Katy shook her head. She ran across the apartment to the big closet and opened the door. Jill and Katy’s few clothes filled only half of the left side of Jacob’s walk in closet. Katy picked her favorite ‘orangey gauzy’ dress and pink ‘flippy floppies’ for today. She was almost dressed when Delphie tapped on the door then stuck her head in. Trailing Jacob, Katy threw herself into Delphie’s arms. Jacob finished buttoning Katy’s dress while she hugged Delphie.
“Naomi said you’d come today.” Katy beamed.
Jacob and Delphie shared a look over Katy’s head.
“Who’s Naomi, honey?” Delphie asked.
“My Grandmommy!” Katy grabbed Delphie’s hand and pulled her into the apartment. “Are you going to help Daddy take care of me?”
“I wanted to ask you about Naomi,” Delphie said. “Would you like some cereal for breakfast?”
“I want the smiley guy,” Katy said. “But Daddy can’t have any cereal.”
“It’s a sad day,” Jacob said.
“Daddy is working to get well,” Delphie said. “He’s off the cereal for a while.”
“I’ll eat DOUBLE.”
Katy laughed at her own joke. She held her arms up and Delphie lifted her to her booster seat. Within moments, Katy was devouring her Captain Crunch. Delphie sedately ate a bowl of Kashi Go Lean. And poor Jacob sipped his protein berry smoothie with ‘this and that’ added to build his ‘blood and chi.’ Taking a bite, Delphie nodded to Jacob.
“Katy, I was wondering if you could tell us what happened last night?” Jacob asked.
“You mean going to Aunt Megan’s or eating spaghetti or playing light saber with my cousin Ryan or when I had the dream or when Daddy and Mommy came or…?”
“The dream,” Delphie said.
“Oh.” Katy blushed. She furrowed her brow then returned to eating her cereal.
“Katy?” Jacob asked.
“I’m deciding.”
“Deciding what?” Jacob asked.
“Well, I don’t talk about my dreams because people get upset,” Katy said.
“We won’t get upset, honey,” Delphie said. “We understand what it’s like.”
“You do?” Katy’s dark eyes blinked at Delphie. Delphie nodded. Katy looked at Jacob.
“I started having them when I was a little younger than you,” Jacob said. “How long have you had them?”
“I had my first one the day I met Naomi,” Katy said. “My old Daddy hit my Mommy with his fist. He was drunk and mad. So Mommy hid me in the closet. Naomi came to visit me. She told me he wasn’t my REAL Daddy and I shouldn’t be afraid. Then I had a dream.”
Jacob opened his mouth to say something but words didn’t come out. Somewhere between ‘hit with fist’ and ‘drunk and mad’, his mind went blank with anger. Delphie put her hand over his for comfort.
“What did you dream?” Delphie asked.
“I dreamed that I would meet you and Daddy would be my Daddy,” Katy said. “That’s why I asked him in that hospital place.”
“Do your dreams always come true?” Jacob asked.
“Not all of them. Just the ones that happen when I’m awake.”
“What do you mean?” Delphie asked.
“You know, I’m awake then I have a dream.”
Jacob and Delphie nodded their heads.
“My mother used to have them,” Jacob said.
“Naomi,” Katy said. “She’s your Mommy.”
“Yes, that was one on her names,” Jacob said. “You know that she’s d… not real, right?”
“She’s real, Daddy. She’s just not here,” Katy said. “She told me last night that Grand-Delphie would help me. She said you should practice too Daddy.”
“Only your mother can scold from the grave.” Delphie laughed.
Jacob laughed.
“I’m ready,” Katy said. She pushed her bowl away. “But... Daddy will you do it with me? I’m scared I’ll have the bad one again.”
“The bad one?” Jacob was half way to the sink with Katy’s bowl when he turned.
“The one where my old Daddy steals me away.”
~~~~~~~~
Friday morning — 11 A.M.
Sam stepped back from the window to admire his work. He’d forgotten how much he enjoyed carpentry. With Aden and Blane at the helm of Lipson Construction, he was able to spend the afternoon installing windows. Hearing a sound, he turned to see Jacob come up behind him.
“The master returns,” Jacob said.
“We’ll see. I have three more to go,” Sam said.
“Looks like you’re doing a great job,” Jacob said. He moved to the second window. “Oh, thanks for fixing the rotten piece on this frame.”
Nodding, Sam picked up the next window.
“I heard to oddest thing,” Jacob said.
“Uh huh.” Sam slid a window into place. “These are nice. Double paned, low e. I didn’t know this was even possible.”
“It’s relatively new. Most people can’t do it because...”
“They jack up the frames taking them out,” Sam finished Jacob’s sentence.
“Exactly.” Jacob gave Sam a can of spray insulation to fill the gaps around the window.
“This insulation is great too,” Sam said. “Why didn’t you replace the windows at home?”
“I love the wavy lead windows at the Castle. They’re especially beautiful in your room,” Jacob said. “It’s a heat loss, but we’ve done a great job filling the gaps, double insulating and using Delphie’s insulated shades. New windows would only give us a minor difference.”
Sam nodded then moved to the next window.
“I hear I picked up a new business partner.”
Jacob used his left hand to help Sam lift the largest, heaviest window. Sam installed the window rather than respond to Jacob.
“What do you think about that?” Sam asked.
“It’s about time,” Jacob said. “Do you want part of the business? You could...”
“Nah,” Sam said. “I worked for your mother for most of my life. I’ve worked for you for the rest. I’d rather work for you. If that’s Ok.”
“Sure,” Jacob said. “Compensation?”
Sam laughed.
“Son, let’s sell one company first,” Sam said.
“Let’s get through a Valerie party first.” Jacob countered.
Sam laughed. Turning, he hugged Jacob. Jacob groaned in pain.
“I never tell you enough,” Sam said. “I’m so grateful that you’re my son.”
“Love you, Dad,” Jacob said.
“Did you ever figure out how Katy is your child?”
“God, not you too,” Jacob said.
“You never met your mother’s father, Delbert. Katy looks just like him. Especially when she laughs.”
“Yeah, okay, Dad. We’ll get you a grandchild as soon as possible.”
“Eh, I already have one,” Sam said. “You should do the DNA.”
“Okay, whatever. Katy is my daughter no matter who her biological father happens to be,” Jacob said. “You can finish this?”
“Uh huh. You heard that Jill’s going to help with color. Did you know she was your color gal?”
“No,” Jacob said.
“The universe offers many chances at love,” Sam said.
“I think you’ve spent waaaaay to much time with Delphie.”
Sam laughed.
~~~~~~~~
Friday afternoon — 2:45 P.M.
“Now is your rest time, Val.” Ramon trailed after Valerie down the hall to her apartment. “No hanky panky and no food. Just water. Sleep for at least an hour then we’ll do the wrap and... Where is the farm boy?”
Valerie turned in place to give Ramon a menacing look. Flipping around, she continued down the hall.
“Fine. Where is Michael?”
“He’s in his studio. A couple museums came today to see his work,” Valerie said.
She opened the door to her apartment. Seeing Mike standing naked holding cho
colate covered strawberries and champagne, Valerie spun in place.
“Thank you for your help, Ramon. I promise that I’ll rest,” Valerie said. “You’ll be the first person I see when I get up. We’ll do the seaweed wrap; meet with Cindy from Sol for lingerie; then hang out with the Martins crowd. I’ll be picture perfect by six.”
She moved to close the door in his face.
“Oh, I thought you’d want to play cards.”
“I need to rest. I’m exhausted and I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was out dancing with you until three and up at six to start getting dressed.”
Valerie smiled. Ramon nodded.
“He’s in there, isn’t he?” Ramon asked.
Valerie kissed Ramon’s cheek then closed the door.
“You are a sight for sore eyes,” Valerie said. “What’s your plan, Mr. Roper?”
“You,” he said.
She moved across the room into his arms.
“How did it go this morning?” he asked.
“Boring,” Valerie said. “It’s fun to get all the treatments with Jill and her friends. They’re so refreshing for me. I’m grateful they let me hang out with them. That Tanesha could have her own comedy show.”
“Samantha couldn’t make it?” he asked.
“She’s in trial,” Valerie said. “Plus you know Sami.”
“Beauty requires regular maintenance,” they said together.
“She gets these treatments at least once a week. Even while she was in the Navy.” Valerie shook her head. “How was your morning?”
“The Met and the Smithsonian... They both want a piece. If Adam Lerner wasn’t there? I would have passed out. He did the negotiating. And you should hear the money they’re talking. I... William Morris called and they want to represent me. Frederec said they want me in their print ads.”
“And you?” Valerie asked. “What do you want?”
“You.”
“Hmm, what did you have in mind?”
“I am drawing your bath,” he said. “I made your favorite no-carb snack. And I thought we’d sneak a little champagne.”
Valerie shook her head.
“Bubbles,” they said in unison.
“Vodka?” Mike asked. “It’s low carb and I promise to work the calories...”
Valerie jumped into his arms. Laughing, he carried her into the bathroom where the tub was filling. One piece of clothing at a time, he undressed her then set her into the tub. Stepping in behind her, he grabbed the sponge.
“I’m scared,” Valerie said.
“You? I’ve never known you to be scared,” he said.
“Things are changing very fast,” she said. “My agent called to say that her phone has been ringing off the hook… with great parts… for me... Like I’m an ‘A’ lister. That’s what she said. ‘A’ lister. I...”
“I’m right here,” he said.
“For now! You’ll have openings around the world. You...”
“I’m right here. I have a choice. And I’ll never leave you again. Never by choice.”
“You say that, but what if...”
He kissed the top of her head.
“’If’ has already happened and I’m still right here. We’re very lucky.”
Valerie nodded.
“How can I ease your mind?”
“I am kind of tense...”
Mike popped out the tub. Valerie chased him to the bed.
~~~~~~~~
Friday afternoon — 3:30 P.M.
Jill crept across Jacob’s apartment. After being sent off to rest, Sandy, Heather, Tanisha and Jill giggled and played with Katy. When Katy began to sag, the women settled in to nap. It was going to be a late night and a little sleep would go a long way. Right now, Katy and her friends were sound asleep. Feeling like Scarlet O’Hara at the ball, Jill couldn’t sleep.
She had to know.
She opened the closet door slowly.
The closet door squeaked!
But didn’t wake anyone.
She let out a breath.
Going to the back of the closet, she dug through Jacob’s old clothing. He told her he meant to get rid of it, but hadn’t gotten around to it. Clothing from when he lived in Maine. Clothing from four years ago.
Frustrated that she hadn’t found it, she flipped one of the last hangers to quickly.
The hanger scraped!
She leaned back to see if anyone woke up.
Everyone was still asleep.
She let out another breath.
Turning back, she saw what her hand was touching. She bit her lip to keep from fainting.
She had to know.
She touched the lipstick stain on the collar. Her thumb ran over the makeup on the lapel. Leaning forward, she took a deep breath and smelled… lavender.
Oh. My. God.
Blue wool and… buttons?
Taking her button out of her pocket, she looked at the left sleeve of the jacket. It was missing one button.
Her button.
Clutching the jacket, she dropped to her knees.
“Jill!” Jacob whispered. He rushed forward to kneel beside her. “Are you all right? Honey, what happened?”
“You had a tattoo.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Oh no you don’t!
“I...”
“JILL!” Sandy pushed past Jacob to Jill’s side. Seeing the jacket in Jill’s hands, she said, “Come on, honey, let’s get out of the closet.”
She touched the jacket, but Jill hung on tight to the fabric.
“Jacob, get her other arm,” Sandy said.
Jacob and Sandy helped a sagging Jill into the other room.
“I think we need to talk...” Jacob started.
“Oh no you don’t. If this has to do with our girl, Jill, you can talk right here.” Tanesha put her hands on her hips. Looking at Jill, she saw the jacket for the first time. “Especially if that’s what I think it is.”
“Really, I think...” Jacob started.
“Not. A. Chance.” Heather’s hands went to her hips as well. “If that’s the jacket as in the button jacket, then this is about all of us. You can talk right here.”
“What about Katy?” Jacob asked. “It’s not really...”
Heather raced across the apartment to answer a tap on the door. Opening the door, she found Delphie on the other side.
“I wanted to see if anyone needed some ironing done. I’m doing it, so I thought I’d ask,” Delphie said to Heather. Looking from face to face, she said, “Oh.”
Delphie made her girlie smile at Jacob.
“Would you mind watching Katy?” Jacob asked. “We’re having a little...”
“Epiphany?” Delphie twirled back and forth with glee.
Jacob glared at her. Delphie cleared her throat.
“Why don’t you show the girls what you’ve done with the rest of the attic?” Delphie asked. “I’ll stay with Katy.”
Jacob looked down at Jill. Still clutching the jacket, Jill’s eyes were hollow and blank. He looked over her head to Sandy. Sandy nodded. With Jill between them, they went into the bathroom.
“Heather, there’s a key to this door on a hook in the medicine cabinet. Can you get that, please?”
Heather found the key and opened the door.
And the women stood in awe.
The dusty, old attic space had been converted into a stunning home. Gleaming hardwood floors gave way to sedate groupings of furniture. A gorgeous sitting area with a couple couches and chairs rested on a beautiful oriental rug next to a gas fireplace. A formal dining table was set in an alcove by the windows. The brand new full kitchen formed a ‘U’ out from the outer wall of the loft. Along the garden side of the wide open space, four rooms lay ready to be occupied. Twin bathrooms occupied the corners of the back wall.
“I have her, Sandy,” Jacob said. “We’re almost done. We hoped to surprise Jill with this but... Please go on in.”
Heather, Sandy and Tanisha went into th
e open space. A plumber poked his head out of the bathroom.
“It’s all right, Fred,” Jacob said.
The plumber nodded to Jacob and went back into the bathroom. With Jill tucked against him, he made his way to a couch.
“Delphie and Val have been supplying the kitchen in secret. I don’t know what’s there. Would you mind making some tea, Sandy? Heather? Can you turn on the gas fireplace? I’m sorry. I get very cold.”
“This is gorgeous,” Tanisha said. “This was a surprise? Just an ‘It’s Saturday’ surprise?”
“I was thinking of it as more a two week anniversary of the non-date,” Jacob said.
“Jacob? What happened?” Jill stirred next to him. She looked at the blue men’s jacket in her hand. “Oh. Is this yours?”
“Yes,” Jacob said. “It’s my school jacket. The buttons are imprinted with the polar bear. Polar Bears are Bowdoin’s mascot.”
“Polar bear with a hockey stick. That was your tattoo.”
“On my pec,” he said. “Aden got mercury poisoning from the red dragon tattoos on his back and shoulder. Blane and I had our tattoos removed so he wouldn’t have to go through it alone. You had a belly ring.”
“I had to take it out when I got pregnant.”
“You didn’t have a soul mate tattoo.”
“Yeah.” Jill’s hand ran over the tattoo on her wrist. Sighing, she noticed for the first time that her friends were standing around. “Where are we?”
“Our new home,” Jacob said.
Jill looked at him then turned to look around the loft space.
“Wow,” she said. “You did this?”
“Me, Val, Mike, Delphie and Dad,” Jacob said. “We knew you couldn’t really go home, so we wanted you to have a place that would be your home. At least I hope it will be your home.”
Jill tipped her head up to kiss him.
“This is very touching but we need to sort out a few things,” Tanesha said.
“Like what the hell?” Heather asked.
“And other things.” Sandy set two cups of green tea on the end table then went into the kitchen for more. “Jill, this kitchen is perfect. I’m going to love cooking here.”
“Do I get a tour?” Jill asked.
“When we’re finished here! Who’s going to start?” Heather looked from person to person. “Fine, I’ll start.
Celia's Puppies Page 11
