Savage Love

by Jodi Woody

  “Refills anyone?” asked Leal.

  “Sure, I’d take a water. I think I’ve had enough caffeine before bed,” said Seanna.

  “Well then maybe we should watch another one. Anyone up for round two?” Daffyd surprised everyone by asking.

  “I think my stomach and my face hurt from laughing so much, they need a break. I haven’t laughed that hard in years. Thanks! I think it did me good,” answered Samantha.

  “A merry heart is like taking medicine,” said Seanna.

  “What was that?” asked Daffyd.

  “It’s in the Bible, I am pretty sure in Proverbs. I might not have it just right, but it says something like ‘a merry heart is like taking medicine’,” she answered.

  “I think it is proverbs 17:22 ‘A merry heart does good like medicine,” said Leal.

  “That’s it,” Seanna said.

  “Well Daffyd, did you know that your house rule was in the Bible?” teased Trisha.

  “There is that line again, Trish,” Daffyd said with a frown. “Let’s change the subject.”

  “Good idea, why don’t you tell us what you’re going to college for Seanna. Your mom said you were going in the fall?” asked Leal.

  “I’m going into accounting. I have always been good with math, and Dad always said I had a good business head. I helped him in our grocery store after school and during summer break.”

  “So who is taking care of the store while you are on vacation?” asked Trisha.

  Seanna looked at Samantha to see if it was alright to share. Samantha nodded. They would probably never see these people after tomorrow so what would it hurt.

  “We sold the store after Dad died. We couldn’t keep it up. My Dad was a big softy and he wasn’t really good at telling the difference between someone who was really in need, and someone who was just taking advantage. Over the years the store got into debt and there wasn’t enough life insurance money to keep it going. Besides, Mom works full time at the school and I had planned on college in the fall. I’ll work part time and I got a few student loans. So we sold the store to a local family who should be able to keep it up and running,” she answered.

  “My husband Richard was never in the business for money. He opened the little neighborhood store because he loved people. He said that meeting their basic need of food made him feel like he was doing something good, even if they had to pay for their groceries. Apparently several didn’t…pay that is,” Samantha replied.

  “I love the little store we have in town. It has almost everything you need, and if they don’t we just order off the internet. I prefer buying from a real person though,” said Trisha.

  “Speaking of town, do you know what time the mechanic is open?” asked Samantha.

  “I think he is there pretty early. We should be able to get a tow truck out before nine. If it’s an easy fix you could be out of here by noon,” answered Leal.

  Samantha turned to Daffyd and said, “We’d like to thank you all for being so kind. We were pretty much stuck. You’ve let us right into your home and treated us like family.”

  “You’re welcome,” said Daffyd. “I think a little excitement is good now and again.”

  “I told them that they missed Bryce by a week. He would have enjoyed some young fresh faces around here,” Trisha told Daffyd.

  “Maybe one young fresh face!” laughed Samantha, “I’d hardly call a myself either.”

  “You just turned thirty-five, Mom. And half of the time people think you’re my sister,” said Seanna.

  “That’s exactly what I told Leal and Daffyd, you two look so much alike. Seanna you could easily pass for twenty. Samantha I wouldn’t have guessed you to be a year over twenty-five if I didn’t know you had a teenage daughter!” exclaimed Trisha.

  “Now I really feel good, first all that laughing and now all the compliments.” Samantha could tell that her face was turning pink.

  “Dad always called us his ‘girls’,” said Seanna.

  “I think it may be because you two girls are small like my Trisha. People ask me if she’s my daughter. Now, Daffyd and I, on the other hand are both over six feet so no one ever mistakes us for younger,” joked Leal. “Trisha is only five foot in her socks. How tall are you two?”

  “I am taller than Mom, at five foot five inches. She is only five foot three,” said Seanna

  As they all laughed, Samantha noticed that Daffyd was yawning. She nudged Seanna and they got up and started picking up empty cans and wrappers. Trisha gave them a hand and followed them out of the room, so Leal could help Daffyd up and to bed without any spectators. As they walked out, Seanna turned and waved goodbye to the guys. Daffyd waved back and Leal gave her a big grin.

  “In the morning, let me handle the mechanic. I feel like I need to do something around here and talking on the phone is simple enough. If you knew more about cars than I do, I’d have you do it. But we both seem to be lacking in mechanical skill,” said Daffyd.

  “You’re the boss. Well…when Trisha isn’t around,” he corrected himself.

  Chapter 4

  Bedtime Prayers

  The girls were in Seanna’s room right next to Samantha’s. Seanna’s room was a lot like her mom’s only hers was decorated in soft creams and blues. Her furniture was all in light woods and the pictures were not black and whites. There were several with ocean scenes. It was Seanna’s idea of a perfect room. It made her room at home look like a cave. She couldn’t help thinking of what her dorm room at college would feel like after this. Once again they were sitting on the bed with pillows cradled in their laps.

  “Wasn’t that movie funny? I always thought the Three Stooges would just be stupid. Man, I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pajamas,” said Seanna with a big yawn.

  “I am glad we went. It was fun. My stomach may not be thanking me for it later,” said Samantha.

  “The guy who owns the house didn’t look so good. I wonder what he looked like before he got sick. You know I didn’t see any pictures of him anywhere. I feel bad for him.”

  “Cancer can wreck havoc on your body. I am not familiar with the kind he has. But some are pretty curable. It sounds like his may be bad. I do know that stage four is not a good thing. Most people, short of a miracle, don’t survive it,” said Samantha.

  “Do you think that is why God sent us here? You know to give him hope, or maybe to pray for him?” asked Seanna.

  “From what I gathered tonight, I don’t think he is a believer. He either changed the subject or got irritated with Trisha whenever anything spiritual was talked about,” replied Samantha.

  “God could still heal him though. Wouldn’t that change his mind? Before you go to bed, why don’t we pray for healing for Daffyd and that our car can be fixed without any issues,” said Samantha.

  “Are you missing Dad? You seem a little sad?” asked her daughter.

  “Of course I miss your Dad. After fifteen years with someone they become part of you. But it gets easier. How about you?” asked Samantha.

  “I do. I even miss working in the store. I am glad we took this little trip, even if it didn’t turn out how we planned it. Meeting Trisha and Leal, and staying at this cool place. If we had just gone on home, I think it would have been harder for us,” answered Seanna.

  “I think you are right. Well, I for one am getting sleepy. How about we pray and you can hit the sack.”

  They joined hands on the bed and asked God to bless their new friends for taking good care of them, to heal Daffyd from cancer and to give them favor with their car. Then Samantha jokingly tucked in her daughter like she was five again and clicked her light off as she left. When she was back in her room, she couldn’t sleep. She kept thinking of all that had happened in her life and how Daffyd was fighting something harder than she ever had to. Her last thoughts were about Richard. He would have liked these people. Like him, they were kindhearted and friendly. She finally nodded off and dreamt that she was young again, living by the moment, caref
ree and guilt free.

  Chapter 5

  Best Laid Plans

  “He said what!” exclaimed Samantha.

  She was sitting in the living room with Daffyd. The room was in the center of the house. There was an open plan to the house and it all surrounded the living room. The upstairs bedrooms all looked out over the living room. It was modern in decoration and had low couches and chairs. The couches were white and the chairs in red. There were a lot of metal and soft cushions balancing the room. The wall opposite the upstairs landing was all windows. You could see the infinity pool, the garden and flower beds and a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and mountains. Off of this space was the open kitchen and eating area.

  Daffyd had just gotten off the phone with the mechanic. Everyone but Daffyd had just finished a late breakfast of waffles and fresh strawberries. The day had started off so well and now the news from the mechanic wasn’t what she had hoped for. Daffyd had been able to get a hold of him early and the car had been towed and the problem found all before nine o’clock.

  “He said normally that is an easy fix, but he doesn’t have any of the parts in stock. Today being Friday, and Monday being the fourth of July, he doesn’t think he’ll be able to get it in until Tuesday of next week,” explained Daffyd again.

  “And he said it wouldn’t cost much?” she asked.

  “No, it should be less than a hundred with parts and labor.” He said.

  “That couldn’t include the tow bill, could it?” she asked.

  “I am not sure…” Daffyd evaded.

  “Well if that is all it is going to cost and the towing is included, we should be able to pay for a motel until it is fixed. Does the same town have one?” asked Samantha.

  “I think they have a small one, but with it being the fourth of July weekend, they’re probably all booked up. You’re welcome to both stay here,” Daffyd offered.

  “We couldn’t do that. I hate it when people take advantage.”

  “How would that be taking advantage? I am inviting you to stay, as you can see I have more than enough room and food. It wouldn’t be taking away from anyone else. You can also probably see how much your being here has been fun for Trish and Leal. They probably get pretty lonely out here with just me for company. A couple of healthy people to hang out with would be good for them.”

  “Let me go and talk to Seanna about it. I do appreciate the offer…I’m just not sure about taking you up on it. You’ve all been so great and I just want to make sure it won’t back fire on us all,” said Samantha.

  “Take your time, obviously there is no hurry. Just one last thing, we do a great fireworks display on the fourth and Bryce will be here for the celebration. You’d like my nephew.”

  As soon as Samantha walked away Daffyd got up and walked to the window. He looked out over his property and wondered what in the world he was doing. He was worried that all his plans would go down the toilet if they figured out who he was. He’d have the media crawling all over his little piece of heaven and all of his privacy would be over. They don’t even know who you are, and could care less about your fame and fortune. They are just normal people going through a hard time and you can help them. Leal and Trish do like having the company and Bryce will be very proud of you. When is the last time you were even around anyone who wasn’t there because of your money or fame? You could just be yourself, no pressure and see if you can even make a real friend. He decided he felt well enough to sit outside for awhile and went to find Leal to help him out to the poolside.

  He found him in the kitchen, talking with all three ladies. Samantha had talked to Seanna and now was trying to see how the other two thought about them sticking around for awhile. His heart was pounding in his ears and he found himself holding his breath waiting for the answer. Trisha saw him coming in and raised her eyebrows at him. Daffyd hadn’t discussed his plans with her or Leal, which was pretty unusual. He stayed where Samantha and Seanna couldn’t see him and listened in on their discussion.

  “I think it would be great for you to stay. We could have a fun weekend,” said Trisha.

  “Do you think his nephew will mind finding us crashing in on his time with his uncle?” asked Seanna.

  “More likely he’ll be happy that his uncle Daffyd even allowed you to stay overnight, let alone suggested you stay longer. Daffyd has privacy issues and I am sure Bryce will see it as a break through,” said Leal.

  “Well…if the two of you don’t mind and you think Bryce won’t…then I guess we will stay. But, you have to let us help and not treat us like guests! I insist on that or we are just going to have to move on.” Samantha used her ‘teacher voice’ with that last bit.

  “Just out of curiosity, where would you have moved on too,” asked Daffyd with a smile. He had stepped into the kitchen as he spoke and Samantha spun around.

  “I guess we would have had to buy a few sleeping bags and sleep under the stars,” laughed Seanna. “Mom can be pretty stubborn about some things.”

  “I am glad you’re staying. Now, that that is settled, I’d like to go and sit by the pool for a while. It’s a nice warm morning and the sun isn’t too hot. Would you ladies like to take a dip while I soak up some sun?” Daffyd asked.

  “Why don’t we all go? It will be a great way to start our weekend. You two have suits?” asked Trisha.

  “We do, I talked Mom into getting one before we left,” said Seanna.

  “While you are all changing, I have some calls to make and I’ll meet you out by the pool,” said Daffyd.

  “I have a few chores to finish before I get to play. I’ll stop back in and see if you need a hand with anything Daffyd,” offered Leal.

  By the time Daffyd had finished with his calls, the three girls had already gotten in the pool. He decided not to attempt the stairs without Leal’s help. He hated this weakness, but it was better to ask for help than to do more damage by stumbling down the stairs. He walked over to the doors that led out onto the balcony overlooking the pool. Sitting on the bench next to the railing, he watched as Seanna splashed and played with Trisha. Samantha sat on the edge of the pool, dangling her legs in the water. She looked like she was trying to get used to the temperature change between the pool and the warm summer air. Bet she is not the type to just jump into anything. I bet she plans out her day before she gets out of bed.

  Her suit was a one piece and a little modest. He was used to seeing string bikinis and canned tans. Not that he had hung out with anything in a suit besides his two sidekicks and Bryce for a long time. He continued to watch Samantha from his viewpoint taking advantage of being able to stare without being rude. She was short and petite, not too skinny. Definitely not tanned, her skin looked like it probably burnt easily. She wasn’t especially beautiful but she was pretty in a simple healthy kind of way. She had brown hair, shoulder length without all the fancy highlighting and fake color that most women sport.

  She looks good. She looks real. And her daughter is a lot like he, prettier in a more exotic kind of way with her olive skin and darker hair. Someone will snatch Samantha up soon, now that she is alone. She doesn’t seem heartbroken over the death of her husband. Maybe she is putting up a front, or maybe she didn’t have a good marriage. Why do I even care? They’ll be here for the long weekend and then they will go back to their life in Wisconsin. You’ll have had a mini adventure and will go on with your life, non-existent as it may feel.

  Samantha sat on the edge of the pool and watched her daughter and Trisha splashing around. The water was a little cool and she was trying to ease her body into it. Seanna and Richard always dove right in, but she preferred to go slow and her family had learned early that she hated to be splashed or rushed. She looked up at the big blue sky and all the lazy clouds hanging above. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed someone sitting on the balcony on the second level of the house. The sun reflecting off of his bald head gave Daffyd away. She had never felt real comfortable in a swim suit. Usually buying what Seanna call
ed an ‘old lady suit’. But this time she had let her daughter talk her into a one piece without the skirt. It was still modest enough for most people. The only real exposed skin was her back. The suit dipped way down to her waste in the back, while the front went almost to her throat. But she felt exposed sitting on the edge of the pool. The water isn’t getting any warmer so just go for it. She stood up and jumped in headfirst. When she came up out of the water, the balcony was empty.

  Soon Leal had Daffyd sitting on the side of the pool under a big umbrella, the closest he could reasonably get to ‘sunning himself’. He had a tall glass of lemonade next to his chair and a big straw hat on, looking like an elderly tourist. After making sure his boss was situated, Leal made an entrance into the pool with a big cannonball that splashed everyone including Daffyd.

  “You’re so fired!” yelled Daffyd.

  “Fire him and I quit,” Trisha yelled back.

  “Ok, he stays,” smiled Daffyd.

  Samantha and Seanna were getting a kick out the three of them. The way they joked they seemed more like family then employees and employer. Daffyd made a big deal of drying himself off on Leal’s towel before he settled into the lounge chair. Samantha bobbed around for a bit and even played some water volleyball, she and Seanna teeming up against the husband and wife. After a good hit, Seanna noticed her mom was getting a little pink, and told her to re-sunscreen. Samantha hopped out to dry off and reapply her sun block.

  “Do you want me to get your back?” asked Daffyd, seeing her trying to reach around each shoulder.

  Samantha realized she was just standing there looking foolish, when she finally answered. “Sure, I guess my arms are just too short.”

  Daffyd put some sunscreen in his palm and rubbed his hands together to warm it up before rubbing some onto her back. Samantha lifted her hair so he could get under. His touch was gentle and felt almost like a caress. She could feel the blush working its way up her face and she tensed up. For Pete’s sake, it’s just sunscreen. She made herself relax as he finished applying to her lower back. She was just getting ready to jump back into the pool, forgetting her aversion to plunging into the cool water when Daffyd spoke up.