With one last look in the mirror, I pushed Paul far into the corner of my mind and left for the interview. He wasn’t going to ruin my day. Too much was at stake.
The interview went well. I liked Bill Jackson from our phone conversation, and our meeting confirmed my impression. The tall, thin man with a bald head greeted me with as much enthusiasm as he conveyed over the phone.
“Jenny spoke highly of you.” He shook my hand and motioned me to a table across the room. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
I liked his no nonsense, get down to business, attitude and took out my sample boards and drawings and spread them on the table.
Bill looked at my work; hand on his chin, a thoughtful look in his eyes. I held my breath.
“I really like what you‘ve done here, Meg.” He picked up one of my sample boards. “I think you’ll do well here at Jackson and Price Interiors. We work on a commission basis, and I have a client that I think suits you. Can you start right away?”
I let out my breath. I got the job; just like that I became employed and had a client. This was almost too much of a good thing.
“Sure, Bill. Give me the details, I’ll make an appointment and start the work up and proposal right away.”
How could it have been so easy? In the blink of an eye, I had my first client. Could I handle it? A pain began in the pit of my stomach. What had I let myself in for? Was I really ready for this? I had never worked with a client before.
Heck, of course I could do it. I’d never gone on an interview before either, but I pulled that off. But still...
What if the new client didn’t like my work, then what? I tried to shake the feeling. Bill liked my work, had confidence in me, or he wouldn’t have hired me. I needed to trust myself.
Of course I could do the job. What was wrong with me? Jenny was right. I needed to regain my confidence. After all, I knew my stuff, kept up on the latest trends. All of my family and friends loved my work, or they wouldn’t have asked for my help.
All the way home, I felt giddy with excitement. Still amazed that I had my first client, I hummed along with the radio and decided to stop at the deli. Andrew had to go to San Diego later, and I wanted a quick dinner. Paul’s car pulled into the lot behind me. Great, just what I didn’t need right now. Would this never end?
“Hey, Meg,” he yelled.
My first inclination was to ignore him, but I changed my mind to avoid drawing unwanted attention. You never knew when a gossipy neighbor might be around.
“Really, Paul, I wish you’d just pretend you don’t know me.” I glared at him.
“Pretend I don’t know you? Come on babe, after that night how can you say such a thing? Who the hell are you kidding? Pretend I don’t know you. Now what kind of game are you playing?” He stroked my arm and licked his lip. “Why are you trying to avoid me? You know the sparks are there. Loosen up a little.”
I saw something in his eyes I didn’t like. Bitterness? Revenge? “Paul, I don’t know how else to say this other than - leave...me...alone!” I purposely drew out the words to emphasize them and pulled away from him. His touch nauseated me. “What we did was wrong. I’m sorry if I led you on, but it’s over, and it’s not going to happen again. Get that through your head!” I turned and all but ran into the store, praying he wouldn’t follow.
***
Son of a bitch. She isn’t kidding. She really wants to end it. Well fat chance of that happening. He’s the one who made that decision. Nope. She’d give into him again, or he’d know the reason why. Damn bitch made him feel like he was losing his touch.
He’d have to score another conquest just to prove her wrong. Lillian was all too eager to satisfy his needs. Maybe he’d take a ride to see her. That husband of hers was never home. And if for some strange reason he was, he’d make up some excuse for being there. But he doubted it. Larry was seldom home.
In fact, he heard through the grapevine that Larry was even gone most weekends. Damn shame too, for Lillian that is. Good for him. He could dangle two women at once, he’d done it before. Besides, he wasn’t doing well with Meg. He’d have to come up with a new plan for her. He got back into his car and drove away. She’d be sorry. Wait until she heard about Lillian, she’d be jealous as hell. Then she’d come around. Probably beg him to take her back. And maybe he would, maybe he wouldn’t. It’d serve her right if he didn’t.
But damn, she looked good. Wonder what she was all dressed up for? She looked like one of those career women that he stayed away from. They had too much ego for his blood.
***
I couldn’t get away from Paul soon enough. Lord, I hoped no one saw us. Yesterday, I had run into him at the dry cleaners, today the deli. Something told me these weren’t coincidences. He was following me.
I bought a roasted chicken for dinner and left the store, hoping he was gone. Looking around, I got into my car. No sign of him, thank goodness. Something needed to be done about him. Maybe I should ask Sandy to talk to her detective friend, find out about a restraining order.
Sandy? What made me think of Sandy? It was usually Jenny or Liz I confided in. Heck, I didn’t want to confide in Sandy, I just wanted information. I didn’t even have to tell her why — or I could make something up. Say it was for a friend. I made a mental note to call Sandy later.
When I got home, I called to make an appointment with my new clients, the Baileys. “Mr. Bailey, this is Meg Baldwin from Jackson and Price Interiors. I’d like to set up an appointment to discuss your renovation.”
“Wonderful! We’re anxious to get started. Any time is good for us. You know it’s a whole house renovation, right?” Mr. Bailey said.
Actually, I hadn’t known that. A little detail that Bill neglected to mention, but I wasn’t about to let Mr. Bailey know that. I made the appointment and set the table for dinner. A whole house renovation, talk about luck. This was getting better all the time.
Since Jason and Julie were with friends, Andrew and I had a quiet dinner. Too bad he had to leave again tonight. I couldn’t help but smile at the way he kept watching me through dinner. I liked the way he looked at me. Liked the desire that flashed in his eyes.
It had been a long time since he had that look. Maybe another shopping trip to Victoria Secret was in order. Even though it half embarrassed me to buy the sexy red thing, it was worth it. Worth watching Andrew practically drool over me. I headed for the kitchen to get dessert.
***
Andrew couldn’t believe the change in Meg. He had no idea she’d been so unhappy. So discontent. He hadn’t thought him being gone bothered her that much. There wasn’t any reason for her to work when they first got married. After all, he made a good living. When she got pregnant with Jason and Julie so soon after, there was never any more discussion about it. He hadn’t realized how lonely she must have grown with the kids out with their friends so much.
He smiled to himself, remembering their latest escapade. Meg bought some sexy red lingerie, and damn was she hot. She actually seduced him after the kids went to bed. He’d been watching a movie. Damned if he could remember which one. She snuck up on him in that hot little number and looked like a bombshell.
Meg didn’t usually take the initiative. Not that she was a prude by any means, but he was usually the creative one. But last night, she pranced seductively in front of the TV. She damn near did a strip tease.
When she leaned over and kissed him, just a whisper of a kiss and then pulled back, teasing him with her tongue, he nearly came right there. He could hardly wait to get her into the bedroom. Damn, that woman was a turn on. Of course, she always had been.
Too bad they’d drifted apart. He guessed it was his fault with being gone a lot, but she was always gone with this group or committee, too. Even the nights he was home, she’d been flitting here or there. He didn’t think she even noticed him. Whatever the reason, he liked the change. Maybe because he’d become more attentive to her needs too. He hated to leave on this business trip, but he had
no choice. After dessert he went upstairs to pack. He couldn’t wait to take her on his surprise trip. It had been years since they’d taken even a weekend alone. This time, they were going for a week. They deserved it. All he had to do was make the final reservations. As soon as he cleared things up at work, they’d be off.
Chapter Eight
After Andrew left, I cleaned my camera lenses, changed the batteries, and packed my camera case. Andrew had surprised me with a new leather briefcase, and I packed the forms Bill had given me, along with the other supplies I needed to assess the job. I was so excited I could hardly think straight.
I thought about calling Sandy, but decided against it. Why ruin a good mood? I put all thoughts of Paul out of my mind. When Julie and Jason came home, the three of us played cards until the kids went to bed and I picked up a book, settled in Andrew’s oversized chair and read.
Almost an hour later, the doorbell rang. I looked at the clock. Almost midnight. Only one person would come here at this hour. A quick look through the curtain confirmed my suspicion. Paul stood on the doorstep.
I opened the door part way.
“Hi, sweetie. Noticed Andrew left, thought you might be lonely.” Paul slurred his words.
Just what I needed, a drunk. “Go away, Paul. I told you before; it’s not going to happen again. What can I do to make you leave me alone?”
“Hey, I just wanna talk, okay? I’m lonely too. Why shouldn’t two lonely friends spend some time together? Come on, let me in.” Paul tried to push the door open.
No way was he getting in. I stepped outside and closed the door. “Look, Paul, how can I make it clear to you? I don’t want a fling. I don’t want anything to do with you.” I tried to sound firm, though I spoke quietly. The whole neighborhood didn’t need to look out to see what was going on. Why had he come to the front door anyway?
“Come on, let’s go to the back. I just wanna talk. I’m lonely, you’re lonely...” Paul took my arm and began walking around to the back of the house.
I followed to avoid a scene. When we got to the patio, Paul put his arms around me, pulled me to him, and kissed me hard.
“Oh babe, I’ve missed you.”
I felt the desire rise in his jeans and pushed him away. “Go away or I’ll call the police. Please, Paul, leave me alone. Quit acting like a child. This is serious. I love Andrew, and right now I’m not sure what I ever saw in you.” I took a deep breath. “You’re an arrogant bastard and you’re acting like a spoiled brat. Why can’t you take no for an answer?” I turned and hurried into the house, closed and locked the patio door behind me and pulled the blinds.
***
Damn it! Paul thought if he’d try the lets be friends line on her, he’d gain her trust, and she’d give in again. She couldn’t resist his charms, if she’d spend some time with him. But he had to convince her to let him in first. Too bad that didn’t work.
If he could just get her alone. He was excited when she came outside, although he’d rather go in, but what the hell. Inside, outside, made no difference to him. He wanted her, and this time she wasn’t gonna say no. But she wasn’t having any of it. No matter how he turned on the charm.
Damn her. What the hell was she trying to prove? A spoiled brat, look who’s talking. All he wanted was some time alone with her, and she had to go off in a huff again. Who cared if she loved Andrew? He wasn’t looking for love or anything permanent. He already told her that. Hell, she’d be the first, if what she said was true. Nah, she was still playing some kind of game. Maybe she was looking for a lasting relationship. Looking for him to tell her he loved her. As if that was gonna happen. Damn bitch, he’d break her if it was the last thing he did. He’d show her who was boss. He turned and went back to his house.
***
Looking through a corner of the blinds, I watched Paul. He stood there for a few minutes, scratched his head, turned, and finally left. But not before his face turned into something ugly.
His eyes narrowed and his mouth twisted into a sneer. It was a side of him I had never seen. What was I going to do about him? Exhausted from the day, I went to bed.
The next morning I couldn’t believe my luck when I met with Mr. and Mrs. Bailey. Their home, seven bedrooms, three and a half bath, partially renovated Victorian mansion, with a large living room, parlor, dining room, and library, was just the type of house I always wanted. Especially the large kitchen with a fireplace and butler’s pantry. On the third floor were five additional rooms, which once housed the servants. What a job, my dream house. Both gourmet cooks, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey wanted me to begin in the kitchen. They entertained a lot and wanted separate cook areas.
“We want you to begin as soon as possible. Although the kitchen is functional now, we keep bumping into each other,” Mrs. Bailey said. “We love antiques and want anything functional and unique. Incorporating a Hoosier cabinet and a baker’s table is a must.”
I promised to set up an appointment to pick out cabinets, appliances, tile and paint as soon as I did a scale drawing of the room and made some plans for their approval. I pulled out my camera to take photos and made a mental note to buy a digital camera. This old Nikon served me well, but it was time to put it to rest. Besides, with a digital, I could print my own pictures. While I took photos and measurements, I swore someone was outside the window. I stood up to investigate, but didn’t see anyone.
Strange, I could have sworn someone was watching me. The hair on the back of my neck prickled. I shivered, but put it off to the old house and continued measuring, but the uneasy feeling, like someone was nearby, wouldn’t go away. I kept looking over my shoulder, expecting to see someone staring at me. I remembered in college, other students who worked in old houses often talked about ghosts and eerie feelings they had experienced. Just my over active imagination, I was sure.
I left the Baileys ecstatic. What a house. I could hardly wait to get started. One of the things I loved most was old Victorian homes. What luck to renovate one. It was almost too good to be true.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were great people and working with them would be a pleasure. Something about them reminded me of my grandparents. Maybe it was the gleam in Mr. Bailey’s eyes when he looked at his wife, or the way Mrs. Bailey smiled when he looked at her that way. There was something between them, like they were sending signals to each other. My grandparents looked at each other the same way.
I stopped at an antique shop on the way home, one I had often used when decorating my own home. Millie, the owner, and I had a great rapport.
“Millie, guess what?” I entered the shop, excited. “I am now employed at Jackson and Price Interiors.”
“Whew, Jackson and Price. That’s impressive. Congratulations. Since when?” Millie gave me a high five.
“Just last week. Well, actually, since yesterday. No, more like today. I just met with my first clients.” I walked around the shop and ran my hand across a table. Nothing compared to the feel of polished wood. “I’m looking for a Hoosier cabinet and a Baker’s table.”
“I’ll look around for you. How soon do you need them?” Millie went behind the counter and picked up a stack of papers. “Do you have a card or can I just reach you at your home number?” Millie looked through the stack. “I can get the Hoosier cabinet right away, but the Baker’s table may take some time.”
“Not right away. We’re gutting the kitchen, so it’ll be a while.” Business cards, I made a mental note to put that on my to do list. “Call me at home.” I continued to look around the little shop. “My clients love antiques, so we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.” I stopped in front of a Victorian Day Bed. I had always wanted one. But Andrew didn’t like them.
I left the shop with a new spring in my step, feeling young and full of energy, like I could conquer the world. A movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.
Oh no, this had to stop. Paul strode down the street toward me like it was the most natural thing in the world. I hurried to my car, wanting
to avoid him, but knew it was impossible.
“Well, well, fancy meeting you here,” Paul grinned and ran his hand down my arm.
“Why are you following me? I know this isn’t a coincidence. There’s no reason for you to be here.” I recoiled from his touch and yanked the car door open. “You followed me to my job, didn’t you? You were looking through the window.”
I wanted to lash out, to hit him. The audacity of this man! How I hated him, and that stupid grin, why did I used to think he was attractive. Now, he just turned my stomach.
“Truth be told.” He smiled. “Yep, you’re right, I’m following you. I figure if you see me enough you’re bound to give in.”
“No, I won’t!” I got into my car, slammed the door, and sped away.
***
He loved the feel of her. So smooth. He wondered what it would take to get her back into bed. She looked sexy in her black suit with her white blouse. But damn, if she didn’t look like those career women working in offices downtown, like a fancy lawyer or something. She was working at that house. He had seen her measuring and talking to that old couple. It looked like she was selling something. She kept writing stuff down in a leather notebook. Very professional, if you asked him. And, oh, so hot. Hell, she turned him on now more than ever. He didn’t much care for career women, but Meg looked luscious.
Still, a career women? Stupid husband of hers didn’t have enough brains to stay home with her, so now she went out and found herself a job. Shit, she wouldn’t be wanting to occupy her time with him now. She found another outlet. Holy crap, Meg working? That sure was a surprise. From everything he knew about Andrew, he never guessed she’d get a job. Hell, Andrew was the macho type, no wife of his would ever work kind of guy. Maybe he had misjudged them.
Another Day (Books We Love mature romance) Page 6
