“Marcus isn’t just playing baseball. He has batting practice, team meetings, pre and post game press interviews. How much bumping and grinding do you think we’ll have time for?”
“You’re right. I’ll get you two boxes.”
“What?”
She left.
“Two boxes? Good grief. That’s a lot of pressure.”
v
A little while later Cathy decided to give Marcus a call. She knew she was a little ahead of schedule but she wanted to let him know she was looking forward to her lesson.
“Good afternoon,” a man answered.
“Hi. May I have room 426?”
“Certainly.”
It rang twice.
“Hello?” a woman answered.
Cathy was a little startled. “Yes, hello. Is Mr. Fox in?” “May I tell him who is calling?”
“Yes. It’s Catherine Chambers.”
There was a pause. “I’m sorry, Ms. Chambers, he’s busy at the moment. Can he call you back?”
“Yes, please.”
“Does he have the number?”
“Yes, he does, thank you.”
“All right then. Bye.”
Cathy hung up the phone slowly. “Who in the world was that?”
Her mind went in a million directions. She’d dialed the right number and asked for the right room. Who was that woman? There was no way she was three for three in the cheated-on department. She was older, wiser, and her radar was much better. Cathy gave it some thought while she paced the floor. For one thing, I don’t know that Marcus was there to begin with. Why should I believe a woman I don’t know? Didn’t Marcus say they would be at the stadium in the afternoon before they checked in?
She picked the phone up again. Something is rotten in Denmark. “Good afternoon.” A woman answered this time.
“Yes. Good afternoon. Can you tell me if the guest in room 426 has checked in yet?”
“Certainly. Just a moment I’ll check the computer.”
“Thank you. Take your time.”
“No, ma’am. We show no record of check in. According to the computer, he’s set up for a late check in after eight A.M.”
“Thanks so much. You’ve been very helpful.”
“You’re welcome. Have a good day.”
“You do the same.”
If Marcus hasn’t checked in, who answered the phone? Somebody is playing a game with me.
She called Marcus on his cell phone.
“Hello?”
“Hi, honey.”
He was pleased to hear from her. “Hey, baby. Did you get my text message?”
“I most certainly did. I can’t wait to be the teacher’s pet.”
“Sounds good to me. You’ll be here tomorrow afternoon, right?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Your car service is coming to get you in the morning?”
“Yeah. E.D. took care of that for me.”
“I can’t wait to see you. I just took batting practice and I put a real edge on the ball, thanks to you.”
“Thanks to me? What did I do?”
“You’re all I can think about. I want you so bad it’s driving me crazy,” he whispered.
Cathy felt a rush through her body. “I can’t wait to see you. I want you, too.”
“Tomorrow can’t come fast enough for me.” He paused. “Anyway, baby, you called me. Is anything up?”
Cathy came back to earth. “I almost forgot. There is something.”
“What’s up?”
“I called your room a little earlier about your lesson plan.”
“That was sweet, baby, but I haven’t checked in yet.”
“I know. A woman answered the phone.”
“A woman answered the phone? How is that possible?” He was puzzled.
“She wanted me to think you were there and I’m positive it wasn’t the maid.”
“What did she say?”
“She said you were busy.”
“Busy with what?”
“Like busy with her.”
“This doesn’t make any sense. Why would they connect you to my room from the front desk when I haven’t checked in? I’m confused?”
“Me, too.”
While they were talking, Cathy had logged onto her laptop to check the flight weather for travelers. As she was about to log onto The Weather Channel’s site, she noticed an entertainment blurb about Cybil. She clicked on the story.
Her eyes popped. “Marcus. I found something interesting online.”
“What?”
“According to this there’s trouble on the set of Cybil George’s debut film. Apparently she’s walked off the set.”
As soon as the words came out of Cathy’s mouth, Marcus knew who was in his room.
He groaned. “I can’t believe this crap.”
“You think she was the one who answered the phone?”
“Now that you told me about her movie, I know it’s her.”
“You sound sure about that.”
Marcus knew where this was going to go but he went ahead anyway. He reasoned he’d tell her now rather than later.
“She’s done this before.”
“Really? She’s done this before?”
“Back when we were together, if she wanted to surprise me on the road she’d sweet talk the guy at the front desk into giving her the spare key card before I checked in.”
Cathy put the pieces of the puzzle together. “That explains a lot.”
“It does?”
“I called the hotel’s front desk twice. The first time a man answered and connected me to the room. The second time a woman answered and she told me you hadn’t checked in.”
“I’m going to straighten this out, sweetie.”
“I know you will.”
“I’ll give you a call a little later, okay?”
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you, Cathy.”
Cathy should have felt better. Although she knew Marcus handled the Club Z incident, she couldn’t shake the image of Cybil waiting for him naked in his room. She called the office.
“Good evening, Chambers-Stevens Agency.”
“Hey, Sylvia. You’re still there? It’s getting late.”
“I know, but E.D. was going over some things and needed me to stay.”
“I’ll talk to him. You go home to your handsome husband.”
“Thanks, Cathy. Have a good weekend, okay? I’m ringing E.D.”
“I will, thanks. You do the same.”
“E.D. here.”
“Hey, E.D. What’s shaking?”
“Hey, Cathy. There’s not much going on here. How about you?”
“Getting ready for the weekend,” Cathy answered.
“Good.” E.D. sounded tense.
“Now that we’ve gone through all the bull, what’s got you in a tizzy? I sent Sylvia home.”
“Shouldn’t you be concentrating on your romantic weekend with Marcus?”
“We’re not talking about me at the moment.”
“Why not? What’s going on there?”
“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours, E.D.” She heard him groan.
“It’s Bill Bond. I checked in with the VP to see what was happening with the proposal we sent in to update his book for a third edition and I think they’re jerking my chain.”
“They’re just pushing things closer to the timetable of ninety days delineated in the contract, which is just fine. If
they don’t give us an answer by the 90th day we can shop the proposal to other publishers and Bill gets the rights back to his book.”
“So I’m getting worked up for nothing?”
“Yep. We’re covered, don’t worry.”
“That’s a load off my mind.” He paused. “Now what’s on your mind? What’s going on with Marcus?” “It’s not really Marcus, per se. It’s Cybil.”
“What about her?”
“She walked off the set of her movie in
Maryland and into Marcus’s hotel room.”
“She’s where?”
“In his hotel room. She’s making her play to get him back. I can’t say that I blame her. Marcus is a wonderful man.”
“You are far too calm. You’re not behind the wheel of a Mercedes, are you?”
“That’s foul, E.D. I’m not in Florida and I’m not planning to rent a Mercedes.”
“Then why are you so calm?”
“I spoke to Marcus and he hasn’t checked into his room yet. I know she’s there because she answered the phone when I called.”
“If Marcus isn’t even checked in yet, how did she get into his room?”
“Like most pretty women, she sweet talked her way in. Marcus said he’s going to straighten her out.”
“I see. But you’re worried she might be naked and his resolve may wane.”
“I keep replaying a seduction scene over and over in my head.”
“That’s the real reason you called this evening. You need to keep your mind occupied.”
“Guilty as charged.”
“Trusting isn’t easy for anyone, you know. Hey, I’ve been married twice.”
“And I’ve been cheated on twice. I count my exhusband in my overall number but Paul’s cheating really scarred me.”
“I know.”
“I just have to relax, right?”
“It’s easier said than done for all of us.”
She sighed. “I know. Anyway, let’s change the subject. Did you have a chance to call the car service for me?”
“It’s a done deal.”
“Thanks. That’s one less detail for me to worry about.”
“Anyway, my dear, I should get my tail out of here too.”
“It’s about time. Go home.”
“Have a great weekend, Cathy, and don’t think about the office or clients. This is your weekend.”
“I promise. Have a good weekend yourself.”
“Will do.”
Anna called to say she and Roger were grabbing a bite out. With no one but herself to fend for, Cathy settled on yogurt. Before she could open it, she heard a voice at the door.
“Knock, knock, Cousin. I have pizza.”
She put the yogurt back. “Good. Anna and Roger are having dinner out.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I only got one pie.”
She took a couple of paper plates out. “What kind is it?”
He opened the box. “Half pepperoni and half plain cheese.”
“Cool. You want a soda?”
“Yeah.”
Cathy got a couple of Cokes from the refrigerator. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” He grabbed a couple of slices and opened his soda.
“So have you told Aunt Peg about what happened at your apartment?”
He wiped his mouth. “Yeah. I went over there this afternoon.”
“Good. She worries about you.”
“I know. That’s why I went over. I didn’t want her to worry.”
Cathy took a plain slice. “She’s a pistol, that aunt of mine.”
“Don’t I know it? She had a good time in London, though.”
“I always thought your mother and mine would travel together.”
“So did I.”
“It would have been a nice thing.”
“True, but that ship has sailed.”
She took a bite. “You got the pizza from Carmine’s.”
“Best pizza in town.”
Cathy’s mouth was full so she nodded in agreement.
“So are you jazzed about the trip?”
Cathy wiped her mouth. “Yeah, I am. I’ve never gone away for a baseball game.”
“Don’t you mean you’ve never gone away with or for a man?” His question was pointed.
“I did go away with my ex-husband on a mini honeymoon.”
“Okay, let me rephrase that. You haven’t been away with a man in more than a decade. I think that qualifies as never.”
“Well, if you’re going to split hairs.” She rolled her eyes.
“All kidding aside, I am happy for you, Cathy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy before.”
“I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt like this before. It’s all so new to me.”
“That’s a nice feeling. And yes I do remember what true love feels like.”
“You think that’s what this is?”
“Come on, Cathy, it’s love. No doubt about it.”
Cathy could have talked about what happened with Marcus and Cybil but for once she chose to let sleeping dogs lie.
“Well, I plan to enjoy it.”
“You should. Aren’t you going to have another slice?”
“In a minute. I can’t put it away that fast.”
“Are you trying to say something?”
Cathy looked at his tie. Most of the sauce was on it.
“I hope your tie enjoyed the pizza as much as you did.”
He looked down. “Aw, damn it.”
“You’ve never been able to master eating pizza or drinking coffee without getting it on your ties. God, sometimes I think you need a bib.”
“You’re probably correct about that.” He took the tie off.
She laughed. Leave it to Madison to do something stupid to make her laugh, no matter how unintentional the laugh was.
One more slice of pizza later, Cathy was ready to relax upstairs in her room before calling it an early night. She couldn’t afford to get bags under her eyes or sport a Rocky Raccoon look. She tried to put things out of her mind long enough to get a peaceful night’s sleep.
v
The Yankees checked into their lodging late. Marcus told Ben about what had transpired when Cathy called and said he was wary of what other tricks Cybil had up her sleeve. As they left the desk, Ben took Marcus’s suitcase from him and placed it on the cart.
Marcus was thrown off. “Ben, I can carry my own bag.” “I know you can. Just humor me, okay?”
Marcus threw his hands up. “Okay.”
“Okay. We’ll head up to your room first, Marcus.” The bellman just stood there quietly. The elevator bell
rang.
Ben got in and held the door open for Marcus, John,
Mark and Juan.
“Man, I am beat,” John sighed.
“Thank God for travel days. There aren’t many this
time of year,” Mark said.
“I think this is our last travel day,” Juan added. The elevator stopped on their floor.
Marcus turned to Ben. “We’re going to my room first,
right?”
“Right.”
They walked up to his door and Marcus opened it. Just as he was about to walk in, Ben stopped him. “No,
Marcus, let the bellman put the bags in first.”
He handed the bellman a tip. “Thanks, sir.” He turned
on the lights and went in. Immediately a woman screamed.
White-faced and panicked, the bellman ran out. “I’m sorry.
I didn’t know anyone was in there.”
Ben handed him another fifty. “Don’t worry about it,
son. That’s what she gets for pulling this stunt again.” “Who the hell?” Sheet wrapped around her, Cybil came
to the door ready to spit bullets.
“What are you doing in my room, Cybil?” Marcus was
not amused.
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“We’re not a couple anymore, Cybil. Why would you
want to surprise me naked when you obviously know I have
a girlfriend?”
“I got to thinking about old times.”
Mark yawned. “Listen, Marcus, I’m heading to my
room. See ya in the morning for training.”
“Okay. Good night.”
“I’m beat,” John said.
“Same here. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Juan said as they
walked down the hall.
Cybil looked
at Ben.
“Look at me all you want. I am not going anywhere.”
He held his position.
She rolled her eyes at him.
Marcus was exasperated. “Okay, Cybil, fun and games
are over. Get dressed and I’ll meet you downstairs in the
bar.”
“We could have a drink in your room.”
Marcus lost his patience. “The bar, Cybil. Ten minutes.
I’ll see you downstairs.” He walked away.
She slammed the door.
“Was it something I said?” Ben chuckled.
v
Marcus sat at the bar with a club soda. He was tired. However, the situation needed handling and it wasn’t something Ben could do for him; he had to straighten Cybil out once and for all. Ten minutes passed. Marcus was ticked off by her fashionable lateness.
Finally she appeared fully dressed. “Gin and tonic, please,” she said to the bartender.
“Sorry I kept you waiting.” She pulled up a stool.
“Coming right up, miss.”
Marcus remained quiet and calm. He wouldn’t begin talking until she had her drink in hand, even though he knew that he could wind up wearing it.
“Here you go, miss.”
“Thank you.” She sipped her drink.
“Put it on my tab, please,” Marcus said.
“Sure thing.”
She smiled. “Thanks. I knew you still cared.”
He rubbed his forehead. “Cybil, we have to get real here.”
“Fine. You and I used to be a real couple.”
“Cybil, you have to accept that I’ve moved on.” She fidgeted in her seat. “With your new girlfriend.” “Yes, with Cathy. She’s the one I want to be with.”
“Well, where is she? I’m here.” She looked around. “That used to be a bone of contention with us.”
“She’ll be here tomorrow afternoon.” He gulped back his club soda. “The fact is, I don’t want this to get ugly, but you can’t pull these stunts. First you show up in Baltimore saying you’re filming a movie and now you’re here in Tampa. I think it’s a good bet that you’re not shooting here.”
“Okay, I wanted to see you and see for myself if you’ve really moved on.”
“I have, Cybil. Cathy isn’t just a girlfriend. I love her. I’m in love with her.”
Cybil tried not to look as if she’d been punched in the chest. “I see.”
“I’m not saying this to hurt you. It’s the God’s honest truth.”
Not His Type Page 32
