Grill Me, Baby

by Sophia Knightly

  “I love you, Paolo, but after last night, I’m kinda siding with Michaela,” Claudia teased.

  “Okay, enough of that. You need to rest, nena.” Paolo turned to Michaela. “We should go now.”

  “You’re right, we should,” Michaela said.

  Claudia started to giggle as she regarded Paolo and Michaela. “I can’t wait to hear more about this competition.”

  “You will, but not now.” Paolo kissed the top of her head.

  “Don’t you want to see Michael?” Claudia asked.

  “Of course! Why do you think I’m itching to get out of here? I can’t wait to see my nephew. Maki will take me to him,” Paolo said.

  As if on cue, Nurse Ramirez flung the door open, followed by an attendant. “Mrs. Woodbridge, your room is ready and your baby is waiting for his first nursing.”

  Michaela stared into the nursery window, her heart filled with tenderness and longing as she pointed toward Claudia’s newborn. “There he is! Isn’t he the most precious baby?”

  When Paolo turned to gaze at her, his gaze was filled with such bursting pride that for a moment she wondered what he’d be like as a dad. “I can’t believe my baby sister is a mother. Good-looking kid. He kinda resembles his uncle, don’t you think?” he asked, angling his head with a boastful grin.

  Michaela cocked her head and crinkled her brow. “You think? He’s blondish and looks more like Claudia…”

  “What are you talking about? Look at him, handsome, cuddly, sweet…”

  “Modest?” she prompted, tongue in cheek.

  Paolo pulled her in and kissed her soundly. “I’ve wanted to do this since I saw you with my sister. Thanks for taking care of Claudia. I really owe you one.”

  Did he have any idea how much an impromptu kiss sent ripples of pleasure through her? Michaela steadied her knees that had suddenly turned to liquid. “Please, you don’t have to thank me again. Claudia’s the one who labored hard.” In her mind, she kept reliving the beautiful moment when Claudia gave birth, but it was time to hit reality. She gave a heartfelt sigh. “I wish I could stay longer, but I have to get to work.”

  “Me too. Gil is covering for me today, but I have a meeting tonight that I can’t miss.” Paolo rubbed the back of his neck. “Claudia will be coming home soon and I know nothing about babies.”

  “You’ll learn as you go along.” Michaela tried to sound encouraging, but the truth was she didn’t know much about babies either. The whole thing seemed pretty daunting. “Nurse Ramirez told Claudia that she would probably be released tomorrow.”

  “So soon?” Paolo asked, looking apprehensive.

  “Yes. What are you going to do about a crib and all the baby stuff she needs?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out. The stuff she needs is the least of my problems. Claudia is going to need help taking care of the baby while she recuperates.” Paolo looked genuinely panicked now.

  “She will need help. What about your mom?”

  “I’m sending her a prepaid airline ticket, but in the meantime, I have to track down Bobby. He had no idea that Claudia was pregnant and now he needs to know that he has a son.”

  “How are you going to find him? Claudia said he was far away, in some remote place.”

  “I’ll find him,” Paolo said with a determined gleam in his eyes.

  “You better clear it with Claudia first. Last night she was pretty vocal about not wanting to see him,” Michaela warned.

  “She was in labor. Women resent their husbands when they’re suffering through childbirth, don’t they?”

  “I guess, but I’d never witnessed it until today,” Michaela said. “I don’t know what happened between the two of them, but Claudia kept crying and saying that he had abandoned her.”

  “She’s hurt and mad at Bobby, that’s all. After a few days alone with her baby, she’ll realize she has to put her pride aside for her son’s sake.”

  “Maybe, but I wouldn’t get into it with her now, Paolo. Let Claudia and Michael bond first. Maybe she’ll soften toward Bobby…she did say the baby looks like him.”

  Paolo nodded. “It’s true. Claudia had huge dark eyes when she was born. Bobby’s eyes are blue just like Michael’s.”

  Michaela wondered how Paolo had looked as a baby. Stifling a smile, she imagined a baby with a mop of dark hair and a set of rakish dimples. She turned her attention to the sleeping infant and wished she could hold him in her arms. “He is the most beautiful little thing I’ve ever seen!”

  “Sí, he is a handsome one,” Paolo said proudly. “Like I told you, exactly like his uncle.”

  Michaela smiled indulgently. “If you say so.”

  Paolo’s genial expression turned serious. “I’m going to tell Bobby he has a son. As soon as he knows, he’ll come and get them. And I’m going to tell his parents too. They should know their first grandchild was born, even though they opposed the marriage.”

  Michaela thought it ironic that given his reputation as a notorious player, Paolo was acting old school. Claudia was an adult and should be allowed to decide how to proceed. It was her life, after all, and her baby. But it wasn’t Michaela’s place to talk Paolo out of it. She had only met him a few days ago and she was already getting entwined in his personal life. That wasn’t where she should be, given their upcoming competition.

  “Maybe you should ask her first. Claudia is a grown woman.”

  “She’s only twenty and has a lot of growing up to do.” Paolo’s jaw tightened. “I’m doing the right thing.”

  Michaela threw her hands up in the air. “Okay, on to another subject. Would you please let me know when we’re going to rehearse for the taping on Monday?”

  “As soon as Mamá arrives—hopefully tomorrow morning—I’ll be free to meet with you.” Paolo’s gaze grew intense as he regarded her with a thoughtful expression. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.”

  “Good to hear. I appreciate it. As soon as I get back, I’m going to fax our menu to the culinary producer.”

  “Thanks.” Paolo pulled her in for a tight hug.

  Nestled in his strong arms and pressed against his broad chest, Michaela melted against his large form. She could hear his heart beating as rapidly as hers and was suddenly reminded of his passionate kisses last night. Still holding her, Paolo’s searching gaze traveled from her eyes to her mouth. Her breath caught in her throat at the anticipation of his kiss, but when his warm lips finally grazed hers, it was different from last night’s kisses.

  Michaela’s fingers rose to her mouth, remembering how his firm lips had feasted on hers, leaving them red and swollen yesterday. Waves of pleasure pulsed through her just thinking about it. Dear God. She shivered, imagining how he would make love—vigorous and uninhibited, unabashedly dominating, yet tender. She closed her eyes to the memory of his hands and mouth on her. Her legs wobbled when she stepped away from his embrace, her body hot, antsy and wanting more, much more.

  When she looked up, she caught the devilish twinkle in Paolo’s eyes and suddenly recalled his flippant comment last night about theirs being a “harmless flirtation”. All desire vanished as quickly as it had built up, replaced by a wariness she hated to acknowledge. She couldn’t risk falling under his spell. Michaela sighed heavily and looked away from him. Paolo was a known player and she could not afford to forget that. What he considered a harmless flirtation had the power to break her heart. She was already falling for him, enjoying his company, looking forward to spending more time with him and lusting for his touch. The more time they spent together, the more she wanted to be with him.

  “I’ll wait to hear from you,” she said, resolutely wrapping a protective shield around her heart before she turned away.

  Late that afternoon, once she had showered, tidied up her apartment and eaten a quick lunch, Michaela headed to the spa to make sure everything w
as ready for Monday’s patrons since she would be out all day with the taping. As soon as she arrived, she took a moment to read the many emails that had come in since last night and noticed one from Mr. Blumenthal’s assistant, Ellie, sent to her and Paolo:

  Change of venue…taping will be at a house in Mashta Island. Address, directions and details attached. Dry tech at 7 a.m., followed by run-through, and then taping before live audience. Questions? Call me anytime this weekend. Ellie

  Well, that changed everything. Now they would be taping in a house, in a regular kitchen, not in a studio with all the necessary equipment on hand—not exactly the environment she had hoped for. Michaela dialed Paolo’s cell number and he answered it on the second ring.

  “Hola.” He sounded out of breath and terse.

  “Hi, what’re you up to?” she asked cautiously.

  “I just left from meeting with Claudia’s in-laws.”

  “Oh…how did it go?”

  “Terrible. The Woodbridges are the most pompous, annoying people I’ve ever met. You should see their house, or I should say monument. It’s as big as a hotel,” he said sarcastically. “They were so cold, I felt like I was in a mausoleum.”

  “Weren’t they happy to hear they have a grandson?”

  Paolo gave a derisive snort. “Hardly. Bobby’s father only complained about his reckless son’s disappearance and how inconsiderate he was. But his wife started to cry as soon as she heard about the baby. And they were not tears of happiness!”

  “Why would they act like that?” Michaela asked, perplexed. She heard the vehemence in Paolo’s voice and could tell he needed to vent.

  “They told me they were furious when they found out their son had eloped with a Latina. They had planned on him marrying a high-society debutante. I can’t believe how callous and selfish they are. They didn’t even want to know how Claudia was doing, or their first grandchild!” he ranted. “What kind of family is that?”

  “A cold, unfeeling one,” Michaela answered. Poor Claudia. Having judgmental in-laws was the worst thing for a newlywed. It was unimaginable that they wouldn’t be over the moon about little Michael. By the time Paolo finished filling her in on everything, Michaela was shocked. “Wow. I’m sorry to hear that,” she groaned. “No wonder Claudia seemed so desperate last night, and so alone. Poor thing!”

  “Poor nothing!” Paolo bit out angrily. “Claudia is not alone—she has a family. It’s a good thing she finally came to me! When I think that she might have…”

  “Calm down. She doesn’t need more people upset with her,” Michaela said, “even if you have a reason, Paolo.” She sighed. “I hate to change the subject, but the reason I’m calling is that they’ve changed the location of Monday’s shoot. Did you read Ellie’s email?”

  “Not yet. What did it say?”

  “We have to be on set by seven Monday morning, ready for the dry tech. Paolo, I know you have a lot on your plate, but we absolutely have to practice together before that. The cameramen have to get the lighting cues from the blocking and…”

  “I can’t meet tonight,” he cut in abruptly. “I have a business meeting I cannot afford to cancel. How about tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow?” Michaela hated waiting until the last minute to meet, but she had no choice. At least they could get one decent run-through. “Okay, tomorrow, then. How is Claudia doing?”

  “I just talked to her. She sounds a little nervous about going home with her baby. She’s not the only one. I’m nervous as hell. I know squat about babies. ¡Nada!”

  Michaela couldn’t help grinning, and at the same time, finding his nervousness endearing. Funny how one tiny baby could stress out a big guy like Paolo. “When is your mom arriving?”

  “Who knows? She has a problem with her visa and will have to pull some strings to get here. I need to find someone to help Claudia while I’m gone. The sooner the better.”

  “I’ll ask around. I’ve heard plenty of women complaining about their hired help at the spa. Ha, we should be so lucky,” she quipped. “Anyway, maybe one of them knows of a nurse or a nanny who is available.”

  “Thank you, querida,” Paolo said, his voice softening. “I would really appreciate it. I’m heading to Babies“R”Us now. I have one hour to figure out what to buy. Wish me luck.”

  Michaela giggled at the mental image of Paolo running amok in a huge baby store, amidst cribs, strollers and stuffed baby lambs. It was really too much!

  She choked back a chuckle. “Good luck.”

  “Glad someone thinks it’s funny.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Early Sunday afternoon, Michaela attempted to relax as she reclined on the outdoor rattan loveseat on her balcony. She had cleaned out the big steel birdcage and was feeding Baby his favorite treats of nuts and mixed berries.

  “Gracias, Mamacita, qué buena estás,” Baby crowed in Spanish from his perch on Michaela’s arm.

  Michaela rolled her eyes at the bird telling her she was hot—thanks to Manny, Aunt Willow’s on-again-off-again lover. Manny, a Cuban-American firefighter with a snake tattoo on his thick biceps, had taught Baby all the politically incorrect innuendos in his bird vocabulary. And Baby knew precisely when to use them.

  “You’re welcome, Baby,” Michaela replied.

  On this gloriously warm and balmy April day, she should have been feeling relaxed, but every time she chatted with Baby her thoughts drifted to another baby—Michael. Right about now, he was probably getting adjusted to his new home and bonding with his mommy and uncle. Ever since she had held him in her arms briefly after Claudia had given birth, Michaela yearned to hold his tiny body again—just for a little while.

  She glanced at her watch. Two thirty. They had to be home by now. She didn’t want to be pushy and she understood that Paolo was overwhelmed with bringing his sister and new baby home, but she had to get him on board for their rehearsal before the big show tomorrow. Just thinking about it made her stomach pitch with nerves. She wouldn’t feel nearly as anxious and a lot more confident if they could have just one run-through.

  On her end, everything was set right down to the aqua wrap-style blouse and slim tan slacks she would wear. The wardrobe girl had suggested she wear something in a shade of blue, referring to it as a “friendly” color. She planned on doing her own hair, half-up with a side part, and on wearing small gold loops on her earlobes. She wondered what Paolo was planning to wear. Whatever he chose, he’d be quite a draw for the ladies, that was for sure.

  Maybe she should just stop by for a few minutes, drop off the baby gift for Michael she had bought this morning and get Paolo to commit to a meeting tonight. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but it did not bode well that it was already two-thirty and he hadn’t called her.

  “Dame azúcar, mamacita,” Baby demanded, saying, “gimme sugar, little mama” in Spanish.

  Michaela complied by kissing the top of Baby’s red-feathered head.

  “Gracias,” Baby cackled.

  “You’re welcome,” Michaela replied, smiling at his silliness. “Okay, back to your crib now. “ She placed him in the cage and closed the door, content that he would be entertained all day chewing and tearing apart his new toys.

  Baby cocked his head. “¿Qué pasa?”

  Qué pasa, indeed, Michaela thought, concerned about Paolo’s silence. But why should that surprise her? So far he hadn’t done any of the things she had expected him to do. She would wait another few hours to hear from him. If by four-thirty he still hadn’t called, she would take matters into her own hands—her future was riding on it. Even though Paolo was convinced he was going to be great, they still needed all the practice they could get, especially to perform in front of a TV camera. One way or another she would drag that Argentine by the horns to a productive practice session!

  Michaela didn’t bother knocking when she noticed Paolo’s front
door was ajar and she heard the commotion coming from inside. Between the baby’s crying and Paolo and Claudia’s raised voices, she was sure they wouldn’t hear her knock anyway. She pushed the door and walked in, sidestepping the trail of packages and boxes littering every inch of the floor from the entrance to the living room. The place resembled moving-day chaos. Several packs of disposable diapers were stacked on the kitchen counter, enough to outfit a daycare center for a month. Paolo had clearly gone haywire. Where was he going to store all this stuff?

  “Paolo,” Michaela called out as she headed toward the bedroom. “Paolo…Claudia.”

  A disheveled Paolo appeared through the doorway, looking like he had just emerged from a boxing match. His white shirt was tucked half in and half out of his pants, his hair was tousled, his face covered in afternoon stubble, and his eyes looked bleary.

  Relief flooded his tense face when he saw her. “Maki. Am I glad to see you!”

  Claudia appeared from behind him, looking wild-eyed and just as disheveled. Bone-tired too.

  For a split second, Michaela considered running out the door while she could. Suddenly, the whole scene overwhelmed her and she felt like she was rapidly going to be sucked into a black vortex.

  Claudia came forward and enveloped Michaela in a tight hug. “Thank God you’re here! I really need you. Paolo is going crazy. So am I!”

  “What’s wrong?” Michaela asked, alarmed.

  Claudia gave her a frantic look. “Mikey won’t nurse and he won’t stop crying. I don’t think I have any milk. What should I do?” she wailed, pointing to the little bassinet where her baby lay, his tiny face mottled purple as he howled while his arms and legs made sharp, jerky motions.

  “Did you buy any baby formula?” Michaela asked Paolo.

  “No. How was I supposed to know that Claudia’s milk was dried up?” he asked.

  Claudia looked on the verge of tears. “I tried to feed Mikey one of the infant formulas they sent home with me, but he only drank a little. He doesn’t want it. I don’t know what’s wrong. I was able to breastfeed in the hospital, but ever since we got here the milk won’t come.”