see that your love is real.” I smiled at Katie, and glanced back at my son. “But he’s right that you still have a lot of tough years ahead of you—finishing your education, Katie, and Billy—establishing a career. It makes more sense to have a long engagement and not rush into anything.”
“We weren’t planning to marry right away,” Billy grumbled. “Were we, Katie?”
“No.” She shrugged. “We haven’t had a chance to really discuss it at all.”
“You’ve been accepted at Cornell and Georgetown,” Harrison reminded his daughter. “Either would look better on your resume than FSU.” He paced around the room. “You have a long career ahead of you and you’re only twenty-one. Don’t nail yourself down. Keep your options open.”
“I’ve made up my mind, Dad. I wish you could be happy for me.” She squeezed Billy’s hand, like it was a lifeline.
Harrison stood rigid, his back to the couple, looking out the window. As I watched him, I felt a touch sorry. His heart was in the right place. Katie was his only child, and his wife was gone. He didn’t have anyone else to fight for her.
I was in a similar situation, as Billy was my only son. But Harrison was doing exactly what I refused to do. By pushing them apart, he would only drive them closer.
“I’m sure your dad is happy for you,” I said quickly, “just as I am. We’re just being practical. You know what parents are like.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Dad always thinks he knows what’s best for me, and doesn’t give me any credit at all.” Her eyes blazed with fury. “I have good judgment, and if you could just step back once in awhile, you might see that for yourself.”
“Ever since your mother passed away…”
“Don’t even go there. Mom would have understood. She wasn’t always forcing me to do what she liked. She let me make choices. You should do the same.”
