by E. Ayers
She looked up and smiled broadly. “I see you finally made it. You know Ari and Tate, but I’m not sure if you’ve ever met Amy Schulster.”
“Amy? I haven’t seen you since you were little.”
“I doubt it was that long ago. Maybe a few years.”
He turned back to Cassie. “And what am I supposed to do?”
She looked around. “Go help Amanda.”
“Okay.” Feeling completely out of place, he wandered back to the living room. “Hello again. I was told to help you.”
“With your shoulder? I don’t think so! But you could make a pot of coffee. You can do that one-handed, right?”
“No problem. I’ll go get a coffee pot.”
“Just go to the kitchen. I brought everything earlier. It’s a big urn. I borrowed it from a friend. How are they doing upstairs?”
“There’s a woman named Amy removing baseboards while Ari, Tate, and Cas are in the big bedroom painting. Dallas is in Shawn’s room.”
“Berto was here earlier and stripped the window frames, but he didn’t want to do anymore sanding while we’re painting. You know, lead-based paint. He’s going to take the baseboards outside and do them.”
“Oh.” He watched Amanda painting for another moment then headed into the kitchen. Trying to put water in the stainless steel urn wasn’t easy, because it didn’t fit under the faucet. Wanting to rip the sling off his arm and be useful, he gave up, set the coffeemaker next to the sink, and added the water one little cup at a time.
This was supposed to be a real home, and the thrill wasn’t there. He swallowed as he battled thoughts of inadequacy. I can’t even help fix the place.
“Hey, you Trent?” Berto asked.
Trent spun around. “Yes.”
“Good, I can use some help. I need one extra hand. You know anything about power tools?”
“I’d better. I work for River City Manufacturing.”
“I know you.”
Trent smiled. “And I know you. You do custom work.”
“Do you have any earplugs on you?”
“Sure do. In my car.”
“Better finish making that coffee or we’ll be in trouble.”
Trent could feel the wave of happiness flowing over him as he finishing setting up the coffeepot. It didn't take him long to join Berto in the backyard.
“I’m planing the straight pieces. It’s faster, but I need someone who can catch them.”
“Not a problem.”
Sweat began to pour into his eyes as he helped Berto. There was a rhythm established and, as quickly as the pieces of wood left the planer, Trent caught them and stacked them on the small porch.
“You got a good house,” Berto said as he shut the power tool down. “Ari and I went over the electric earlier today. I picked up a breaker box.”
“I knew that would need to be changed, but is the power ample for today?”
“Oh, it’s fine. I’ll install the box tomorrow before everyone gets here. Cassie gave me a key to your house.”
“My house? Oh, this house.”
“I’ll get the trim in the other rooms another weekend. Tate said you wanted to get in here by Friday so you can bring your son home.”
“That’s the plan. Never thought it would happen.”
“You must not know Cassie’s friends very well. I had a tree in my front yard that was hit by lightning. It caught fire, split, and fell on my house. Ari got some friends together and all the repairs were made in one day. You can’t always give back, so you pass it on. I’m passing it on, my friend.”
“Ari is a good man.”
“He’s a very good friend.”
Trent followed Berto into the house. Berto had set up the small apartment with drop cloths and saw horses.
“This is faster.” He said pointing to a paint gun. “If you can bring the rest of the wood inside, I’ll get them primed. Just keep them coming.”
It was after eleven that night when everyone left.
“I’m exhausted,” Cassie said as she sat on the floor of the kitchen.
“It felt good.” Trent smiled at his beautiful woman.
“That’s because you’re a man and used to doing physical work. How’s your shoulder?”
“Tired. Looks like I’ve ruined a pair of good jeans.” He pulled at a small rip above his knee.
“Guess you just added to your junk jeans. That’s a shame, because I liked the way those fit you.”
He leaned over and gave her his hand. “Let’s go. I need a shower.”
“I’m almost too tired to drive,” she whined.
“We can come back in the morning for your car.” He pulled her to her feet.
“I’ll be fine. I want a warm shower and the chance to snuggle up to the most handsome man in the world.”
“What a shame. I was hoping for a cold shower and my woman beside me, but if she wants some handsome guy, I’m out of luck.”
“Oh, you’re not getting off that easily!”
He licked his thumb and ran it over her cheek in an attempt to remove a paint smudge. “I hope not.”
~~30~~
Cassie wandered into the furniture store and asked for Allison Conway.
“Hi, Cassie. Tate told me that you might be coming. How can I help you?”
“I need everything, but I’m going to have to settle for a child’s bedroom set.”
“Follow me.”
Cassie looked over several sets and then decided on one.
Allison looked at a computer screen as Cassie wrote a check. “Our truck is on a delivery. I can have it delivered later this afternoon or first thing in the morning.”
“This afternoon would be perfect, can you give me a time?”
“Three thirty?”
Cassie checked her watch. “That will work.”
***
Every part of Cassie’s body ached as she carried boxes into the house. She still had things to pack before the movers came in the morning to bring her furniture. The place was far from perfect, but the rooms they would be using were almost finished. She unloaded her clothes into the closet, and then looked at the windows. She wasn’t certain she had the strength to stand on a ladder and put up curtain rods. She found the stepladder and locked the legs in place. Tearing open the package that contained the rods, she quickly read the directions.
“Cassie?” a male voice called from downstairs.
“Up here.”
“What are you trying to do?” Berto asked.
“Put up curtain rods.”
“Get down. I’ll do it.”
It didn't take any time for Berto to install the rods with his power screwdriver. Then he offered to hang the curtains. She willingly handed him the curtains.
“Any more?”
“Yes. Shawn’s room and the living room.”
“These are nice,” Berto said as he hung the roman shades at Shawn’s windows.
“Dallas suggested them.” Then she followed Berto downstairs and watched as he hung the living room curtains. “I really don’t know how to thank you for all that you’ve done.”
“There is an old saying that you take a favor and pass it along. Take good care of your man. I know him. He needs a good woman.”
“I’m trying.”
“You need to marry him. Women today think they can do anything, and it’s not right. I’ve seen you in Church. You know better.”
“No, Berto, women can do anything, and I am trying to do what is right.”
“Then marry him. Living together is wrong.”
“We’re working on the marriage part of it. His mom is upset because we’re not married and about to live together.”
“You are older than Trent. You should know these things.”
“I know what is in my heart.”
“Then marry him, don’t commit adultery.”
She frowned. He was right, and she knew it. “I can’t force Trent to marry me. He’s had so much with Shawn. It’s been a very tr
ying time for him.”
Berto gave her a little hug. “Women know how to make a man do things. Tienes que usar la cabeza, mi chava.” He dropped a little kiss on the top of her head.
She gazed up at the tall, handsome Latino. “I want to marry him.”
“Then do it.”
The sound of a truck pulling into the driveway ended the conversation.
She showed the deliverymen where she wanted Shawn’s furniture and watched as they set everything up.
Slowly, the house began to fill with friends coming to help.
“Will Shawn be released from the hospital tomorrow?” Dallas asked.
“Yes. Trent talked to the doctor this morning, and Shawn will be allowed to leave after his afternoon therapy session.”
“That is such good news. I do hope you don’t mind, but we’ve all decided to have a little party for him.”
“What kind of a party?”
“Cake and ice cream. We’ve all pitched in and got him a little something for the backyard.”
Cassie looked at Dallas.
She laughed. “He’s going to love it.”
***
Trent hated leaving his son at the hospital, but the child had made a friend and was happily playing a board game. Robin Callahan was walking up the hall as Trent was leaving.
“Mom, have you driven by the house?”
“Yes. I recognized Cassie’s car, but decided against stopping in, being she had company.”
“She’s got several friends helping.”
“This was no ordinary friend.”
Her emphasis on friend and her raised eyebrows garnered his concern. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe you need to ask her why she spends her time in another man’s arms.”
His heart pounded twice before it fell into his stomach. “Not Cas, you must be mistaken.”
“I know who I saw, and he was quite handsome.”
Trent shook his head. “No, Mom, not Cas.”
“I don’t lie. She was kissing another man.”
Trent briskly walked out of the hospital and to his car. His mom’s words played over and over in his mind. Surely she was mistaken. Not my Cas.
***
Cassie stood there dumbfounded. “You think I’m cheating on you? That’s the most asinine thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Okay, so who were you kissing?”
“I haven’t kissed anyone other than you.”
“You were seen.”
“Trent, I haven’t kissed anyone. I have no idea where you would get such a notion.”
“I don’t need a woman two-timing on me. I thought you loved me.”
“I do love you. Where would you get such an idea?”
“I told you that you were seen kissing another man.”
“Trent!” She grabbed at his arm.
He shook her off and stormed out of the house with Cassie on his heels.
Looking at Amanda, Dallas asked, “What is going on?”
“Pre-move jitters?”
Amanda shook her head. “That didn’t look like a little anxiety.”
Trent drove back to Cassie’s apartment. He didn’t have much there, but he wasn’t about to lose the little bit that he owned.
“Leave me alone! I only want my stuff.”
“Trent! Where did you get such an idea? Who would tell you such a lie?”
“My mom doesn’t lie.”
“Well, neither do I.” Tears began to stream down her face.
“Cas, I can’t deal with this. Where’s my stuff?”
“It’s at the house. I’ve spent most of today taking boxes over there and unpacking them.”
“Damn it!”
“Listen to me. I love you and only you. I haven’t been with anyone but you. How can I prove something like that? You’ve got to trust me.”
“When you’re in another man’s arms?”
“But I haven’t been! I’ve either been with you or at the house busting my butt.” Pleadingly, she looked at Trent. “I love you and only you. I haven’t been with anyone else. Ohmigod, how can I make you understand?” Tears streamed down her face as she slid down the wall and collapsed into a heap in front of her apartment door.
He sat on the sofa and watched her sob. He’d have to physically remove her to leave, and he knew that he wasn’t up to doing that physically or emotionally. Propping his elbow on his knee, he rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. He didn’t want to believe what his mom had said, but she wouldn’t have said such a thing if it wasn’t true. A myriad of emotions filled him. Betrayal wrapped around his heart, sadness over a relationship gone wrong, choked him, and pity for Cassie weighed on his shoulders, while exhaustion was producing a wicked headache.
He glanced up once at her as anger boiled to the surface. “Stop crying. I can’t stand it!”
She sniffled, pulled to her feet, and found a box of tissues. “I love you.”
“Why? I thought we had something.”
“We do. Why would she say something like that? I knew she was angry because we were living together, but I didn’t think she hated me. Do you think I’d choose a house with an apartment for her, if I thought she abhorred me? She loves you and Shawn. I didn’t want to make anyone choose between us.”
“I finally convince her to at least drive by the house and look at it. So she does, and finds you in the arms of another man.”
“Ohmigod! Today? Was she there today?”
“I’ll assume she drove by on the way to work.” He rubbed his forehead and his temples as if he could stop the pounding.
She kneeled in front of him, resting her head on his thigh. “I think I know what she thinks she saw. Berto.”
“You and Berto? How dare you!”
“No, it’s not like that. Berto was putting up the curtain rods for me and we were chatting. I thanked him for his help, and he told me I should marry you, and not live in sin.”
“I don’t think it’s a sin to love someone.”
“He finished putting the one rod up and moved the ladder. He gave me the lecture about our living together without the bonds of marriage.” She paused for a second and looked up at him. “He gave me a little hug and told me to use my head. It was an endearment, not anything sexual.”
“That’s it?”
“There’s nothing more to tell. I love you, and I know that Berto loves Amy. Do you think we’d do anything to jeopardize what we have?”
“No.” His head pounded in rhythm with his pulse.
“I love you, Trent Callahan.”
“Got anything for a headache? We need to go back to the house.”
“Aren’t you going to say that you’re sorry?” she asked.
“Why should I? I wasn’t in another woman’s arms.”
Cassie pressed her hand to her forehead. “Okay, I’m sorry we argued over something so stupid. I’m sorry that someone misconstrued something that was completely innocent.”
“Okay. I’m sorry I doubted you. Now, do you have anything for my headache?”
She grabbed a bottle of aspirin and handed it to him. “Why don’t you go to bed? I’ll go back over to the house.”
“I could use some sleep.”
“Then do it.”
***
Cassie kissed Trent goodnight and went back to the house.
“Is everything all right?” Tate asked, as Cassie walked through the door.
“Fine. I think we are both so tired that everything sort of unglued.”
“Where’s Trent?”
“I hope asleep. He’s got a terrible headache. We’re both running on only a few hours of sleep per night.”
“These window treatments are beautiful,” Amanda said. “Where did you find them?”
“At the mall. I couldn’t find what I wanted at Conway’s, and I didn't want to wait on custom. I can't afford a whole bunch.”
“I thought you bought your furniture from them.”
“I did. But for now, I need to
shoestring it. It took everything I had to buy this place and I still don’t know if Trent’s mom will move in with us.”
“I’ll email you some of the rentals over there. It will give her an idea of what she can get for her house.”
“Thanks. I’ll print them out and give them to Trent. It might take her awhile to make up her mind. I’m not exactly one of her favorite people.” She looked around the room. “Where’s Dallas? I know I saw her car.”
“Upstairs putting the finishing touches on Shawn’s room.”
“Excuse me, I want to go see what she’s doing.”
Dallas was busy with several small cans of paint when Cassie walked into Shawn’s room.
“What do you think?”
“Amazing. He’s going to love it.” Cassie opened the closet door and took out a shopping bag. “Is it okay if I make his bed?”
“Of course. I’m not going to get paint on anything. Famous last words.” She giggled.
“You’d better not get paint on his bedding.” Cassie said, as she opened the bags of linens.
“Green camouflage? Oh, that’s perfect in here.”
“He’s going to be so thrilled with his room, he’ll never notice his sheets or pay one bit of attention to his coverlet.”
“Nothing like a ready made family.”
Cassie smiled. “It really is wonderful. I can’t imagine myself pregnant. I don’t know how I would cope. How about you?”
“I quit taking the pill back before Christmas, but so far nothing. Rick wants children.”
“I’ve never actually asked Trent about having another child. Our focus has been on Shawn.”
“You have some time.”
“I’m content with Shawn. If Trent wants another child, then I’ll have to really think about it. I barely have enough time as it is.”
“I completely understand. If I didn’t have good people at my gallery, I wouldn’t be able to do anything. I wonder how other women manage to have careers and babies.”
“Both my mom and my dad worked. They afforded good help. By the time Trent and I can afford such a thing, I’d be way too old to be having children.”
“At least you have Shawn.”
Cassie laughed. “You make it sound like one of those romance novels, father in distress. Except Trent isn’t the foundering father, and wasn’t looking for some woman to save him.”
