A Little Help from Above

by Saralee Rosenberg

  “Matty?” Shelby shivered as the wind whipped through her flimsy bathrobe, and her already disheveled hair blew across her face. “What are you doing here?”

  “The car was ready. And you forgot these the other day.” He gave her the wilted bouquet.

  “Thank you.” She sniffed the flowers. “What do you know? They’re still dead.”

  “Yes, but I hear if you put them in a dry vase for a day, they get really good and dead.”

  “I’ll remember that.” Shelby tried to stifle a yawn.

  “I’m sorry.” He shuffled his feet. “Did I wake you?”

  “It’s okay. I have a million things to do today,” she lied.

  “You look beat. Have you been working hard?”

  “Yes, that’s it. Hard work…and no sleep.”

  “Same with me.” He looked down.

  “Why didn’t you call to say you were coming?” She glanced down at her furry slippers and winced.

  “For what? Directions?”

  “Good point.” Shelby smiled. “Okay, why didn’t you call me at all?”

  “I was afraid.”

  “Of what? My feelings for you?”

  “No, of my feelings for you. Then I was afraid if I asked to see you, you’d say no.”

  “I would never say no.” Shelby wrapped her arms around her-

  “Is there someplace we could talk?” Matty asked. “Preferably somewhere with heat?”

  “Sure. I’m staying out back. It’s nothing like the guesthouse at your place, but…”

  He scooped her up and carried her across the backyard.

  “Put me down. I’m too heavy for you,” Shelby squealed.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am.” he laughed. “We can’t take the chance of ruining those lovely slippers.”

  Shelby laughed, too, then cried, painfully aware a runny nose would only enhance her lovely image as a housefrau in flannel, with puffy eyes and morning hair. Trouble with her, she had recently discovered, was that once the faucet opened, it was a gusher.

  When Matty gently put Shelby down, he wiped her tears with his hand. “I don’t remember you being the crybaby,” he teased. “That was my department. Remember?”

  “Yes.” She sniffed. “Everything made you cry. Like the time Wendy accidentally spilled her milk bottle on your head? We thought you’d never recover.”

  “I didn’t. I still belong to a support group for people with dairyosis.”

  “You look fine to me.” Her heart raced as she wondered how long she could just stand there without ripping the clothes off his irresistible body.

  “This is a little awkward.” He looked around, wondering where to sit. The only place without clothes strewn over everything was the bed. “And is it just me, or is it freezing in here?”

  “I was roasting, so I shut off the heat.” She rubbed his arm. “But I can heat things up.”

  “Please don’t get the wrong impression, Shelby.” He blushed. “I didn’t come here to…”

  “Yes, but in case you’ve come to tell me we can never be together, I want a consolation prize.” She began to tug at his navy cashmere sweater. “Just once I want to see you naked.”

  Matty closed his eyes and smiled up at the heavens. “I want you more than you could possibly imagine, Shelby, but I really think we need to talk…”

  “Absolutely.” She threw his sweater on the bed and nimbly unbuttoned his oxford shirt, exposing his broad, muscular chest. “Let’s talk.” She fingered his dark curls.

  “I take it you’re happy to see me?” He caressed her face.

  “I’ll be happier when I see all of you.” She unbuckled his belt, unzipped his fly, and let his pants drop to the floor.

  “At the doctor’s, they let me take my shoes off first.”

  “Well, this isn’t the doctor, and you’re not in Kansas anymore.” She stepped back to examine her masterpiece. “You are beyond gorgeous.” She stood on tiptoes to kiss him.

  “So, I pass the test?” He actually looked worried.

  “You’re perfect,” she whispered.

  “Permission to stay?”

  “I’m ordering you to stay.” She quickly removed his shoes, then his pants, and gazed at the stunning man before her. His physique was so perfectly proportioned and strong, his maleness so alluring, no way would she be able to keep her hands off the merchandise.

  “Is it my turn?” He nervously reached to untie the belt on her robe. “I’ve had a fantasy or two myself over the years.”

  She nodded yes, praying he wouldn’t be turned off by her protruding belly. At least her ample breasts, tiny waist, and long, curvy legs remained hot items.

  Slowly, Matty removed her robe, and lifted her nightgown over her head. Now it was his turn to gaze at his childhood friend, today a ravishing work of art, chiseled to perfection.

  “I’m pregnant, remember.” She bit her lip. “And I haven’t even brushed my hair yet…”

  “When I was about nine or ten I used to daydream about how you would look as a woman, and I had a hell of a good imagination. But never in my wildest dreams did I envision you this beautiful.” He pulled her toward him and kissed her hungrily.

  Shelby returned the kiss with the same unbridled passion, crying out when he caressed her breasts and licked her taut nipples. By now she was so aroused and flush with desire, she tore off his boxers and fondled him.

  “It’s been so long,” he moaned. “I may not be able to hold it…”

  “Shhh…” Shelby touched his lips. “I don’t care.”

  Matty swiftly delivered Shelby to her bed. There he knelt before her, kissing her thighs and nibbling at her panties until they were wet with anticipation. Shelby pulled him on top of her.

  “Are you sure about this?” he whispered. “Maybe we should stop.”

  “No way.” She squeezed him until he cried for mercy. “When you come play at Shelby’s house, you have to play what she wants, remember?”

  “What I remember”—he laughed—“is that we played what you wanted at my house, too.”

  “Exactly. Now keep going, or else.”

  “Well if you put it that way.” He laid her back down.

  “There is one thing.” She ran her hands down his warm, muscular thighs.

  “Do I have a condom?”

  “No, a cell phone.”

  “You thought of someone you’d like to call right now?”

  “No, I want to make sure it’s turned off.”

  “I left it in the car with my pager.” He reached over to tease her clit with his middle finger.

  “And what about a condom? Did you listen to your mother?”

  “No,” he groaned, falling back into the pillows.

  “Bad boy.” She smacked his firm ass. “You should always listen to your mother.”

  “Shelby, trust me, I didn’t think you’d want to speak to me, let alone make love to me.”

  “Oh, what the hell?” She mounted him. “It’s not like I can get pregnant.”

  “No, wait. We can’t take any chances,” he cried with anguish as he lifted her off. “I’d never forgive myself if I hurt you in some way…”

  “I appreciate your concern, but what if I assured you every man I’ve been with was wrapped and double-wrapped?”

  “Shelby…I can’t give you the same guarantee.”

  “What do you mean?” She stopped. “How many other women have you been with?”

  “Just Gwen,” he stroked her hair. “But she’s been with…another man…Let’s be safe.”

  “Damn! You’re right. We have to act responsibly. But I want you so badly…”

  “Oh, believe me, ma’am. I’m at your service.” He slowly ran his tongue from her naval to her sunbelt region.

  “Oh! My! God!” Shelby cried out. “I’m melting…”

  It was amazing how creative two motivated people could get when they desperately wanted to engage in risk-free orgasms. Exhausted, they lay breathless and limp, daring not to move for f
ear of altering the dreamlike state that had enveloped the room.

  Still, even the most artful lovers need nourishment, and when they finally emerged, Maria was standing by, pleased to be called upon to whip up her famous country fried eggs. She had always been partial to handsome men with large appetites, but was even more gratified watching Shelby devour her cooking, as if she hadn’t eaten in a week. Which she hadn’t. Kvell. Yes, that would be the word Mrs. L would have used at a moment like this.

  “Will you be needing anything else?” Maria asked. “I want to get my dusting finished.”

  “We’re fine, thank you.” Shelby could not take her eyes off Matty.

  “Yes, I see that.” Maria winked. “I’m thinkin’ maybe I should switch car dealers,” she mumbled. “I never got service like that before.”

  “So.” Shelby sipped her coffee. “You said you came here to talk.”

  “I did. But then I was rudely interrupted.”

  “That’s awful.” She rubbed his foot under the table. “What did you want to talk about?”

  “Hell if I can remember.” He scratched his head.

  “Maybe I can refresh your memory. Were you, by any chance, coming to tell me you’d realized you’ve been with the wrong woman all these years, and now you’d like to make a midcourse correction?”

  “I wasn’t going to put it quite like that.” He laughed. “Although it is true that Gwen and I are having problems and…to be honest, she’s asked me for a divorce.”

  “Yes!” Shelby clapped.

  “Shelby! Stop!” He laughed. “You’re not supposed to be happy when a friend tells you his marriage is over.”

  “I am when it’s your marriage!”

  “Call me psychic, but it seems you’re in an awfully big hurry for us to be together.”

  “A hurry? You call waiting your whole life being in a hurry?”

  “Well, hold on. Don’t jump the gun,” Matty smiled. “You don’t know my whole story.”

  “Au contraire, my friend. I’m a reporter, remember?” Shelby leaned in. “This is what happens next. You’re married to the lieutenant governor’s daughter. Therefore, once the gossip columns get wind of a separation, they’ll camp out at your doorstep for a few weeks and expect you to provide the coffee. Then after the story has been chewed up and spit out by the media, the lawyers will step in and it will get as ugly as a Ron Perelman divorce, complete with kinky allegations, mudslinging, and outrageous demands.

  “Then there will the hotly contested, emotionally gut-wrenching issue of who gets custody of Emily, who gets the sailboat, and who gets the house on Martha’s Vineyard…”

  “Okay.” He looked sullen. “You do understand my problem. But, it’s not only the divorce that I wanted to talk to you about.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Look, once word gets out that Gwen is talking to lawyers…I didn’t want you to read about it in the papers. I wanted to tell you personally.”

  “I appreciate that…”

  “And I don’t think it would be smart for me to get involved with anyone right away.”

  “Oh I agree. But I’m not anyone. I’m the girl who loved you when you couldn’t tie your own sneakers, when you were afraid of the dark and needed me to hold your hand…”

  Matty looked into Shelby’s eyes. “Believe me I would be kidding myself if I said I didn’t have strong feelings for you. I do. And what just happened here this morning? Frankly, I haven’t felt that loved in years. But I’m tired and confused and hurt. I just need some time.”

  “How much time?” Shelby bit her lip. “A few days? A few months?”

  Matty laughed. How could he have forgotten about Shelby’s incredible determination? “I don’t know. At the moment I just feel like running away. Maybe fly to Portland to visit Wendy and the kids, see some old high school buddies…”

  “Could I come with you?” Shelby got down on her knees. “I promise I wouldn’t be in the way. I’d love to see Wendy and spend more time with your mom.”

  Matty smiled, brushing the bangs from her face. “You want to spend time with my mom?”

  Shelby’s head bobbed.

  “Well, that would certainly take the pressure off me having to do it.”

  “And you could take me to a Trailblazers game.”

  “You like basketball?” His eyes lit up.

  “No, I like you.” She kissed him tenderly. “And I would go anywhere to be with you.”

  Matty sighed. He was trying so hard not to cave, but Shelby could wear down a Kamikaze pilot. “I’m warning you. I’m no great bargain. I have to have my own remote control,” he declared.

  “So? I hate TV.”

  “And I hate being nagged about what I eat.”

  “Perfect. I hate being nagged about what I don’t eat.”

  “I can be pretty grumpy in the mornings,” he tried again.

  “I can be grumpy all day.”

  “I hate parties.”

  “No big deal,” she shrugged. “I hate people.”

  “After all these years, you honestly believe that you and I could work?” Matty stared.

  “It has to work.” Shelby laughed through tears. “It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  “It’s a miracle.” Irma Weiner clapped, referring to the wonderful news that Larry and Roz were about to be released from North Shore Hospital. “Just like the story of Chanukah.”

  Indeed, the timing was serendipitous. In this first week of December, Jews were celebrating Chanukah, a triumphant holiday commemorating when the Israelites prevailed during the darkest days of the year and were illuminated with hope by oil lamps that burned brightly, wondrously, for eight nights.

  How fitting at this joyous time of year that Larry and Roz were finally well enough to be moved to Transitions, a nearby state-of-the-art rehabilitation center. There they would slowly rebuild muscle and mind, and try to prepare for reentering life, not as they knew it before the accident, but as they would know it now. A true miracle of miracles.

  Eric’s completed rehabilitation was another victory, as was his agreeing to reunite with his family after a yearlong journey through substance-abuse hell. In a few hours Lauren would be picking him up at JFK and bringing him back to North Shore, just in time for the little bon voyage party the fifth-floor nursing staff was throwing for the two patients who had captured their hearts and their prayers after being brought in through death’s door.

  Shelby was practically walking on air as she helped Aunt Roz pack up her hospital room. There were so many things to be grateful for, and so much to look forward to. In a few days, she would be flying to Portland to spend a week getting reacquainted with Matty and his family.

  “It is like the miracle of Chanukah,” Shelby hugged Irma. “Who knew the best gifts weren’t from Toys” R” Us?”

  “I wish she’d said that when she was younger,” Roz said to Irma. “There wasn’t a toy this child didn’t ask for.”

  “And didn’t end up getting.” Shelby laughed. “I guess I was a little spoiled.”

  “A little spoiled?” Roz exclaimed. “My sister, may she rest in peace, spent a small fortune on the girls at Chanukah time. Between the clothes and the games and the books, the only miracle was there was any money left in the bank.”

  “Oh, puh-leeze. Daddy was loaded, and we knew it.”

  “Yes, well, riches come in many forms.” Irma kissed them both good-bye. “And lucky for your family, you’ve been blessed with the most important kind. I’ll be back in time for the party, but my dears, I have some Chanukah shopping to do myself. What do you get the man who has everything?” she wondered aloud.

  “This sounds serious, Irma.” Shelby nudged her arm. “What’s the story with this guy?”

  “Norman is a dear, sweet man,” Irma blushed. “And, frankly, I’m having a ball.”

  “Good for you!” Roz nodded. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

&nb
sp; “Thank you.” She waved. “See you later.”

  “It’s about time she was lucky in love.” Roz threw out get well cards while Shelby tossed her aunt’s slippers and toiletries into a suitcase.

  “Yes,” Shelby agreed, wondering if Roz felt the same way about her.

  “And the same goes for you, honey.”

  “Thank you,” she replied. “Do you think…I was wondering…Never mind.”

  “What is it?” Roz looked over with a smile.

  “Forget it. It was nothing.”

  “No, go on. You were going to ask me something. Please?”

  Shelby hesitated. How she hated revealing her vulnerable side, and yet she was having nagging doubts about Matty. Who better to talk to than someone who knew and loved her since she was born? Someone who was the closest person she had to a mother? “I was just wondering,” she began, “do you think I’m doing the right thing? Going to Portland?”

  “Absolutely.” Roz beamed. “I’ve always said when it comes to love, follow your heart no matter the odds.”

  “I know. But the thing is, Matty didn’t ask me to go. I sort of invited myself, and now I’m wondering if that was a mistake.”

  “I think it’s a wonderful idea, dear. You’ll go, you’ll have a good time reminiscing…”

  “Yes, but he keeps saying how he needs some time alone.”

  “Honey, he’s a big boy now. If he didn’t want you to come, he would have said so.”

  “I don’t know. He was never very good at saying no to me. And now I’m thinking maybe I should have butted out and let him go alone like he’d planned. Then he’d have time to…”

  “Think about you?”

  “I guess.” Shelby looked away. “And the other thing is, I’m afraid one day he might come back to me and say that I was unfair to him.”

  “Because you didn’t give him a chance to get over things first.”

  “Exactly. How did you know that?”

  “Because I know what you’re going through. You’re telling me my life’s story.”

  “I am?”

  “Of course, dear. You don’t think I was scared to death that your father would leave me? Everything with us happened so quickly. Your mother got sick, I got pregnant, she died, we got married, had Eric…I used to wake up in the middle of the night just to make sure Daddy was still lying there next to me. I was so sure he’d change his mind and accuse me of rushing him into the marriage, of never giving him a chance to recover from Sandy’s death.”