My name is LaShelle.
Nice to meet you, LaShelle.
Thanks for the ride, Benny.
Of course.
Mind if we listen to music?
Im not sure what stations are available out here.
Oh, I brought my own, she said, reaching between her feet to root through her backpack. She shoved a CD into the slot in the dashboard, adjusted the bass level, and relaxed in her seat.
The thumping was so severe that Bennett expected to look in his rearview mirror and see Skylark parts scattered over I-80s westbound lanes.
Nice speakers! LaShelle said, bobbing and weaving to the pounding beat.
Bennett kept his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road while LaShelle sang along to lyrics that, from what he could deduce, warned of big changes coming. He liked the sentiment.
What is this song called? Bennett shouted. ?Big Shit Poppin!
How prophetic, he thought.
Late that night, in a motel room on the Colorado borderand across the hall from LaShelleBennett took out his Rand McNally map. He already knew what the pages would show, but he wanted to savor it: revenge was three days away. Big shit was about to pop, indeed.
Josie didnt show for the six A.M. walk with her friends. She had no choiceshe was exhausted. Rick brought her home about ten the night before and stayed until three in the morning. How was a girl supposed to survive a seventy-two-hour emotional, spiritual, and sexual roller-coaster ride and still be interested in a break-of-dawn Monday morning hike?
So she took Genghis out on the leash for a quick lap around the block instead, knowing she looked as rough as she felt, and hoping she wouldnt run into anyone she knew. She stepped in a pile of dog doo in the middle of the sidewalk. God, how she hated irresponsible pet owners! By the time she got back to her apartment, she had less than an hour to get herself together and get to work.
As she was drying her hair, Howie showed up at her apartment, wanting to talk about Beth. Josie sat with him on the couch, her hair still wet on one side, and listened to him vent and cry. She assured him that giving her sister another chance was the smart thing to do. Howie hugged her, told her what a great listener she was, and reminded her that the family was going out to dinner that night for her fathers birthday. She arrived at the paper a whole hour late with only half of her hair styled.
Of course, Bea was the first person she saw when she entered the newsroom.
Sorry I didnt make it this morning, Josie said, hardly able to look her in the eye.
Bea cocked her head and twisted her lips. You should check your voice mail more often, Joze. Weve all canceled for the week.
Josie felt her eyes widen. Not once in all their years of friendship had they canceled their walking date for an entire week. A couple days, sure, like when everyone accompanied Ginger to divorce court. But a week?
Whats wrong? Josie said, the guilt sending her heart rate through the roof. Shed disappeared for days on end and had no idea what shed missed in her friends lives. Oh, my God, did Roxie get fired?
Bea shook her head. The Spanish Inquisition doesnt meet until Wednesday, but Roxies plan is to continue her pedal-to-the-metal freaking out until then. And one of Gingers boys was picked up by the police late last night for trespassing and curfew violation, so shes taking a couple days off to deal with him.
Josie stood frozen in the center aisle of the newsroom as Bea spoke, people weaving by them to get where they needed to go. She felt numb with remorse, ashamed for abandoning her friends for a manespecially when they didnt even know she had one!
Look, Bea, Ive got something I need to confess Bea touched her arm. Why dont you save that thought until we all get together again next week? Im sure whatever it is, Ginger and Roxie wouldnt want to miss it. Bea smiled. It can wait a few days, right?
Josie squinted, trying to figure out why Bea would turn down an exclusive. That wasnt like her. Josie had the feeling shed missed much more than Bea was letting on.
But Im late for an editorial meeting, Bea said. Talk to you later, okay? I like your new hairdo, by the way. /Ooo-kaay./ Josie watched Bea take her usual speed walk through the newsroom. Then she raised a hand to the still-damp left side of her head.
A college intern bumped Josies arm in passing and coffee splattered down the front of her white blouse.
At that point, Josie admitted to herself that she may have just wrapped up the most stellar weekend of her life, but the week ahead wasnt looking so hot.
Just wanted to update you on where we stand on this lovely Monday morning.
Rick motioned for Teeny to come in the living room and have a seat. He took the large rectangular package from him, pleased with how it had been bundled in several layers of bubble wrap under the brown paper.
This is great, Teen. Come on in.
It wasnt often that Rick took a day off, but he decided to cut himself some slack that particular morning. As it happened, the weekend with Josie had required physicaland emotionalskills hed either ignored for many years or had never used at all.
And he was worn out.
Teeny took a seat on the white leather couch and crossed his legs, launching right into it. Lets see, Bennett Cummings is officially MIA, your brand-new girlfriend knows everything about you, including the security codes to your properties and how much youre worthto the pennyand Gwen Anders just turned in her resignation.
Teeny held out a single sheet of Meadowbrook stationery. Rick reached for it, immediately reading the four terse lines of type followed by Gwens elegant signature.
He groaned. I told her this wasnt necessary.
Teeny shrugged. She showed up bright and early and left it on your desk.
Didnt have a damn thing to say to me when I asked her what was up.
Rick frowned, then handed the paper back to Teeny.
Ill call her.
Teeny shrugged. You can do whatever you like, of course, but I have a feeling our girl Gwen is serious. Ive never seen her look as ragged as she did today. He shivered. Scary.
Rick laughed and sat down in a chair across from Teeny. So whats the latest with Cummings?
Nothingthats the problem. Nobodys seen him at his estate. Nobodys talked to him. Hes not used a credit card or conducted a bank transaction or made or accepted calls to his cell in five days.
Maybe he really is
Not in any hospital we can find.
All right, Teen. Rick sighed. What do you suggest we do?
His friend looked around Ricks Pacific Heights home. You could stay in here for the rest of your life. You know, watch TV and take naps.
Rick smiled. That may be whats happening today, but its not what I plan to do with the rest of my life.
Oh, yeah? You got plans I dont know about?
Rick got up from his chair and went to the bank of windows, knowing that when he said aloud all hed been thinking that morning it would sound like crazy talk. He knew Teeny wanted him to be happy, but more than that, he knew his friend wanted him to be safe and sane.
I plan to ask Josie to marry me. He kept his back to Teeny, and waited for the response he knew was coming. When he didnt receive it, he turned around. Teeny had fallen against the back of the couch and was cradling his bald head in his hands, as if he were trying to keep his brains from falling out.
Id like to find a ring by the end of the week, Rick continued. Something simple but so stunning it will blow Josie away. When Teeny still had no comment, Rick went over to him and leaned in his face.
Dont try to talk me out of it.
Teeny shook his head. Wouldnt dream of it.
Rick sat back down. You think Im moving too fast?
Teenys hands fell from his head and he smacked them down on his knees.
Fast? He laughed. Fast would be if youd known her for a couple years.
This is warp-speed shit, Rick. Youve only known her for a couple of /weeks/!
Rick nodded. So you dont like her?
Teeny shot up from the c
ouch. I /love/ her, man. Shes great. Im not questioning the who of this situation, Im questioning the when.
I dont need more time. I know its right. I know shes the one.
Okay. Teeny held up his palms in surrender and sat back down.
The two stayed silent for a long moment. Teeny finally said, If you believe its the right thing, then it is.
Thanks.
And you know Im not one to shy away from high-end jewelry shopping, so count me in. Teeny got up again and headed for the door.
Hey, wait a second. Rick reached in his jeans pocket and pulled out a small piece of memo paper. He glanced at Josies handwriting and smiled at the memoryJosie had jotted this information down before Rick left her place much earlier that morning. She had been naked and twisted up in the sheets, her cheeks and chest flushed and her eyes sleepy. Rick handed the same paper to Teeny. Check on this womans story for me when you have a minute. Id appreciate it.
Teeny took the paper, frowned, and read it aloud.?Gloria Needleman, age eighty-four, Cayuga Terrace? Teeny looked up with a theatrically sly smile. We gonna get a ring for her, too?
Rick ignored him. Apparently, this lady warned Josie that I was in danger and advised her that being my girlfriend would require forgiveness.
What the hell? Every trace of humor was gone in Teenys expression. How do you know this lady?
I dont know her, thats the point. I have no idea who she is.
Teeny folded the paper and stuck it in the pocket of his jacket. So how does Josie know her?
Rick laughed. She interviewed her a few weeks back for an obituary about her husband, and the lady gave her some advice for the lovelorn on her way out.
Teeny shook his head. I dont like it.
That seems to be your mantra lately, Rick said, patting him on the shoulder. I want to head over to Josies this afternoon. I thought Id surprise her with dinner when she gets home.
What are you going to do, break in?
Rick chuckled. She gave me a key.
Well, its nice to know shes as lax with her personal safety as you are.
Teeny sighed. Ill pick you up at four.
It was stupid of me to fall for it, I know, LaShelle said. He told me he had a producer friend in L.A. who would record a demo for me. Thats where we were headed when he dumped my ass in Nebraska.
Im sorry, but I dont know what a demo is, Bennett said.
LaShelle laughed. Its a CD with a few of your songs on ityou know, a /demonstration/ of your talent.
Of course.
Youre such a nerd, Benny, she said, playfully punching him on the arm.
What did you do back in Rhode Island, anyway?
Bennett smiled, noting how shed just violated her no-personal-contact rule. I recently retired from a chemical manufacturing corporation. I worked there for forty-five years.
Shit! LaShelle said. How did you survive a job that boring for that long? I worked a couple months at a Taco Bell and I thought Id die.
Bennett laughed. Its amazing what you can get used to.
LaShelle smirked. Thats not how I plan to live /my/ life, I can tell you that. She shook her head and raised her chin. Im going for it, Benny. Im getting my ass out there and Im taking on Los Angeles and the world and one day youre gonna be hearing my shit everywhereon the radio, in movies, on TV.
I know I will.
Im gonna blow up fast. Overnight, Benny. Bennett assumed that blowing up was a good thing in the music business, unlike his line of work. That kind of determination will take you far, he said.
LaShelle was suddenly quiet. Bennett looked out of the corner of his eye to see her wipe a silent tear from her cheek. Her swagger had wilted as quickly as it had blossomed.
He decided not to push her. She was a smart girl, and clearly, reality had long ago stuck a toe into the door of her dreams. Determination was important, but it wouldnt pay the rent, and she knew it. Dreams wouldnt keep her belly full.
Bennett didnt have to askLaShelle had no one waiting for her in Los Angeles. She didnt even know how shed get there from San Francisco. She was scared to death. And alone.
Margot had never experienced that kind of fear or isolation, he realized. She was given everything she desired, sometimes even before she knew she desired it. Margot was never forced to rely on her own drive and talent.
His palms tightened on the Skylarks vinyl steering wheel as the truth hit himhis little girl died without a true passion. By trying to ensure her happiness, Bennett had kept her from lifes most basic joychasing ones own dream.
LaShelle opened Bennetts road atlas and said, We should be in Salt Lake City by six or so.
He nodded, taking a moment to swallow down the sadness. Any preference for dinner tonight? he asked.
LaShelle stared blankly out the windshield. Anything but tacos.
This time he was prepared for the attack he knew was inevitable.
First, he set the package on the hallway floor, carefully propping it up against the wall, away from the expected point of collision. Next, he set the groceries on the other side of the door. He slipped in the key, turned the knob, and raised a bent knee to the front of his body for protection.
Off!
Genghis was already sailing through the air. He bounced off Ricks shin.
Sit. Rick scowled at Josies dog, trying not to laugh while being firm.
It was difficult. The Labradoodle made him laugh every time he looked at his goofy face. Rick shook his head in wonderfor a woman who seemed so desperate for a dog grooming a few weeks ago, Josie sure hadnt been in a hurry to take him in for a trim. At this point, Genghis had the canine equivalent of dreadlocks, which only made him look funnier.
All right. Good boy. Rick bent down and rubbed behind his ear, then gave him a bite-sized dog biscuit he had in his pocket. Genghis continued to sit. He was rewarded with another biscuit.
Rick entered the apartment and smiled. It looked just like it had when he left in the middle of the nightunkempt. He could see into her bedroom, and noted that her suitcase was lying open on the floor, stuff spilling out. He hadnt even given the poor woman time to unpack, hed wanted her so badly.
Rick got the painting in safely, placing it in the center of the dining table, out of Genghiss reach. Then he put away the groceries. He got Genghiss leash on him and took him for a quick walk around the block, occasionally acknowledging the large Lexus crawling along the street next to him. Rick couldnt imagine what life would be like if, someday and somehow, Bennett Cummings was no longer a worry. Hed sure love to find out.
Rick gave Teeny a nod and a wave when he got back to the apartment.
Teeny rolled down the automatic window.
Page me when youre ready to go.
Rick nodded. Thanks, Teen.
Back in the apartment it was first things first. He went through Josies CD collection to find some inspiring tunes, and, after a brief shock at the sight of a bootleg live Clay Aiken recording, he found just the thing. Rick immediately went to work, Nat King Cole crooning from the living room.
He arranged the flowers in a nice glass vase. He sliced the tenderloin into thin strips, washed and sliced the cremini mushrooms and shallots, and rooted through Josies spice cabinet, relieved that she had tarragon and nutmeg, because hed forgotten to buy both. He started the water for the noodles.
Rick straightened the living room. His search for the perfect place to hang the painting took him into her bedroom. The sight of the disheveled bed sent a wave of heat through him. He couldnt help himselfhe buried his nose in the cool white sheets, smelling Josie and himself, their love and their sex, all blended together, like it had been all weekend.
Rick knew he was acting a fool. He was a fool in love. It was the most exhilarating experience of his life.
He decided to display the painting over the living room fireplace mantel, where Josie had hung a mirror. He would rearrange things later to her liking, but decided to go for maximum impact when she walked through the door.
&n
bsp; He vacuumed and set the table. Then he looked at his watch and decided it was time to undress for dinner, an activity that held Genghis in rapt attention.
Ten minutes later, just as he was melting butter in a large skillet and singing,?Im happy as a king, and foolish though it may seem, to me thats everything… he heard the door open.
He didnt know who was more excitedhim or the dog.
Genghis greeted her happily at the door, along with the strains of Nat King Coles The Very Thought of You and the scent of what Josie swore was homemade beef Stroganoff. This could mean only one thing: Her mother had moved in. Now wouldnt that be the perfect end to a perfect day?
Welcome home, baby.
Josie shouted with surprise. Her boyfriendyes, her /boyfriend/stood in the kitchen doorway wearing nothing but a huge smile and a barbecue apron sporting the words DINNER IS READY WHEN THE SMOKE ALARM GOES OFF.
Her hand went to her mouth. She laughed. A few seconds later, she was in tears.
Did I scare you? Rick came to her and put his bare arms around her.
Maybe you dont like this kind of surprise. I should have Oh, my God! Josie pointed to the wall over the fireplace. What is that doing there?
We can move it wherever youd like.
She clutched her chest.
I hope I didnt scare you.
Josie threw herself against him, planting a big kiss right on his beautiful mouth. He didnt scare her. He astounded her. This surprise was thoughtful, fun, and so damn romantic it made her cry.
She pulled away from his embrace. Nobody has ever done something this wonderful for me, she said, trying her best to stop blubbering. Her eyes moved from the painting to the table set with flowers, candles, and a tablecloth. She cried harder.
Ah, Josie. Rick hugged her again and kissed the top of her head. This is nothing. Its the kind of thing you should get on a regular basis.
Josie shook her head and rubbed her sloppy tears all over the front of his apron. Nobodys ever gone to this much trouble for me. She looked up at him, his gorgeous green eyes filled with concern. Nobodys ever set the table like this. Nobody has ever cooked naked for me!
I am wearing an apron.
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