The Art of Love

by Celya Bowers

  Peri looked at him as that remark sank in. His Irish charm must really be working hard this morning, Peri thought. Perhaps Kyla was right, she thought as she smiled at him. She and Brendan ate their first breakfast together. After they finished their breakfast, Peri prepared to leave. Brendan kissed her at the door and he asked about her plans for that night.

  “Kyla and I are going out. Why?” Kyla would kill her if she canceled.

  “I have Chel this weekend and was wondering if you wanted to join us for dinner tonight.”

  Peri was really torn. She didn’t want to let Kyla down, but she didn’t want Brendan to think that she didn’t want to spend time with him and his daughter. “I’m sorry, Brendan. I promised Kyla that I would go out with her tonight. Why don’t you and Chelsey come over for lunch tomorrow?”

  That must have lightened his spirits tremendously. His smile became brighter as he breathed a sigh of relief. He immediately accepted. “Sunday we usually eat breakfast at McDonald’s and then we go to the park. Lunch at your place would be great. Shall we come over around two?”

  “That sounds perfect. Is there any food that Chelsey likes in particular? I know kids can be picky.” Peri tried to remember the last conversation she had with her niece about food.

  “She loves cheeseburgers, French fries, or anything else that McDonald’s sells.” They both shared a laugh, and Peri left.

  As she arrived at her condo, she noticed Kyla’s car. Peri realized that she was supposed to meet Kyla at the gym that morning. It was weigh-in day.

  Kyla met Peri at her car and opened her door for her, concern evident on her face. “Did you turn your cell phone off last night? Why didn’t you call me? Did y’all finally consummate this relationship?” Kyla asked all at once.

  Peri smiled at Kyla as she let them into her condo. “Yes, mother, I was at Brendan’s last night, and we fell asleep watching movies. My phone was in the car. And a big NO to the consummation question. You taught me better than that.”

  “Well?” Kyla asked. “Details!”

  “It was good. We ate Chinese food, drank sangria, and watched movies. It was very sweet.” She gave Kyla the rest of the evening’s details.

  “You two seem to be moving right along. At a snail’s pace, of course.”

  “I guess. He and his daughter are coming over tomorrow for lunch,” said Peri, realizing what she had gotten herself into.

  “Are you ready to entertain a five-year-old? Can we still go out tonight?”

  “Yes to both,” Peri said as she smiled at her friend.

  “Thank you.”

  “What for?”

  “I hate to admit this, but I thought you would kick me to the curb when it started looking like you and Brendan were getting closer.”

  “True friends are hard to come by, you know,” Peri reassured her friend.

  “Since you missed our usual workout this morning, why don’t we just make a day of shopping at the mall?” asked Kyla.

  “Okay. I just need to shower and change. I won’t be thirty minutes.”

  “I’ll watch TV in the living room,” Kyla said as Peri headed to her bedroom.

  * * *

  Later, after some shopping, the women stopped for lunch at the mall’s very busy food court. The subject of discussion: Brendan, of course. Kyla watched Peri, who sported the silliest grin on her face. “I have to ask. When do you think you and Brendan will take a ride on the magic carpet?”

  Peri looked at her friend. This woman was her best friend, her counselor, and, lately, her mother. “What is it with you and the magic carpet metaphor? I don’t know when, or if, we will take the magic carpet ride. I’m worried about it, though,” Peri said.

  “Why are you worried?”

  “It has been over two years since I’ve been with a man. I’m nervous about baring my body to him. I still have a pudge here and there. I know he’s used to those Barbie dolls at the gym, what’s he going to do when and if he sees all of me?” She was also worried about the act itself, but that was her worry, not Kyla’s.

  “Well, at least you are entertaining the idea,” Kyla said approvingly.

  She leaned over the table and looked Kyla in the eye as she revealed the events of the night before. “Well, when a man is lying next to you, cuddling and kissing on your neck, the idea kind of pops up. If you know what I mean.”

  They both laughed at Peri’s revelation. They laughed so hard, people started looking at the friends.

  CHAPTER 6

  Hours later Peri and Kyla headed for a night of clubbing in Dallas. Peri pulled her cell phone out of her purse, giving in to her heart.

  “You’re calling Brendan, aren’t you?” Kyla asked, already knowing the answer. She shook her head at Peri, showing her disapproval. “Have I taught you nothing? You have to be strong, Peri. Look at me. Ryan is sitting at home sulking ’cause I’m with you tonight. So we’re not calling Brendan,” Kyla added in her no-nonsense voice.

  “Of course not. I’m checking my messages,” Peri lied. “Kyla, I hope you know what you’re doing with Ryan. My mother always said idle hands were the devil’s workshop.”

  “Yes, Peri. Ryan and I have been together a long time. I know how far to go. Now as for the Irish man, you must show restraint or you will set the women’s movement back twenty years!”

  Peri opened her mouth to reply, but, before she could, the cell phone rang, scaring her. She dropped the phone and looked at Kyla in question.

  “I wonder who that could be?” asked Kyla sarcastically.

  Peri picked up her phone, stuck out her tongue at Kyla, then said hello. It was Brendan. She placed a hand over her chest to quiet her wildly thumping heart. “Is anything wrong?”

  “No, everything is just fine. I just want to make sure we are still on for tomorrow.”

  “Of course. Where’s Chelsey?” She wanted to keep the subject on something neutral rather than what she was already feeling in her heart.

  “Watching a movie. Where are you?” He politely steered the subject back to her.

  “On our way to Ricardo’s.” Peri tried to sound deadpan about it, hoping he didn’t know what kind of club it was.

  “The sports bar in the West End where most of the professional athletes hang out?”

  “Yes, I think so,” she said innocently, wishing she were with him, consummating their relationship.

  “Be careful. A lot of guys hang out there,” he warned unnecessarily.

  “No, really, Brendan? Is that why it is called a sports bar?” Peri teased him.

  “Sorry. I’m worried about you.”

  Peri thought she must have hurt his feelings. “Kyla and I are meeting friends there. We’ll be fine. Promise.”

  “Call me when you get home, okay? No matter what time you get in.”

  “It’ll be late.” He is trying to see what time I get home, she thought. Cute. He does care.

  “Doesn’t matter,” he said simply. A loud noise rang through the phone lines. “Chelsey is doing something in the kitchen. I will talk to you later.” He ended the call.

  * * *

  Peri didn’t think she had on anything special that night. But from all the attention she was getting, one would have assumed Beyoncé was standing at the bar instead of Peri Reed.

  “It is just a plain dress,” Peri muttered to Kyla, who was standing next to her, almost as a bodyguard. “It maybe shows a little leg. I have been working out really hard. I’m proud of my new body.”

  Kyla nodded at Peri’s next victim. “Here comes another one.”

  They watched as the tall gentleman approached Peri, acting as if Kyla didn’t exist. “Hey, baby, what’s your name?”

  “Peri.” She instantly compared him to Brendan.

  “Peri, I’m Bryan. The man you’ve been waiting for.” He smiled. Despite his youthful appearance, he still wasn’t Brendan.

  Peri couldn’t quit staring at his teeth. His gold grill was blinding her. Finally, she looked him in the eyes, or
what would have been his eyes had he not been wearing sunglasses. She kept thinking that she should have sunglasses on when he spoke. His smooth chocolate skin was a plus, but his mouth outweighed any pluses he could have had.

  Bryan stared at her with a leer that began to give her chills. She wanted to get rid of him, but wanted to make sure he wouldn’t return. Peri thought of one sure-fire method. She began to fan herself with her hand. “I’m parched. I could sure use a drink. Couldn’t you, Kyla?” She discreetly nudged her friend.

  Bryan, not wanting to buy two drinks, quickly muttered something about seeing an old friend and left the women at the bar laughing.

  Kyla high-fived Peri. “You’re learning, girl. No man wants to buy two drinks, especially if he doesn’t think he’s even getting to first base.”

  But their joy was short-lived as yet another victim approached Peri. As Kirk tried all his tired player-player lines on Peri, she took a deep breath, hoping he would leave soon. But as she inhaled, the aroma of Old Spice mixed with several other colognes, aggravated her allergies.

  Kirk paid no attention and continued speaking. “Baby, you’re looking good. Maybe we could get together later, I can make you breakfast in bed, treat you like a queen. Not to toot my own horn, but you know a brotha’s got it like that.”

  Peri opened her mouth to answer, but instead she let out a barrage of sneezes.

  Kirk muttered a curse, taking the napkins from her hand. “Man, you need to control yourself.” He walked away from Peri shaking his head.

  The old Peri would have thought she deserved Kirk’s harsh words and would probably have begged his forgiveness. Tonight she just laughed.

  “It looked like you were having fun.” Kyla laughed as they watched Kirk walk away.

  “Not really,” said Peri, searching frantically in her purse for a handkerchief.

  “None of them interested you at all, did they?” Kyla offered her a tissue from her purse.

  “Not a one. How did you know?” She sneezed again and blew her nose. “That cologne should be taken off the market, if people like Kirk don’t learn how to use it.”

  Kyla laughed at her friend. “Peri, you love that artsy stuff, like classical music, poetry reading, and going to museums and stuff. Not rap music or hip-hop lingo.”

  “Unfortunately.”

  “And they weren’t Brendan,” Kyla said.

  “I did try. I should get an A for effort.”

  * * *

  It was after one thirty in the morning when Kyla dropped Peri at her condo. Peri walked inside and immediately checked the caller ID on her phone. Brendan had called four times since midnight. Each time, he didn’t leave a message.

  Was this him just being concerned, or was this the sign of a would-be stalker? She took a deep breath. Okay, Peri, give him a chance before you let your imagination take over.

  Good sense prevailed. Calling him this late would only wake his daughter, but her heart made the decision for her. She called him, just to let him know she was home.

  “Hello,” Brendan muttered sleepily. He sounded so sexy. “It’s me,” Peri said.

  “Did you have a good time?” he asked, not quite awake.

  “It was nice,” Peri lied. “I hadn’t been out to a sports bar in a long time.”

  “Any guys chat you up?”

  “Huh?” Peri asking for clarification, she knew most of the lingo from watching British television. But that word had her stumped. She also knew that slang varied from country to country.

  “Sorry. Any guys ask you out?”

  “No, they weren’t interesting,” said Peri. Not like you.

  “Good. I had better let you rest up,” he said.

  She smiled at his tone. “Yes, I have got to be up in six hours.”

  “Why? We aren’t coming until two.”

  “I’m going to church in the morning and I have to get some last-minute things for tomorrow,” Peri answered, giving him the out he wanted. She wouldn’t sacrifice herself again.

  “Do you need me to bring anything?”

  Peri thought a minute. “Just you and your daughter.”

  Brendan laughed. “Okay.” They finally said their goodnights and hung up the phone.

  * * *

  Sunday afternoon Peri looked around the condo, double- and triple-checking the house before Brendan and Chelsey arrived. When she was finally satisfied the house was so spotless even her mother would be proud. Her glory was short lived; the doorbell sounded.

  Peri wiped her sweaty palms on her blue jean shorts. She checked her shoulder-length hair and her T-shirt in the oval mirror in the hallway. She shook her head at the shirt; it was made of lycra and would announce any imperfections in her upper body, but thanks to constant exercising and dieting, there were very few.

  She walked to the door and let Brendan and Chelsey inside. As she closed the door she noticed a car parked on the opposite side of the street. The car wouldn’t have stuck out to her, but there was no parking on that side of the street. Maybe the Hendersons were having a party. But why was the man sitting in the car obviously watching her? He was parked under the huge maple tree, so she couldn’t get a real good look at the driver. All she could tell was that he was male. She’d have to walk across the street to get a good look, but she didn’t have time for that. Soon she heard the screeching of tires. He was probably lost, she thought.

  Brendan spoke, forcing her to pay attention. “Peri, this is my daughter, Chelsey.” His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke to his daughter. “Chelsey, remember Miss Reed from the Olive Garden?”

  “No, Dad.” Chelsey offered her small hand to Peri. She had nice manners for a kid, Peri mused, not imagining her niece ever being that gracious.

  “Do you have any kids, Miss Reed?”

  Peri looked around the room as if a child might have miraculously appeared from some corner of the house. No one came. “No, honey. I’m sorry I don’t have any children, but I have some movies for you,” Peri offered.

  That must have done the trick. Her eyes lit up. “Really! Dad, can I watch?”

  “Sure.” Brendan smiled at Peri. “Thanks.” He nodded.

  Peri nodded and walked over to the TV with Chelsey in her wake. Instantly, Chelsey sat on the floor, crossed her legs in front of her, and waited to be entertained.

  Peri was glad that she had time to change before they had arrived. The form-fitting shirt gave just a hint of a flat stomach, of which she was very proud. Brendan gave a very appreciative glance at her. Peri finally had to break eye contact with him or they would have been in a lot of trouble. She moved around the room in an imitation of June Cleaver, needing something to occupy her time.

  “Would you like something to drink? Brendan? How about you, Chelsey?” Peri asked.

  “Beer, if you have any,” Brendan stated, engrossed in watching Peri and smiling at her discomfort.

  “Can I have juice?” Chelsey asked.

  “I have apple, orange, or fruit juice,” said Peri.

  “Apple juice please,” said Chelsey, never turning her attention away from the TV.

  Peri laughed as she went to the kitchen and prepared the drinks. While she was in the kitchen, the phone rang.

  “How is it going?” Kyla asked.

  “It’s going. I’m playing hostess right now. I’d better get back to my company,” said Peri, ending the call. She walked into the living room to find Brendan reading one of her fitness magazines from the coffee table and Chelsey still glued to the TV set. Peri took a deep breath before approaching Brendan with the tray. It shook as he took the bottle of Guinness from the tray. He waved away the thought of a mug. Peri walked to Chelsey, handing her a plastic container of juice. Her good manners again spoke volumes about her parents.

  “I’m not allowed to drink in the living room.” She stared at Peri with those big blue eyes. “I spill things.”

  Peri wanted to hug her right then. Dakota, Peri’s seven-year-old niece, wouldn’t have given any thought to
Peri’s carpet.

  “It’s okay. You can drink it in here. Look, it’s spill-proof,” Peri said. Thank goodness, she had the forethought to buy spill-proof containers. She showed Chelsey how spill-proof it was, and they both laughed.

  Chelsey sipped the juice and returned her attention to the TV. Peri felt that she had been dismissed.

  “Come and sit over here,” Brendan said, patting the space beside him. Peri smiled and started to walk over toward him, and stopped cold. Chelsey was still in the room.

  “It’s okay. I promise,” Brendan offered, trying to put Peri at ease. Eventually, she did not sit by him in the space he’d indicated. She sat a discreet distance away, but Brendan pulled her closer. “You look great. The gym is definitely agreeing with you,” Brendan said as he picked up her hand and kissed it.

  “Thank you,” Peri said, not quite used to being complimented so much.

  He leaned toward Peri and kissed her. He kissed her slowly and thoroughly, as if he were sampling a fine wine and wanted to savor the taste.

  Peri wanted more than those mind-blowing kisses, but she didn’t think she’d feel like that with his daughter in the room, only a few feet away.

  “I really missed you this week. I missed talking to you,” he whispered against her lips.

  “I missed you, too. Tell me about the auction.” She offered her open mouth for another kiss, but Brendan didn’t take the hint. He had the nerve to want to talk about art.

  “I made a few good deals.” A smug smile played at his lips.

  “What is it you look for?”

  “I look for portraits that pop. Maza’s is on the cutting edge of galleries. We like to be the first one.”

  Chelsey walked over to the adults, interrupting their conversation. “Can you skate, Miss Reed?”

  Peri looked at Chelsey and then at Brendan, looking for some direction as to how to answer the question. He was no help. “No, I’m sorry to say I can’t skate.”

  “My dad could teach you to skate. He taught me. He is really good. I never fall,” Chelsey said with infectious excitement.

  “Honey,” Brendan said, trying to calm Chelsey down, “maybe Miss Reed doesn’t want to learn to skate.”