"Let's do some sight-seeing, Lisa. Check out the shops and the Historic Railroad Museum. Or if you'd rather maybe we could pack a big picnic lunch with lots of junk food, head for the beach and spend the day lying in the sun."
"But maybe Dr. Woodstock won't let me." It was a logical excuse, the first to spring to her mind. "You know how overworked we are right now," she reminded him.
He shrugged. "Everyone else will be getting the time off. Why shouldn't you? Besides, I'm sure it's written in your contract."
"I don't know, Michael. Give me a while. I'll have to think about it."
He shrugged. "Suit yourself."
They proceeded to tie up Ebony and give her fresh water and hay. Then they started for the far end of the lot where the trucks and trailers were parked. As they ambled along, approaching the Figaros' motor home, he cupped his hand against the back of her neck. His touch warmed her, chipping away at her resolve.
In her peripheral vision, she thought she spied movement through the RV window. Squinting, she peered harder just as a human-shaped shadow faded away.
"So what do you say?" he asked again, his eagerness resurfacing. "Will you say yes about tomorrow? Will go with me to Galveston?"
She stopped to face him, and again wrestled with her misgivings. Her heart was winning out. "Okay, Michael. But only on two conditions."
"What?"
"First, I want to make sure Dr. Woodstock hasn't any objections. Secondly, a lot will also depend on the animals. I'll go only if there are no emergencies."
"You won't be sorry, Lisa. Besides, Doc Woodstock can work alone now and then. He's done it before."
She released a slow, steadying breath. One day with Michael. For one precious day she could forget her troubles and have Michael Figaro all to herself--away from the showgirls, away from the groupies, away from the responsibilities and schedules. The thought tugged at her, caused her heart to beat faster, filling her with unexplainable pleasure.
A door from the motor home creaked open, then slammed shut.
"Hi."
"Hi, Claudette." Michael grinned openly at her.
Lisa held her breath. Had it been Claudette watching them? In a flash her thoughts rolled back to that first morning when she'd been alone in Estelle's trailer--the horrid green fabric, the humongous soiled jeans. Every time she'd come across them, she'd resolved to throw them away. For some reason, though, she never had.
"Guess what, Michael?" Claudette drawled. She lifted a shoulder and flashed him a coy smile. "The only thing I have to do tomorrow on our day off is have a friendly little chat with Doc Woodstock. Then I'm as free as a bird."
"Chat with Dr. Woodstock? What about? Lisa wondered in horror. Would Claudette convince him to fire her before Lisa's probation was up?
"Lisa and I have been talking about our day off too," Michael replied amicably. "We've already decided what we're going to do."
"You have?"
"Uh-huh. We're going to drive to Galveston. Spend the entire day kicking around."
Claudette clasped her hands together in a gesture of eagerness. "Oh, Michael. What a terrific idea! Why didn't I think of that?" She paused, her smile growing wider, a strange glint springing to her eyes. "Can Rita and I come with you too?"
Chapter Six
"Gosh, Claudette. That’s a stupid thing to ask," Michael answered between clenched teeth. "Lisa and I need time alone." There she goes again, he thought glumly. Trying to set me up with Rita. Well, she'd better not try to interfere this time, because I won't let her. There's too much at stake. If Lisa's not careful, she's gonna stress out for sure.
"Now don't get your hackles up," Claudette said. "I...I just thought it might be a cozy four-some, that's all." She lowered her gaze, exposing a dark fringe of eyelashes against maddeningly flawless skin. "After all, Galveston's a great big city. Rita and I might need a little extra help finding our way around."
"Oh, come off it, Claudette! You expect me to believe that?"
"Some brother you are! You're impossible." She threw up her hands in defeat and sighed. Then she turned on her heel and stepped back inside the motor home. "Sorry I asked, Michael. Goodnight all."
* * *
The morning dawned bright and sunny with the promise of clear skies. What perfect weather for a holiday, Lisa thought as she hurried to get dress. She reached inside the closet for a red, white and blue T-shirt with a star in the middle and a sporty pair of red slacks.
Back near Phoenix, Arizona, she and Estelle had managed a quick trip to a shopping mall off the interstate. Lisa had not only purchased several outfits, but two new pieces of luggage to store them in. Extra closet space was sorely limited in Estelle’s small trailer.
Now they were breakfasting together, savoring golden-crusted waffles and fresh sliced strawberries, topped with whipped cream. Rags, having lapped up the remainder of the cream, was taking a snooze, nestled into Estelle's bean bag chair.
"I love your dishes," Lisa said softly, running a finger around the rim of a white porcelain dinner plate decorated in delicate patterns of blue forget-me-nots. She swallowed against the lump in her throat, remembering her own set of blue-and-white dishes she'd donated to charity, plus and all the other treasures she'd left behind.
She missed Doc Largent and her friends too--especially Melinda. Had uprooting herself to begin a new life here really been worth it?
"I know it might seem silly using my good china for everyday, but sometimes I do it anyway," Estelle said. Lifting a matching coffee server, she filled first Lisa's cup, then her own. The aroma of the rich, strong brew wafted about them.
"Have you heard anything from your father lately?" Lisa asked. "Is he going to come back soon?"
A small frown line bridged Estelle's delicately arched eyebrows. "Mother phoned Papa yesterday just as he'd arrived back from another meeting with Uncle Peter's lawyer. He thinks more than ever now he'll be gone till the end of the summer. He kept reminding my mother to tell Michael to keep a close eye on Ebony." She shook her head and smiled, a distant look shining in her eyes. "Papa's sure crazy about that horse."
"I am, too," Lisa said.
"Yes, I know. We all are." Estelle paused. "So what’re you going to do today?"
Lisa told her, purposefully avoiding the part about Claudette's plea to include Rita and herself. Though Lisa was tempted to let Estelle know everything about Claudette, she kept quiet. If circus families were as close-knit as Michael had confirmed, it wouldn't be a smart move on her part.
"Mom and I talked about taking in a dog show later this morning at the fairgrounds up the road," Estelle said with a quick smile. "Then later tonight we might watch some of the fireworks that the younger kids and their parents will be setting off."
"You don't mind? Sticking around here?" Lisa asked. She was still thinking about Claudette.
"Of course not. I've been to Galveston plenty of times before. So have Michael and Claudette." Pursing her lips, Lisa nodded without comment. Estelle's remark had only confirmed her suspicions. Claudette didn't need Michael's help getting around Galveston anymore than the President needed help finding his way back to the White House.
Estelle eyed Lisa thoughtfully before going on. "So you and my brother are starting to see each other?"
"Uh...no, not really. As you know, there isn't much time to socialize." Lisa avoided Estelle's steady gaze as she stared down at the pat of melted butter on her half-eaten waffle.
"But what about today? Wouldn't you call this a date?"
"Michael is just concerned. He thinks I need to get away for a while."
"He has good reason to be concerned," Estelle said wiping the corner of her mouth with a white paper napkin. "I mean, people sometimes get the wrong idea, you know? They come to the shows and they see all the sequins, lights, and glitter, and think our life is just one big glamorous night after another."
"But I'm not one of those people, Estelle. I do know the difference."
"Most likely you do. But k
nowing and experiencing can be two different things."
"Well, as far as Michael and I seeing each other, it's all in the best interest of furthering my career. He's treating me like a sister, just like he treats you--" She faltered. "--and I guess Claudette too." Lisa struggled to wipe out the memory of his kisses, and felt a slow flush rise from her neck to her cheeks. Could Estelle guess she was bending the truth?
Estelle stared at her coffee mug, toying with the handle. "You're right, Lisa. My brother cares about what happens to you here. But I also think he cares in another way."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Estelle's words caught Lisa by surprise.
"Ever since that day he met you in Madison Square Garden, he's never stopped talking about you. In fact, when he quit the troupe to strike out on his own, Claudette was convinced his real reason was to go look for you."
Lisa felt light-headed, as if she couldn't get enough air. Michael hadn't stopped talking about her? A swirl of mixed emotions swept over her. Elation...confusion...and mostly, fear. But what was it she feared the most? Michael himself, or the way he was affecting her?
"But obviously Claudette was wrong," Lisa said, swishing a hand through the air. "At the time, I was just someone else for Michael to flirt with. Actually, I never heard from your brother again after Madison Square Garden until I took this job. It was sheer coincidence I ended up back here."
"I'm sure, though, if he hadn't been so intent on finding himself, discovering what it was he really wanted to do, he would've tracked you down."
"And now Michael is equally single-minded about the circus," Lisa insisted, though inside she was still quaking. "He knows he'll be a flyer forever. He seems to think I'm going to leave here, either by my own choice or because I have to--which after what happened yesterday could be truer than I'd like to admit." She gave an exaggerated shrug. "So why on earth would Michael want to get involved with someone he might never see again?"
Now it was Estelle's turn to nod without comment. Yet the look in her eyes told Lisa she didn't buy it.
"All right, all right." Lisa backed down. "I'll admit, maybe Michael's interest in me might be a little more than that of a brother. And I'll also admit, I'm attracted to him too. But that's where it ends, Estelle. It's nothing more than physical attraction. Truth is, I don't want a romantic commitment either."
Over a second round of waffles, she haltingly explained about her broken engagement.
"Michael's not like Charles," Estelle said softly after Lisa had finished her story. "Even though there’re probably a million women out there who'd love to get to know Michael, and he can be a hopeless flirt at times, he would never stray." She sighed, flashing Lisa a wistful smile. "I just hope when I find the love of my life, it'll be someone wonderful like my brother."
A loud rap at the trailer door interrupted their conversation. "Sis! Lisa! You still there?"
Rags barked.
Lisa glanced at her watch. What was Michael doing here so early?
"Door's unlocked," Estelle called. "Come in, Michael."
Flustered, Lisa sprang up from her seat. Had he'd overheard what she and Estelle had been talking about?
"Mornin', Lisa. Sis." As he stepped inside, his masculine physique seemed to fill the doorway. He wore off-white khaki slacks and a light blue, open-collared shirt with the sleeves cuffed up.
Michael broke into a dazzling smile, his eyes fixed on Lisa. "Wow! You look terrific! Where'd you get that outfit?"
She returned his smile. "Quick shopping trip. Estelle helped me. I've been saving it for something special." Lisa's heart raced.
"My sister has good taste, eh?" He shoved his hands into his hip pockets and rocked back on his heels.
Lisa's gaze dropped from Michael's suntanned face to a thin gold chain encircling his neck. The sunlight, slanting through the trailer window, touched it, causing it to glimmer.
"I...I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he went on as he looked first at Estelle, then Lisa.
“No, of course not." Estelle got to her feet also.
"Good." He cleared his throat. "So, Lisa. Ready to go?"
"Yes. Just give me a minute or two to help Estelle clean up here." She began collecting the dishes with more flourish than necessary.
"Oh, Lisa! Don't bother. I'll take care of this." Estelle's eyes shone with eagerness as she hurriedly waved them off.
* * *
Galveston. A city of romance. Everywhere Lisa and Michael turned there was a multitude of enchanting sights and sounds--the huge five-acre railroad museum, a restored merchant sailing ship, the Grand Opera House, and mile after mile of sandy beaches surrounding the island city.
Later they sat atop a horse-drawn tram that toured the east end of town. As they clopped along past stately old Victorian homes and perfectly manicured front yards, the sun shone hot against their backs. The sweet smells of tropical flowers drifted on a gentle breeze.
"This is wonderful," Lisa told Michael with a sigh, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Already I'm beginning to feel so relaxed." His nearness. His smile. His gentle laughter. Yes, the magic was flowing through her again, this time more vividly that ever.
He nuzzled her hair with the tip of his chin, his hand grazing her cheek. "Just what the doctor ordered," he murmured, turning her to him. "A day in the sunshine. Sealed with a kiss."
In the space of a heartbeat, his lips brushed hers with an unfathomable tenderness that made shivers of delight ripple through her. He pulled her nearer, holding her gently against him while he played the kiss on. Then with obvious restraint, Michael broke the contact and eased back.
“Thank you, Michael," Lisa murmured.
“Thanks for the kiss?" he teased, tossing her a devilish grin.
“No, silly." She poked him playfully in the ribs. "Thanks for bringing me here today. You were right. This is exactly what I needed."
The tram swayed from side to side with the rhythm of the horses' clopping. A car revved its engine. From farther away, a police siren shrilled, rose to full pitch then faded away.
Michael stretched, then asked, "When we're done with our tour, you still want to head over to the beach?"
"Oh, yes! Let's do that." Her eyes strayed to a group of people standing on the corner. Recognition gripped her. Her stomach turned over. "Oh, no..." she groaned, nudging Michael in the side.
"What's the matter?"
"I think...I think I see Claudette. And Rita." She jerked her head in their direction. "There with those other people."
Michael frowned as he followed her gaze. "So it looks like they came anyway," he said under his breath. "Taking a little tour of their own." His tone sharpened. "Hopefully a walking tour."
The tram slowed to a halt not far from where they were standing. To Lisa's horror, Claudette and Rita clambered aboard. They reminded her of Christmas shoppers as they threaded their way to the back, arms laden with an assortment of packages.
"Room for us, too?" Claudette asked without preamble. Before Michael could answer, they plopped down in the opposite seat.
Lisa felt her blood run cold. She couldn't believe Claudette had had the nerve to ignore what Michael had told her. Sidling up closer to Michael, Lisa longed to recapture the magic they'd shared only moments earlier. Yet she couldn't. Already the spell had been broken and the magic snatched away.
Michael slanted his twin a disapproving look. "I thought I told you that Lisa and I wanted this day to ourselves."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Michael." Claudette wore an innocent smile. "Since when have you ever cut me out of your plans?"
"Probably not soon enough," he muttered. "I hope you two are planning to get off at the next stop."
"Are you kidding?" Claudette exclaimed. "This tour is costing us a pretty penny, and Rita and I intend to get our money's worth." She paused, wrinkling her elegant nose. "Besides, I'm done riding those horrible old buses. And my feet are killing me."
"Yeah, the last bus made Claudette car sick," Rita explained.
"I didn't realize you're prone to motion sickness," Michael said to Claudette. The anger in his voice turned to concern.
"Oh, it's nothing," Claudette insisted. "Nothing more, I'm sure, than those horrid exhaust fumes." She juggled her packages, dropping a sheet of paper.
Michael reached down to retrieve it. "What's this?"
"A flyer. We got it at a tourist information center," Rita quickly supplied. "It tells about all the stuff going on in Galveston this summer." She tossed her shoulder-length auburn hair and added, "So what y'all been up to?"
"Sight-seeing," Michael answered, his voice level. He turned the flyer over, scanned it, then without comment, handed it back to Claudette.
"We've been hitting the antique shops and jewelry stores," Rita said. She turned to Michael and flashed him a resplendent smile. Rummaging through her shopping bags, she fished out a small white box, then popped it open. "Isn't this lovely, Michael?"
He peered at a large emerald ring inside and smiled back. "Yes. Very nice."
The tram lunged forward and they were once again clopping along. They rounded the corner past an old stone church. A young couple with two whiney kids in tow stopped to gawk.
"Are you planning to see the fireworks display on the beach tonight?" Claudette asked. Her gaze flicked momentarily onto Lisa, then back to Michael. "Or are you two gonna make your own sparks fly?"
Lisa's face burned. She had all she could do to keep tossing back an insulting reply.
"Claudette! That's entirely uncalled for," Michael said icily.
"Pardon me." Claudette tipped her chin, apparently not rebuffed. "Well, whatever you do, Michael, I just hope you save some time for the Fourth of July street dance on the Strand tonight."
"Where's the Strand?" he asked.
"That's the National Historic Landmark District downtown," Rita answered for Claudette.
"Oh, yeah...now I remember." Michael's eyes sought Lisa's as if silently asking whether she'd like to go.
"So meet us on the Strand about eight-thirty," Rita prompted. "It's going to be fabulous. The band's the best around. I'm even acquainted with the drummer, a guy by the name of Danny Holcomb."
Sydell Voeller Special Edition Page 18
