Where Does My Heart Belong?

by Libby Kingsley

Ever since we went to Tony’s, he’s been stopping by several times a week. “I think you have an admirer,” Grandma tells me.

  “I hope not. I think he’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, but I’m not interested in getting tangled up with another man.”

  “You could do worse than Tony Vera. He’s good looking, intelligent, has good family values, not to mention that he’s extremely wealthy.”

  “Yeah, well I’m wealthy too. That doesn’t cut any weight with me. Besides, if he’s that great why hasn’t some woman snatched him up? There must be something wrong with him to be single at his age.”

  “When you’re as wealthy as the Vera’s are, you don’t go off and marry just anyone. Tony has to think about his whole family. A marriage and divorce to the wrong woman could end in financial ruin for them, to say nothing of what it could do to Angie.”

  “I thought rich people always had pre-nuptial agreements so there wouldn’t be any financial problems.”

  “They do, but everything can be contested. Fred and I talked about this. He would like to marry me but after discussing all the legal ramifications, we decided to keep things the way they are. “

  Just then the doorbell rings and when I open the door Tony’s standing there grinning and looking incredibly handsome in a suit and tie. Wow! I’ve only seen him wearing Levi’s with a t-shirt and a cowboy hat before so this is a shock. “Hey Libby, how would you and Jessie like to go to the zoo with Angie and me this Saturday?”

  “Not me,” Grandma says. “Too much walking, that place is huge. You go ahead if you want Libby; I already have plans with Fred anyway.”

  “Say yes, Libby, we’d love it if you’d come.”

  “Well, okay then, what time, and what should I wear?”

  “Great! Jeans will be fine. The weather is supposed to be nice but be sure and bring a jacket in case it turns cold, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Jessie’s right, it’s a big place. We’ll pick you up at 10:00. ”

  With that, he’s out the door.

  “Why is he here every other day, and how did he get past the security gate without the alarm going off?” I ask Grandma.

  “He’s one of two people that have the security code. Leona is the other one. When I ended up all by myself, I needed to know that someone could get in if I was disabled. We can change that now, though, if you want.”

  “No, that’s okay, if you trust them, then I will too.”

  “The main reason that Tony’s in town is that he’s looking for a place to live and a children’s daycare for the summer. He’s enrolled Angie in a summertime preschool and doesn’t want to spend two hours on the road every day driving her back and forth to Marin County.”

  “Gee, Grandma, why don’t they just move in here? We can let Angie have the other upstairs bedroom. Since you think Tony and I would be such a good match, we can shack up downstairs,” I tease her.

  She looks at me for a moment. “That’s a great idea, Libby, but there’ll be no ‘shacking up’. Let me think about this for a while.”

  “Hey, I was only kidding. Don’t go getting any big ideas.”

  On Saturday, the three of us go to the zoo and I have a really good time. First, we take Angie to the petting zoo, which is a great place for children. There are chickens running around loose and ducks swimming in a pond. She gets to hold a little kitten and a small rabbit. Then she pets miniature goats and brushes a little miniature donkey. A beautiful Golden Retriever dog drops a ball at her feet and she throws it for him. He brings it back and drops it at her feet once more. For five minutes, they play fetch and then Tony tells her it’s time to go see the other animals. He brought along a little red wagon for her to ride in so he sets her in it, and off we go the see the monkeys.

  We visit the monkeys, elephants, giraffes, big cats from Africa and beautifully colored birds. By that time, Angie has had enough so Tony treats us to lunch at one of the zoo’s restaurants. When we finish lunch, he wants to go see the reptiles.

  “No way,” I tell him. “That child might have nightmares for a week if she sees all those snakes and alligators.” He grins, and says he was only teasing.

  “We’ll leave it for the next time when it’s just the two of us.”

  “In your dreams.”

  When we get home, we tell Grandma all about it. “You can go with Tony the next time,” I tell her. “There won’t be much walking, just one exhibit. He didn’t get to see the reptiles so he wants to go back.”

  “I’m not looking at any snakes so he can just go by himself. Sit down, Tony; I want to talk to you. I think I have an answer to your housing dilemma. How would you and Angie like to move in here with Libby and me? You can have the lower level. Libby can move upstairs with me. When Angie gets out of her school at noon, Henry can pick her up and we can watch her until you get home. What do you think?”

  “Oh my goodness, Jessie, it’s an answer to my prayers. Thank you. What do you think Libby?”

  “I’m fine with it Tony, it sounds like the perfect solution for you.”

  “Actually, Tony, it was Libby’s idea in the first place, so say yes.”

  He looks at me and grins, then reaches over and squeezes my shoulder.

  “Yes, I’ll do it but only if you’ll let me pay rent. I don’t want to take advantage.”

  “There’ll be no rent but you’re more than welcome to contribute your favorite food and beverages.”

  “It’s a deal. Angie’s school starts a week from Monday so how about we move in next weekend? That will give Libby time to get her things rearranged.”

  “Great, it looks like we’ll be having a full house. I couldn’t be happier.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Tony and Angie move in the following weekend and life will never be the same. I swear that child as the energy of ten people. During the week, she goes to preschool until noon and then she’s ours for the rest of the day. She’s too much for Grandma with her incessant chatter in Spanish and constant running throughout the house. I tell Grandma to go about her usual charity work; I’ll babysit, and try to keep her busy.

  Keeping her occupied really isn’t that difficult. Like all kids, she just wants someone to pay attention to her. I ask her to help me learn Spanish. I took three years of it in high school but I’ve forgotten most of it. I’ll point out something and ask her what it is in Spanish. She thinks it’s a game and laughs at my pronunciation. We play with her dolls, color, and I show her how to bake cookies. I teach her how to crochet; it keeps her small hands busy and she’s so proud of the little square coaster she made for her Daddy to set his coffee cup on. One day she tells me that I’m her best friend and I want to break down and cry. “You’re my best friend too,” I tell her, and we hug each other. I have become way too attached to her and it can only end it heartbreak when this arrangement is over. I wish I’d never suggested that they move in. What was I thinking? Apparently, I wasn’t. Most nights, when Tony gets home, he finds us snuggled up under a quilt watching TV or me reading to her in Spanish from one of her little children’s books. One night after he’s put her to bed he says he wants to talk.

  “I really appreciate what you’re doing for Angie. I’m so glad we moved in here. Are you finding any time for yourself? I didn’t mean for you to take on full time babysitting.”

  “It’s okay, Tony, there’s no one else I would rather spend time with. It’s not like I have anything else to do anyway.”

  “Why don’t you let me take you out of here once in a while? Have you been to the Presidio, Lincoln Park, or China beach? They’re all walking distance from here, practically outside your back door.”

  “No, I haven’t been there yet.”

  “Then let me take you. I’m not doing anything on Thursday, day after tomorrow. We can make a whole day of it. Angie can stay at the school in the afternoon. They have a day care for the kids who don’t go home at noon. What do you say?”

  “Okay, I’d like that; it’s been awhile since I’ve gotten out he
re and done anything.”

  “Terrific, let’s say 10:00 o’clock. Hey, do you play golf? The Presidio has a great golf course.”

  “Never played it, but go ahead if you want to. I’ll just follow along. I always wanted to learn but I have a shoulder injury from a horseback riding thing and the doctor said it was something I probably shouldn’t do.”

  “No problem, I’ll rent a golf cart so we don’t have to walk and you can amuse yourself watching me make a complete fool of myself. I love to play, but it’s probably been six months since I’ve been on a course. I’m really looking forward to this, Libby, I hope you are too.”

  On Thursday, we stop at a restaurant where Tony’s had them prepare a picnic lunch for us and then it’s on to the Presidio. The park is beautiful and huge. Historically it was an army post for Spanish, Mexican and American armies and there are hundreds of historical buildings to see. Besides the golf course, there are creeks, hiking trails through shaded forests with vista views that overlook San Francisco Bay. You could never experience it all in just one day. I hope I’ll be able to come back again sometime.

  After Tony rents the golf cart and his equipment, we set out for the course. He was right, watching him, is more than amusing. He’s a terrible golfer. Every time he chops up the sod or puts the ball in a sand trap or water I’m cracking up. “Don’t quit your day job,” I tell him. He laughs with me; I’m glad to see he has a sense of humor. After that debacle is over we find a nice grassy spot and he brings out the picnic basket. The restaurant has given us fried chicken, cheese and crackers, grapes, apples, a French baguette, and of course a bottle of wine. It couldn’t be more perfect. After lunch, he asks me if I’m tired, do I want to take a nap. Nope, I tell him, it’s best to keep moving, work off that food. He packs up the remains of our picnic and takes it to his truck. When he comes back, he has two kites with him.

  “Kites? We’re going to fly kites?”

  “Yup, San Francisco is a great place to fly kites. Which one do you want?”

  I choose the one with Batman on it, and once I’ve got it all sorted out, I start running, and it launches into the air. I let the string reel out and watch it go higher and higher. Then I lie down on my back on the grass and watch as it climbs even higher. Tony isn’t having that kind of success. His kite doesn’t want to fly and when it finally does, it ends up tangled in a tree. He cuts it loose and comes over to where I’m lying on the ground.

  “Guess this isn’t my day for outdoor sports,” he laughs. I laugh too and think to myself, ‘I don’t think any day will be your day for outdoor sports.’ He watches, as my kite gets further away. “What are you going to do with it?”

  “I thought I’d cut it loose and let it travel free,” I tell him. He gets out his pocketknife and cuts the string. We watch as it climbs towards the heavens and then disappears over San Francisco Bay.

  Next, we go to China Beach and Lincoln Park. They’re wonderful too, but in my mind, nothing can compare to the Presidio.

  On the way back to pick up Angie at her school, he tells me what a great day he’s had. Will I go out with him again sometime? “There’s a new club that’s opened in town,” he says. “They play country/western music. Would you like to go there with me? We can have a few beers and dance.”

  “I like to drink beer, but I don’t dance that country stuff, Tony. I never really learned.”

  “No problem, I can teach you. We can move the furniture around in Jessie’s family room and have our own private dance lessons.”

  “I’ll think about it, but no promises.”

  “I want to see you again; I want us to be friends.”

  “Me too, I already think of you as a friend.” What I don’t tell him is that I’d like to be a lot more than just friends, if only I didn’t have this hang-up with not trusting men. He’s the kindest, sweetest, most decent man I have ever met and he’s really starting to get under my skin.

  CHAPTER 21

  Before Tony and I have a chance to go to the new club, Grandma tells me that we have been invited to a charity ball. The proceeds from it will be going to the food bank where we volunteer. I tell her that sounds great so I start shopping for a new dress. I decide on one that is electric blue in color with one shoulder strap, low cut, tightly fitted and short, just above my knees. It’s sexier than hell. I buy a matching shoulder wrap and heels to go with it.

  When I get home, I try everything on for Grandma and ask her opinion.

  “I’m not sure that’s appropriate, Libby, a long gown would be much better.”

  “I know, but it would have to be altered. I’m too short to buy anything off the rack and there isn’t time for that.”

  “So be it, but you’re going stand out like a sore thumb. You do look stunning though. Tony won’t be able to keep his eyes off of you.”

  “He’s going? You didn’t tell me that. Who’s watching Angie?”

  “He’s not going with us, but he said he’d be there. I think he’s taking Angie to his folks place for the week-end.”

  On the night of the ball, Fred picks us up in his limo and drives us to the country club where it’s being held. Once there, I look around for some familiar faces but don’t see anyone I recognize until Tony comes in the door with a blonde on his arm. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. He sees us, comes over, and introduces us to his date.

  “Libby, I’d like you to meet Mitzi Bergstrom. Mitzi, this is Libby Kingsley, Jessie’s grand-daughter.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” I say and offer her my hand. She ignores my hand, and sways slightly on her feet. It’s obvious that she’s gotten a head start on the party.

  “Oh, so you’re the little country bumpkin that I’ve heard all about. I was wondering when I’d get to meet you. Do you talk country or do you have a real education like the rest of us here?”

  Oh boy, another snooty rich bitch. “I kin tawk cuntry jest fine. Whatcha y’all lak to heah me say?” Tony is grinning and staring at my boobs.

  “I’d like know why you’re taking up so much of my man’s time, here. I never get to see my baby anymore since he moved in with the two of you. Oh, Jessie, forgive me, it’s nice to see you again.” She air kisses Grandma on both sides of her cheeks. “Still keeping that hard earned money of yours together?”

  That bitch, I don’t care if she’s insulting to me, but when she goes after Grandma, I’m seeing red.

  “I think we should go find us table now, Mitzi,” Tony says.

  “Geez, what a bitch,” I tell Grandma. “Are rich women always this nasty?”

  “Some of them, especially the young ones. Libby, you’ve met my friends and they couldn’t be more gracious, so don’t go judging everyone by that one girl.”

  I keep watching Mitzi as she greets people and it’s obvious she makes them uncomfortable. One woman leaves in tears after talking to her. I don’t think anyone should have to put up with this kind of bullshit and I think Tony is a damn fool in his choice of a date. Then I get the bright idea to put a stop to it. The bartender tonight is a friend of mine, Mac; he’s bartended for us several times at Grandma’s parties. I go over to him.

  “Hey Mac, what’s the blonde over there with Tony drinking?”

  “Rum.”

  “Do me a favor, next time use 151, and put an extra shot in it.”

  “You got it, Miss Libby, you naughty girl, you. I’ve been watching her and she sure does deserve an early night.”

  It doesn’t take long. About 20 minutes after she’s had her next drink, she’s out on her feet and Tony staggers her out the door. I spend the rest of the night enjoying the music from the band and dancing a couple of times. One dance is with an older gentleman who tells me he’s a rich shipping magnate from Greece and wants to take me there immediately. I turn him down. The other is with a nineteen year old who’s the grandson of one of the event organizers. His name is Waldo Frink, an unattractive name for a more unattractive person. Pimples cover his homily face and his neck is
oozing with eczema. Once I get to know him though, all that unattractiveness goes away. On the dance floor, he’s Fred Astaire, turning me into Ginger Rogers. He has me doing moves I never thought were possible. Personality wise, he is one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest, people that I have ever met.

  “I like you, Libby; I hope we can be friends. I work at a security firm here in town. We installed the system at your Grandma’s house. Call me if I can ever do anything for you. I hope I get to see you again. I’ve really enjoyed dancing and getting to know you.” He gives me his card and kisses my hand. After the party’s over, I’m feeling happy; I think I’ve just made a friend.

  The next morning when I come downstairs I find Tony sitting at the little breakfast nook in the kitchen.

  “Hey, what happened to you last night? I was hoping we could have a dance together but I couldn’t find you. Where did you and Ditzy run off to?”

  “Her name is Mitzi and she had a little too much to drink so I took her home and didn’t feel like coming back.”

  “Geez, you guys were only there long enough to have what, one or two drinks? It looks like you’ve found yourself a cheap date. I’d like to see Ditzy again; I owe her one for the way she talked to Grandma last night. Could you set something up with her for me? Maybe make it somewhere dark and out of the way so I can beat the shit out of her without anyone being around.”

  “Boy, you have some kind of mouth on you. How do you ever expect to snag a husband when you talk like that?”

  “My husband will be someone who isn’t afraid of that,” I tell him.

  “Just let it go, Libby, I don’t plan on ever seeing her again.” He gets up from the table and starts to walk away. Then he stops and turns back around.

  “Oh, Libby, just so you know, I thought you looked amazing last night.”

  CHAPTER 22

  For the next couple of weeks, Tony tries to teach me to jitterbug and line dance. It doesn’t go well. He’s really not that great at it and I can’t seem to get the hang of it.