Wish List

by Fern Michaels

  “How many families do you have here?”

  “Right now, about thirty. It changes, goes up, goes down. When we pick a harvest it goes way up. The apartments are behind the house—come on, I’ll show them to you. It’s on the way to the stable.”

  “What do you think?” Lex asked as he pointed to a row of tidy, pink brick buildings.

  “I think it’s wonderful. The flowers are so pretty. It’s so . . . so neat and tidy. Can I look inside, or would that be an invasion of their privacy? Of course it would be—forget I asked.”

  “No, that’s okay, the unit on the end is empty. Miguel went back to his home because his elderly brother needed some work done. He took his family with him, but they’ll be back right after Easter.”

  Ariel opened the old-fashioned screen door, smiling when it squeaked. It was a small apartment—two bedrooms, a living room, an eat-in kitchen, a pretty tile bathroom, and a back porch with a portable grill. “Where’s the washer and dryer?”

  “What?”

  “The washer and dryer—where are they? There’s two sets of bunk beds, so they must have four children. Right? Where do they do their laundry? Going to school is one set of clothes, working the fields is another, Sundays another. So, where do they do their washing?”

  “Jesus, I don’t know. The . . . bathtub, I guess. I never thought about it.”

  “I see,” Ariel said.

  She was frowning. Suddenly Lex wanted to run out and buy washers and dryers by the truckload. “There’s no room in the kitchen for extra appliances.”

  “I see that. Don’t you have an empty building somewhere? You could make a laundromat. You wouldn’t have to give each family a set. Six or eight would probably do it. You use well water, so the only cost would be the electricity and the units themselves. If you had to, you could charge, but I think that would be tacky.”

  “Tacky,” Lex said, a stupid look on his face.

  “Cheap. A man in your position charging to use washers and dryers? Cheap.”

  “Cheap. I see your point. How soon do you think I should do this?” There was humor in his voice.

  Ariel laughed. “I’d get right on it. There’s nothing worse than rinsing out sweaty underwear in the sink. Think about it.”

  “Okay, it’s a done deal. I’ll call a plumber and the appliance store. You call your company and have them bring them up here as soon as possible. We’ll put them in the garage. That means I have to keep my truck outside.”

  Ariel sniffed. “That truck looks like it got caught in a hurricane. When was the last time you garaged it?”

  “The first day I got it. Too much trouble to open and close the doors.” He stomped ahead of her, his shoulders stiff with embarrassment.

  “Lex.”

  He turned, his face pink with something she couldn’t define.

  “I didn’t mean to come on so strong. It’s just that I know what it’s like to be poor. Even when I was just a child, I knew how difficult it was. The same clothes, day after day, but always clean and pressed. When God gives you the power to help make things better, you can’t stop in midstream. You have to keep on doing everything you can. I wasn’t criticizing you. If it seemed that way, I’m sorry.”

  “No apology necessary. When you’re right, you’re right. I was stupid for not thinking of it myself. Why didn’t they ask? Damn, it’s that boundary thing. Did I miss anything else?”

  “Do the children have bicycles, roller skates, wagons, games and toys?”

  “Their parents don’t have money for things like that.”

  “I see.”

  “Okay. I’ll call the bike store. And the toy store. Maybe you could go with me to pick them out. Or are you too busy?” He held her gaze, waiting for her reply.

  “I’ll make the time. Why don’t we do it after you show me your horses? If you pay them, they’ll assemble everything. For some reason I don’t think you have the patience to put a bunch of bikes together.”

  “You’re right about that. I never had a bike when I was a kid. I think I would have killed for one. Well, probably not. Even if I had one I would have felt guilty and I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it knowing the money could be used for food and clothes.” He reached for her hand. “Thanks for bringing me up short.”

  “Any time.” She squeezed his hand. It felt wonderful, right somehow.

  “This is Cleo,” Lex said as he led her over to a stall in the clean-smelling barn. “Ariel Hart, this is Dr. Lomez.”

  Ariel shook hands with the vet. “What a beautiful animal.”

  “That she is. It won’t be long now. She’s doing fine, Lex. Relax or Cleo will pick up on your panic; you are feeling panic—don’t deny it. Get down here and talk to her. Honest to God, Lex, I think she’s been waiting for you to get here. Just like a woman, wants to please her man. Softly, Lex.”

  Ariel backed off and watched as this strange man who had been holding her hand dropped to his knees and started to croon softly to the horse on the ground. How gentle his hands must be. She felt a sense of awe when the big horse quieted almost immediately at Lex’s touch. Who was this man who was touching her life? Why did she feel so drawn to him, and she was drawn to him—she couldn’t deny it. She’d been with men who hadn’t talked to her as gently and kindly as this man was talking to his horse. It was obvious how much he loved the animal. She couldn’t help but wonder if he would love a woman the same way. Suddenly she felt warm all over as she imagined what it would be like to make love to this man.

  Who was Lex Sanders? He spoke about being poor in his youth. He seemed to have a special affinity for the Mexicans he employed or else he was just a kind, generous man. Where had that compassion come from? She couldn’t tell.

  “She’s ready. Hold her head, Lex. Talk to her, stroke her head. That’s it, that’s it. Here it comes. Oh, Lex, it’s . . . he’s beautiful.”

  Ariel watched, mesmerized, as Lex continued to stroke the hard-breathing animal. She’d expected him to turn around, to stare at the foal, but he didn’t. Cleo was the only thing that mattered to him at the moment. “I know he’s beautiful, Cleo. He’s going to be strong and healthy like his mother. Shhhh, it’s okay, just a few more minutes. She wants to get up, Frankie. She wants to see her son. Easy, girl, just a few more minutes. Okay, now.” He backed up as Cleo struggled to her feet. She snorted happily and her head reared back as she pawed the ground, to Lex’s delight. The vet clapped her hands.

  “He’s a beauty, Cleo,” Lex said, careful not to touch the wobbly foal. The first contact belonged to Cleo and both Lex and the mare knew it. The vet backed off, too, as Cleo nuzzled her offspring. When she was satisfied all was right with her son, she nudged him toward Lex.

  Tears misted Ariel’s eyes. How wonderful motherhood was. She watched breathlessly as Lex went cheek to cheek with the foal. “He’s handsome, Cleo, as good lookin’ as his mama. We’re not selling this one. He’s staying with us. We have to think about a proper name for him. Something that sounds majestic. By tomorrow I’ll come up with the perfect name. Thanks, Frankie. I don’t know why, but I sweated this one.”

  “That’s because you love Cleo. Hey, it was the least I could do. You put me through vet school, after all. They’re doing fine. I’ll stop back this evening. Leave mother and son to get acquainted. Don’t go fussing over her, Lex. She knows what to do and she’s damn tired. Nice meeting you, Miss Hart. Is there any chance you might want a dog? I have this gorgeous shepherd that the Seeing Eye rejected because she was too playful. Her name is Snookie and she’s wonderful. Guess not, huh?”

  “She’ll take it,” Lex said smartly. “Miss Hart is one of those people who have the capability to take on any project and turn it into a positive experience. If you’re capable, then you should act on that capability. Isn’t that right, Ariel?”

  “Absolutely. I’d love a dog. I’ve been wanting one for a long time. But I have to admit I know nothing about them.”

  “Not much to know with this one. She�
�s perfect. She’s trained and she’s obedient. She likes women better than men. Sometimes she thinks she’s a lapdog. Best watchdog I’ve ever seen. She’s in perfect health, had all her shots. She even comes with her own bag of dog food. And, get this—she’s got a Gucci collar and leash.”

  “You don’t have to convince me. I’ll take her.”

  “Great. I’ll drop her off around six when I come back. Will you be here then?”

  “She’ll be here. We’re going out to buy some bicycles for the kids. Frankie, when you were growing up here, did you want a bike?”

  “So damn bad I could taste it. Why?”

  “Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you ask for one?” The look Frankie gave him was so scathing, Ariel looked away. “Hey, wait a minute, where did your mother wash clothes?”

  “In the bathtub.”

  “I’m putting a laundromat in the garage. Twelve units,” he said airily.

  “That’s great, Lex. That’s really great. Bet it was Miss Hart’s idea, huh? I know it was her idea to get bikes.” She blew him a kiss and was out the door before he could say anything.

  “They’re like an extended family.”

  “I see,” Ariel said.

  “What now?”

  “Nothing. Well, maybe swimming lessons and maybe tennis lessons. Little kids shouldn’t be working in the fields. Pay their parents more money. Pretend you’re a guardian angel. I’m hungry.”

  Lex reached for her hand again. She let him take it because it felt like the most natural thing in the world. She liked this man.

  “Come on, I’ll show you the house. Tiki will make us some lunch. We eat pretty simple around here. Mostly Tex-Mex. Then we can go get the bikes and other things. I’ll have Tiki make us a list of the children’s ages. God forbid I should screw this up. This is it,” Lex said, waving his arm about. “My humble abode. I’m going to open the door, but step aside or you’ll get mowed down. Okay, here goes.”

  They came from everywhere, puppies by the dozen, all colors. They slipped and slid down the tiled hallway in their hurry to get Lex’s attention. “My dog had a litter of twelve. I’m keeping them all. The kids love them. You’re getting your own dog so don’t go getting attached to mine.”

  “Oh, they’re wonderful.” Ariel laughed as she got down on the floor with the pups. They were all over her, crawling up her legs, bouncing on her stomach, licking her face. She continued to laugh as she cuddled and squeezed the fat puppies.

  “You should do that more often,” Lex said quietly.

  “Do what?” Ariel shrieked as one of the puppies crawled up to the top of her head and plopped down. Another one peed on her leg. She shrieked again in pure delight.

  “Laugh,” Lex said softly.

  “Tiki! Let’s put them on the sunporch. Can you make us some lunch? I need you to make me a list of the children—female, male, and their ages. We’re going shopping after lunch.”

  “Si, Señor Lex. One little momento.”

  “Come along, I’ll show you the house. I added on to it. I lived so long in cramped quarters, brothers and sisters, all in the same two rooms. I . . . I wanted a little walking around room. It’s called mission style, lots of terra cotta and stucco. A decorator added all the bright colors. Comfort and color, that’s all I care about. And lots and lots of bathrooms. Seven in all. Six fireplaces. I hate to be cold. They say being poor builds character. Do you believe that, Ariel?” How anxious his voice sounded. As if her opinion really mattered.

  “I suppose it does. Poor is poor. I don’t think people tend to think about building character if they’re cold or hungry. At least I don’t think I would. However, look at you now. You’re obviously successful. You appear to be a kind, decent person. You love animals and the people who work for you even if you are a little shortsighted. You never married?”

  “Once. It didn’t . . . work out. What about you?”

  “It didn’t work out.”

  “How do you deal with the loneliness? Everyone needs someone to be with.”

  “I know. Sometimes I cry. I have friends. I figured if God wanted me to spend my life with one certain person, it would happen. For a long time, I’ve thought I was in a holding pattern, waiting for it to happen. I just met you—why are we having this conversation?”

  “I pretty much feel the same way. Isn’t that strange?”

  “Guess so.”

  “I really meant it—you should laugh more often. You’re pretty. You try to hide those little things on your face, don’t you?”

  He sounded like he was discussing the weather, not her deformity. “Wouldn’t you?”

  “Hell no, I wouldn’t. Obviously, it’s something you can’t change. If someone didn’t like me because I had a pimple on my nose, then I say the hell with them. It’s what’s inside that counts. Guess women don’t see things the same way men do.”

  “Easy for you to say since you aren’t sporting any ‘pimples’. I had to have major surgery. The doctors say it will get better with time. I hope they’re right.”

  Lex snorted. “You can hardly tell. If you’d stop calling attention to whatever you want to call it, you’d be better off. It’s there, so live with it. We’re getting along pretty good, don’t you think? You tell me off and I tell you off. Nicely, of course. C’mon, I bet Tiki has vegetable enchiladas for lunch.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because that’s what she makes for lunch every day. And I like them.”

  “I do, too. I can eat four,” Ariel said proudly.

  “No!”

  “Yep. And a side order of refried beans. How many can you eat?”

  “Six, and a fajita. So there.”

  He was holding her hand again and it felt just as right as it had before. She felt like singing, but she couldn’t think of a song. Instead she laughed, a sound of pure delight.

  Lunch was delicious, and fun, the conversation consisting of Lex’s questions about her movies. Impressed with his memory, Ariel said, “I can’t believe you watched all of them and remember so much. Why? You didn’t even know me.”

  “That’s the point. I thought I could get some insight where you were concerned. I needed to know, or at least I wanted to know, how you were going to run Able Body. I’ve been doing business with them for years and years. Selfishly, I wanted things to continue the way they were. I’m sorry if I behaved less than professionally.”

  “I saw your actions as a threat. Either I did what you wanted—and the girls said you were demanding—or you were going to pull your business. I couldn’t allow you to intimidate me. You can’t, you know.”

  “Look, business is business. I’m sure we’ll have words from time to time. I need your company and your company needs my business. That’s a given. We’ll go on from there. We’ll discuss one more thing and then finish playing hookey. Chet Andrews is not a man you want to tangle with. You came out on top today, but he’s ugly. There isn’t another trucking company that will touch him. Able Body was his last shot. The last time I talked to Asa, he expressed concern about Chet. Actually, I believe Asa was afraid of him. I know his wife was frightened. She told me so, and wanted me to talk to Asa. I never got the chance. I was out of town when he made his snap decision to sell the business.”

  “What can he do? Scare me? Get the others to fall into line behind him? If anything goes wrong, the police will go straight to him. As far as I can tell, Mr. Able ran a very clean operation. I’m the first to admit I don’t understand a lot of the business, but I’m not stupid. My financial advisor, Ken Lamantia, did extensive research on Able Body and it all checked out.”

  “A lot of things can go wrong. The decent truckers won’t have anything to do with him. There are others who will, though. Maybe sixteen or seventeen. Renegades, the ones who live in their trucks and shower at the truck stops. No families, no ties to anything or anyone. Chet is divorced. Asa told me his ex-wife came by the offices a couple of times to see if there was a way she could get som
e of Chet’s money legally. Asa called in the welfare people and Chet’s child support was taken out of his pay automatically. He’s been in jail so many times I’ve lost track. A lot of things have happened these past years. The police, Asa, and I pretty much know Chet was involved in a lot of strange things, but we had no hard proof. Trundle Trucking burned to the ground, Mathison Trucking had the Feds come down on them so hard that Jack Mathison said to hell with it and sold out. The smaller companies are just getting by. Then there’s the hijackings. All Chet and his cronies have to do is get on the CB and listen. If Chet can’t make the payments on his rig he loses it. We’re talking a hundred and seventy grand. Chet has a top-of-the-line rig, a Peterbilt—that’s the Cadillac of trucks. Some of those rigs go for two hundred grand. Asa said Chet paid one hundred and seventy for his. He’s one of those ‘I got the best so I am the best’ guys. The mentality of his friends is like his. Believe it. You’re going to have to be real careful.”

  Ariel shivered. “There’s talk he’s stirring up the farm workers. To what end? What will that get him?”

  “That’s the whole point. He’s a spiteful bastard. He gets his kicks out of stirring up trouble. He’s got a personal hate on for me that I don’t want to go into right now. He stirs up the workers, has them make demands, gets them to walk off their jobs. The ranchers can’t operate. They don’t have anything to take to market. Then Chet steps in, bullies the workers into going back; then he shows up with his Peterbilt, and for a handsome sum, agrees to haul their loads. Blackmail, pure and simple, but when your back is to the wall, you don’t have many options. It’s not just the ranchers like myself. He does the same thing with small companies, too. I’m about the only one left who hasn’t been intimidated. My gut tells me I’m next on his list because he blames me for Asa’s attitude. But that’s the least of it.”