Summer Fire
Page 43
Remi stopped what she was doing and remembered the thoughtful look spreading over Greta’s face and the way she’d left soon after. As if she needed to do some thinking.
Remi hoped that her young friend discovered the same thing she’d had to learn so many years before. That no one went through life unblemished or without a cross to bear. Many times, they just weren’t visible.
Just then the doorbell pealed, and Remi’s searching glance reassured that her immaculate home looked its best.
The man waiting took her breath away. How could one guy be so bloomin’ good-looking? She felt like the ugly step-sister to his Prince Charming. And that image made her sad.
Eadan frowned. “Is there something wrong?”
Straightening her expression, Remi chuckled and then blurted out her earlier thought. The next minute she realized what she’d revealed. Lord, she’d have given anything to be able to unsay it, but it was too late.
Rather than looking uncomfortable or superior, he smiled gently and replied, “Och, lassie, you would be the lovely Cinderella before her transition.”
Laughing along with his lighthearted come-back, a burst of pleasure overwhelmed and she spoke without thinking. “Except that Cinderella was skinny!”
Blimey! Here I go again. Bypassing the brain! It was going to be a long night.
Chapter Ten
They ended up at a much fancier restaurant that Remi normally favoured. Other than tripping as she stepped from the taxi and being caught in time by a watchful Eadan, there were no other unfortunate mishaps. After the maître d’ had them seated, Remi breathed a sigh of relief. He’d chosen a dark corner with just the overhead, low-lit lamp hanging directly above the linen-covered table to give them enough light to read the large menu.
Once settled, Eadan began the conversation. Remi was too occupied with people-watching, a favourite pastime she’d learned as a shy young girl. “My editor introduced me to this place on one of the many trips I made here during our discussion about the book I plan to produce.” He gave her a short summary of his accomplishments and future plans, and looked pleased at her hero-worshipping interest.
“I think that’s wildly exciting, Eadan. You’re so gifted to not only be a physician who has the knowledge to perform surgical procedures on children, but also having the ability to document everything in book form takes a whole different set of talents.”
“You really think so? I never looked at it in quite that way before. I just know these procedures need to be shared and so many young medical students will benefit from learning what my brothers and I have perfected.”
He continued to expound, and she loved the way his eyes flashed with intelligence and the glee that lit his whole expression. Thankful that he kept his explanations in a realm where she could follow, she sat enthralled. The waiter had to cough twice to get their attention.
“Sorry, I tend to get caught up in my enthusiasm. So, the food here is amazing. I hope you like Italian because I can recommend their lasagna. They use a multitude of different cheeses, the tomato sauce is rich with meat and the garlic rolls are mouth-watering. I can’t tell you how much I’ve looked forward to sharing the experience with someone who will enjoy the meal as much as I do.”
Remi winced behind the hand she used to hide her expression. Now what the heck am I supposed to do? This was only the second day of her new life plan and she just couldn’t sabotage it before it even got off the ground. Frustration tore at her. She knew how hard it was going to be for Greta, and she didn’t want to have to admit that she’d been the first to screw up.
“Normally, I’d have loved the lasagna but I… ah, I have a stomach thingy going on and I’d better stick with something really light and bland.” She watched his face fall and wondered why it seemed so important to him that she eat the same as he did. “If you insist though, I could try a small amount.”
“No, of course not. You must order as you see fit. Don’t mind me. It’s just that I had looked forward to really enjoying a meal with a woman who didn’t pick at a salad while I gorged on a large entree.”
Oh, oh! If a rabbit got caught in a dog kennel, it would feel akin to the way she felt at the moment—cornered. In the worst way, Remi wanted to please Eadan. But wouldn’t he be more attracted to the future, slimmer version? Stop it! Stop playing games with your willpower. Be strong.
Right! How the hell was she going to do that? Delicious aromas of pizzas, pasta dishes and garlic bread had attacked the minute she’d arrived. While they’d been led to their table, she’d spied the array of food in front of the other occupants and it all looked delicious. She glanced up to see the encouraging smile he flashed her way.
Gritting her teeth, she appealed to the hovering waiter. “I’ll have a very small piece of lasagna and a large house salad, no bread.” Emotions rioted inside. On the one hand, she was proud of her willpower. Noticing that Eadan’s expression turned slightly sour, she was angry that it mattered so much. No one would be allowed to sabotage her plan. Not even the man who was her incentive.
While he ate and she nibbled, they discussed his ideas for the new designs he had in mind for his apartment.
“Eadan, your flat has a much larger floorplan than the one I have. Did you want to keep the look uniform throughout, or change according to the different rooms?”
“Actually, I like what you did with yours. How you have the same colors flowing everywhere. Only thing is, I’m a plant assassin, so you might not want to use too many.”
“Oh, there are different kinds of greenery that prefer very little water. The containers used nowadays are the actual design, rather than the plant itself. Leave it with me.” Remi visualized lovely glass cylinders filled with a multitude of different growing mediums and containing various large, attractive cacti and grass-like plants.
“Actually, I’m going to have to leave it all with you because I just received some upsetting news before we left. One of my brothers, Graeme, the one you met, has been called away on a case for a few weeks in northern Scotland, and it looks like I’ll have to return home to play locum at the clinic and take his place.”
The news hit her hard. First she knocked her empty wine glass to the floor. Then she whacked her head against that of a passing waiter who’d crouched to pick up the pieces at the same time as she’d bent to retrieve them. Once all the debris had been cleared away and they’d accepted her numerous apologies, she turned back to Eadan. Now totally flustered, she bit her lip and blinked back the pending emotion. Trying desperately to hide her crushing disappointment, she stammered. “I’m sor-ry. That means we’ll have to put off the renovations.”
“Not at all. We can Skype back and forth most days and you can keep me in the picture. I’d intended to give you a budget and free rein anyway. Therefore, it should work out fine. I’ll be out of your hair and you’ll be able to get on with it.”
Before she thought about her words, they burst out. “But I don’t want you out of my hair.”
Eadan lifted his hand tenderly to her cheek and caressed her skin gently. “You’re so sweet, Remi.” Before she knew he would, he leaned in and kissed her lips, taking his own sweet time, learning the contours of her mouth, tasting her—delighting her.
When he pulled back, her lashes felt glued to her cheeks. He waited for her to say something, and all she could think to ask about was when he’d return. “Will you be back and forth to see how things are progressing?”
“Not likely. But I have full faith in your abilities.”
“Thank you. It’s just that this will be the first time I’ve ever worked alone without supervision from the owners and it makes me a tad uncomfortable.”
“I don’t know why. You have a definite flair that appeals to me.”
Thrilled to hear these words, Remi’s heart revved up and she wondered if her smile glowed on the outside as much as it lit up her innards.
“You must realize your talent in design is a gift that makes you a very attractive perso
n to know.” He winked at her and, rather than making her happier, it dulled the glow.
The man was only stirred by her ability to transform his apartment. Dismay and sadness filled all the empty nooks and crannies inside her, making her despondent. For seconds she wallowed, until an idea grabbed hold. If she could turn his place into such a warm and welcoming home, he’d have to appreciate her and maybe begin to care for her in a way that would be more personal. She just had to be patient. While he was away, not only would she renovate his home, she’d carry on with her private plans. Once he saw the new her–he’d be captivated, worshiping on his knees, in love…
You’re such a dreamer!
Chapter Eleven
For the next few weeks, life for Remi became hectic, fulfilling and wonderfully demanding. Each morning, she and Greta jogged and discussed their goals and achievements. By the fourth day, Greta was able to lumber once around the track, compared to Remi’s six times, but when the girl couldn’t run any further, she’d walk as fast as her chubby legs and labored breathing allowed.
While together, they collaborated on meal plans and grocery shopped together for their specialties. Remi noticed that Greta’s skin had become less mottled and hoped the new products she’d suggested were performing the miracle. It likely helped that the she’d done away with salted chips and chocolate bars and the amount of water she drank, versus soft drinks, was now keeping her properly hydrated.
By not replacing an old client who’d moved, Remi discontinued some of her accounting responsibilities. She found that the extra free time gave her the hours she desired to work on Eadan’s flat and that made less of a strain on her daily routine.
Madly excited by her ideas, which had to be the best she’d ever imagined, made the effort less work and more of a pleasure. At the beginning, his choices had surprised her. During his perusal of the conglomeration of magazines she’d displayed for him after they’d returned from dinner, he’d decided that the soft pearly greys were to be his basic theme, in various shades from room to room. To offset that, he felt drawn to blacks and numerous tones of blue and white.
Working with these choices was a joy for Remi, and her drawing pencil never stopped. From one end of the flat to the other, she designed a magical appearance that would appeal to the masculine, but also with a feminine flair to soften.
She’d never been happier. The hours flew by and daydreams about Eaden’s kiss were all she allowed to disturb her creativity. Food was only consumed when starvation occurred. Her snack habit had disappeared, except for the occasional fruit platter she produced when Greta visited.
Each day, Eadan Skyped her and they discussed her progress online. She loved seeing his handsome face on the screen, smiling at her, making her feel like she was the only person who mattered. Soon, they began to veer off topic. She’d ask him how the day went. He’d tell her about his patients, not their personal medical details, but a little about each case.
“I’m incredibly relieved that you were able to remove that boy’s tumour. How horrible it is that there are so many children who suffer from those types of cancers.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners from his special grin. It had her clenching her knees together to relieve the budding arousal he could create from just this way of looking at her. “Remi, you wouldn’t believe how resilient the nippers are when they’re sick. I’m often humbled by their strength. Remember I was telling you about Joey, the wee boy who had to have his leg amputated when it was crushed in a car during an accident.”
“Yes, of course I remember. You had me in tears with his story. How is he now?”
“He was fitted today for his prosthetic and we couldn’t shut him up. He talked non-stop about how he could ride his bike again. I’ll even admit to having trouble swallowing when he took his first step. Never saw a boy’s eyes glow so brightly.”
“Eadan, how wonderful for you that you get to have those moments. They must pay back somewhat for the bad times.” She didn’t want to mention any names, but he had told her of a child he’d lost a few days ago. It had been the first time she’d seen exhausted frustration mar his troubled face and a bleak look dulling in his normally soft brown eyes.
“Enough about me, I want to know how things are with you. I’m glad you were able to take my call this early in the day, and not at our usual time. You’re a sweetheart to be so accommodating.”
“It was fine. I worked from the apartment today on the bedroom schemes, and intended to go shopping after Greta gets home from school. She wanted to come with me today. Remember, she’s the young girl in the building who has been working with me on a special project.”
He chuckled and then probed. “You wouldn’t tell me what the project is, but I do remember you telling me about the teenage girl. Look, if I guess what it is, will you come clean?”
“No! So don’t bother. Why do you even want to know?”
“Oddly, Remi, I find that I want to learn everything I can about you.” His eyes captivated hers even through the screen between them.
She gulped. “You do?”
“Yes. You’re such a contradiction of naive young girl, career woman and artistic genius. I find that fascinating.”
Suddenly, the mouse flipped out of Remi’s hand and when she bent to pick it up, her bottle of water landed on the keyboard. Thankfully, because of other less fortunate times, she had the cap tightened. “Sorry, I’m so clumsy. It’s fine. The lid was closed.” She hid her excruciating embarrassment for as long as possible before returning her gaze to the monitor and his laughing expression.
“You are quite wonderful, Remi. Do you know that? By the way, I do like your hair. You’ve done something different.”
Now totally flustered, Remi let go of the mouse which again dropped to the floor. She reached up to feel the wayward ringlets surrounding her face. They’d come loose from her restraining clip and were falling everywhere. Without thinking, she blew one twisted strand away from her eyes and heard his soft exclamation. “I wish I was there to touch those curls of yours. They’re thick and attractive and shouldn’t be tied back all the time.”
Shocked by his words and the sincerity that rang in his low, husky voice, she cleared the choking clump of swelling in her throat and answered, “I… I wished you were here also, I—”
Pounding sounded from the front hall and interrupted her stammering. An indistinct voice yelled, “Remi! I need you. Please… help me.”
“What the… something’s happened, Eadan. Greta is banging at the door and she sounds like she’s in trouble. I’m so sorry. I must go.”
“Of course you must. Call me back if there’s anything I can do to help. Otherwise, I’ll look forward to talking with you tomorrow. Bye, love.”
Love? She ran to the door with stars enhancing her eyes, bliss filling her heart and tingles rioting throughout her body.
Chapter Twelve
“Greta! Bless my soul. What’s happened to you?” As soon as Remi opened the door to find her friend hugging her stomach, and curled up in a fetal position on the floor, she almost fainted. Blood from cuts around the girl’s mouth and cheek had soaked into the front of her blouse, and her pitiful moaning almost broke Remi’s heart.
“Let me help you inside.” As the poor creature struggled to gain her feet, Remi put her arm around her waist and tugged. Once Greta, wobbling, stood upright, they moved in the direction of her sitting room.
“No. I’m too dirty. There’s blood. I want to go to the toilet so I can clean myself up. My parents can’t see me like this.”
“Of course they must. I’m going to call them right now.”
“No! Please. I couldn’t stand it. Dad would go to the school’s head and make a big stink. And Mum will cry for days. I know. Promise me.”
Remi’s heart dropped to a puddle at her feet. Though she instinctively knew the answer, she still questioned Greta. “Who did this to you? And don’t bother fibbing. You must tell me the truth.”
Greta’s te
ar-filled eyes slid away from Remi’s and she had her answer.
“Cassie Edwards and her rotten pals are to blame, aren’t they?”
“Not all of the girls. Just Katrina and Leslie; Pam wasn’t there.”
Greta’s bleeding mouth, grotesque from swelling, trembled as she tried to speak coherently.
Gathering her gently into tender arms, Remi let her cry, and she did so as if her heart was broken. Feeling her emotions giving way, Remi found the tears pouring down her own cheeks. Her heart hurt, all clenched tightly inside her chest and anger nipped at the back of her conscience. Oh boy, if I had that Cassie Edwards here now, she’d get some of her own treatment.
Finally, Greta pulled away and stiffened her backbone, her face blotchy from tears and red-hot anger. “God forgive me, Remi, but I hate that mean-hearted cow and her herd. After school, I changed from my uniform so I could go shopping. They stopped me because they wanted me to give them my blouse. Threatened to tear if off of me if I didn’t.”
Face scrunched up in disbelief, Remi’s voice rose. “They did this to you for a blouse? Why in the world would they want your blouse? How ridiculous!”
“They said I was putting on airs because it was new and too pretty for the likes of me.”
Remi realized it was one of a bunch of blouses she’d given Greta–from a stack of older clothes she’d sorted through. Turquoise silk and as pretty as anything selling today, the garment hid the fat rolls well and looked attractive. Not now though. Now it was torn and dirty and had lost its charm. “We’re going back to the school right now to report this behavior, Greta. Don’t you see, those black-hearted witches can’t be allowed to get away with this rottenness? It isn’t fair. If you like, I’ll drive you and even come into the head’s office with you. You won’t have to do it alone.”
All the while Remi spoke, tears overflowed Greta’s eyes and her head wrenched from side to side. “No! Please. I came to you because I trusted you to help me. I can’t squeal. If I do, they’ll really hurt me. They promised.”