“I suspect you do. Did you tell her we could use her help at De Luca’s?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want her to think I only like her for what she can do for us. She might feel used.”
“Or she might feel useful and wanted. Tony, you need to do a little surgery on your pride. It’s getting tiresome.”
“I’m trying to find her so I can talk to her, and she’s not returning my text messages or my phone calls. I’ve left messages for her at her office, too. Nothing. It’s like she dropped off the face of the earth.”
“What about Stephanie? Does she know?”
“I missed her Thursday night and haven’t been able to connect with her either.”
“Did you text her?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“All she would tell me was that Renata was ‘out of town.’ But not where or when she will return or why.”
“Calm down, Tony. Take a deep breath. I’m sure if anything serious happened we would find out about it.”
“Thanks, Gabby. You’ve always been my favorite sister.”
“I know, Tony. Now go to work and make some mean spaghetti and meatballs tonight.”
* * *
Renata was out of town for a training conference. Her flight took off Wednesday afternoon. She didn’t have a national phone plan, but had given Stephanie numbers she could be reached at in case of an emergency, whatever that might be. She was off an electronic leash without her phone. As her flight took off, she felt like she was running away.
But doesn’t a person sometimes have to do that? she asked herself.
Renata enjoyed her meetings in Boston. She didn’t have to fly out until Sunday evening so, on Saturday, she took in all seven miles of the Freedom Trail, earning herself serious shin splints. Other salespeople had been at the training and, while some remained in town like she did, Renata did her excursions alone. To prove to herself she could. She didn’t need a man to enjoy life. Still, her heart ached for Tony. Foolish, foolish heart. She spent hours in her room journaling, praying, and seeking God’s wisdom. She was reluctant to return to Milwaukee and face Tony again.
* * *
Sunday morning, Tony slid into the row at church and plopped down next to Stephanie.
“Where is she?”
Stephanie laughed. “Well, good morning to you too, Tony. Did you leave your manners in the Cucina garbage can last night?”
Tony scowled.
“Did it dawn on you that, if Renata had wanted you to know where she was, she might have told you?”
“But you know.”
“Of course I do. I’m her roommate and her best friend. She’s out of town. That’s all you need to know.”
“She’s not in any trouble?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“She hasn’t contacted you?”
“Renata is an adult and capable of taking care of herself. I’m not her mother or her babysitter. She has not contacted me, and I never expected her to.”
“That’s all you are going to tell me?”
“I already told you more than I should have.”
Tony growled, and Stephanie chuckled as they stood to worship.
After church, Gabby, Paul, and Jacob were with Tony in the lobby. This time Tony was holding his little nephew who had become mobile.
“Has he tipped over your Christmas tree yet, Gabby?”
“No, but he’s come close. I have to watch him every second. He’s pulling himself up on things and babbling a mile a minute.”
“He’s a chub, too,” said Paul. “Tony, I want to let you know I’m totally on board with Gabby helping out at the restaurant. Peter and Michael say the same thing for their wives as well.”
“Thanks.”
“Have you found Renata?”
“No.”
“Worried?”
“Yes. Stephanie knows where she is, but won’t tell me.”
“None of your business, huh?”
“Pretty much.”
“You coming over to watch the Packers this afternoon?”
“I have nothing better to do.”
“Ouch, Paul. I think we’ve been insulted.”
“No, Gabby, I think he paid the highest compliment to a certain woman we’ve all become fond of. We’ll see you later, Tony. Now, hand over my son and no one gets hurt.”
Tony and Gabby laughed, and Jacob drooled as his father took him from his uncle’s arms.
* * *
When Renata landed in Milwaukee, she was exhausted and her legs hurt from the shin splints. Her back ached. Dragging her luggage through the snow out to the long-term parking, she felt lonelier than she had in a long time. It was ten, and Renata knew Stephanie would be asleep when she got home.
Entering her apartment complex, she did her best to be quiet. In the shadows by the doorway, she saw something on the floor. She reached over it to unlock the door and bring her luggage in. She returned to pick up the package. It was a nondescript box about as high as her knees. It wasn’t heavy. She saw her name clearly written on the top. Intrigued, she picked it up and brought it to the kitchen table, managing to lock the door behind her.
She lifted the lid off the top of the box and found a pot of flowers inside, bright Shasta daisies. She pulled it out and found a letter included. She set it down, took off her coat and boots, and took the letter to the living room. She turned on a lamp by her Papasan chair and curled up to see who had written her. The script was masculine, and she recognized it as Tony’s from watching him write out message notes at church.
Dear Renata,
I am a lovesick idiot. I have searched for you everywhere. You will find text messages, voice mails, and probably laugh at the desperation in my voice. I need you. I’ve needed to talk to you, laugh with you, touch you, and be with you. Caroling on Thursday night was no fun without you there.
She had forgotten about the caroling. She couldn’t have attended anyway. She read on.
Stephanie has been devoted to keeping your secrets. It is none of my business where you went. My heart disagrees, and I’m finding it hard to win that battle in my mind.
I have a request on behalf of my family. Even if you would have nothing more to do with me, we could use your help at the restaurant with some of the bookkeeping. It is only until my dad is fully recovered enough to return to work. If you could find it in your heart to assist them, in spite of me, we would all be grateful. If you do not want to contact me, please call one of my siblings. They can fill you in on what’s needed better than I could anyway. Still, I would love to hear your voice, see your face, and hear your laugh. See how lovesick I am?
Stephanie assured me you were safe. I pray that is true. I couldn’t help but worry about my favorite little wren with the blue eyes.
Repentant and waiting,
Antonio De Luca
Renata read the letter several times. He missed her. He sounded...what was the right word? Tortured. He felt that way for her. For her! She looked over at the cheerful flowers in the kitchen. Where would he find daisies at this time of year? She hugged the letter to herself and considered best how to respond.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Monday morning, it snowed and snowed and snowed. Renata was grateful for her four- wheel-drive truck and a short distance to work.
She wasn’t sure how to respond to Tony. She figured she should at least put him out of his misery, so she sent him a text message.
Home. Safe.
She waited to see if he would respond. He didn’t disappoint.
Relieved.
Well, at least she had put him out of one kind of misery until she could figure out what she was going to do next. She probably owed Gabby a call at least, because the family needed help. Renata would do what she could.
During a break in the afternoon, Renata called Gabby on the phone.
“Renata, where have you been?” Gabby asked, relief evide
nt in her voice.
“I was out of town on a business trip, but got in a little pleasure as well.”
“I’m glad. Tony was anxious about you. It was cute to see him so worried.”
“I hear you want help at the restaurant with the books. What do you need?”
“We are trying to figure out how to get the work done. Tony’s forte is not numbers, although he has tried his best. We finally had a family meeting, and we are all pitching in to help out, but we wondered if you would have any time in the evenings to put in a few hours in the office to keep things on track? We would pay you, of course.”
“I have rehearsal tonight, but I’m free the rest of the week. I could be over there any evening by about six. How is your dad by the way? I’ve been praying for his recovery.”
“Thank you. He’s doing well, but still talks about your secret chicken recipe and teases Tony because he couldn’t figure out what you put in it. It’s too funny. Thank you for helping at the office. I’ll call Gianna. She’s handling the schedule, and I’ll get back to you.”
“Wait, let her know I can do some work on Saturday afternoons, too. Sunday afternoons I’m also available. I know the restaurant is not open, but I don’t mind—I could catch things up and have it all ready for the next week.”
“Dad’s policy is no working on the Sabbath, so you can forget about that. If you need a place to hang out on the holidays, consider us your family—that is, if you can tolerate being around my doofus of a brother.”
“Thank you for the offer. Give Gianna my number. She can let me know when to come in. I’ll be glad to help.”
“I’m glad you called, Renata.”
“Me, too.”
* * *
Tony had gotten a call from Gianna. Renata was on the schedule for doing bookwork, and Ginger and Gianna would assist in the kitchen when they could. He was relieved Renata had agreed to help. Maybe they would see each other or get a chance to talk. This was the week of Christmas, and it was busy. Christmas Eve was Thursday night, a special night at church. The family gathered on Thursday as the restaurant was not open for the holiday. Saturday would be nuts with the after-Christmas sales.
* * *
Renata was on the worship schedule on Thursday morning early, and other teams were taking Christmas Eve. She told Gianna she would work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, and Saturday afternoon and evening. Gianna tried to dissuade her from taking all the hours, but Renata insisted.
“You all have families, and I have no one. I have no shopping to do or cookies to bake. Let me be busy. Let it be my gift to all of you, so you can enjoy your families.”
“You are starting to sound like Tony,” Gianna grumbled, but agreed to the proposal.
Tuesday night, Renata headed straight from the bank over to Germantown and found her way to the restaurant. Gianna met her there to show her what they needed done. Ren indicated she understood and closed the door to set down to work. She wasn’t ready to see Tony. An hour later, Stephanie came in. She had a plate of food and a glass of ice water.
“I suspected you didn’t get to eat anything before coming here. Make sure you eat. We close the doors at nine, and you’ll have the evening report by nine-thirty or earlier if all the customers leave in a timely manner.”
“Thanks, Stephanie. This looks yummy. You are right. I am starving, but if I eat like this every night, Santa will have a run for his money.”
Stephanie laughed. “I’m glad you’re here.” She left, closing the door behind her.
Renata stood up at ten-thirty and stretched. She was tired, and she had to work at the bank the next day. She grabbed her coat and purse to depart. The office was neat and tidy, and even if no one worked at the desk until she returned tomorrow night, she felt she could stay on top of the work. She walked out into the restaurant and almost collided with Tony, who was going around checking to make sure all the doors were locked.
“Renata, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.”
“It’s okay, Tony. It’s dark and late. I’m done for tonight, but will be back tomorrow after work.”
“Thank you for helping out. I...I...mean, we appreciate it.”
“It’s okay, Tony, if you appreciate it too. I won’t be offended.”
“I don’t want you to feel used.”
“I’m fine. Thanks for the pesto tonight. It was as good, as always.”
She brushed past him and walked out the door.
* * *
Thursday morning, Renata worked until the bank closed shortly after lunch. She went straight over to the restaurant and managed to sneak into the office with no fanfare and set to work. A knock came at the door at nine. It opened and Renata kept working. It had been a slower evening, and she had received the reports from the computer. She hated being disturbed when she was in the middle of her calculations.
“Yes?” she tried to concentrate.
“Ren?” It was Tony.
“Hmmm.” She set her pencil down, laid her hands on the desk and looked up at him. She hoped the expression on her face would express her displeasure at the interruption.
“Did you get anything to eat? I’m about to put things away. Leftovers often go to the homeless shelter. I figured if you hadn’t eaten, I could warm you up a plate.”
Her stomach growled, and she grinned. “That would be nice. Thank you for thinking of me.”
Tony nodded and closed the door. Stephanie returned a short time later with her food. “I’m sorry, hon, I didn’t even see you come in tonight. You’ve been so quiet, hiding out in here, I forgot about you.”
“My best friend forgets about me? I’m doomed to a lonely life.” Renata bit into a meatball. “Ohhhhh. If they only pay me in food, I’ll be quite content.”
“You remember who makes those, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“What are you going to do about him?”
“Am I supposed to do anything?”
“The poor guy is hanging, waiting for some word from you. He’s miserable.”
Renata stuffed more noodles in her mouth and put up her hand to say ‘wait.’ “I don’t know what to do yet. But, for now, this is the greater need. I’ll do this while I figure out the rest.”
“Even if it’s torture for him to have you close?”
“He’s the one who pleaded for my help.”
“He gets what he deserves?”
“Stephanie, I don’t know. I’m exhausted, and the numbers are starting to blur. I have the sunrise Christmas service tomorrow. I need to get this finished.”
“Fine, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Come on, Steph. Don’t be angry with me. I don’t know what I’m doing, and I’m figuring it out day by day. Be a friend and pray for me, please? I’m confused.”
“Okay. Enjoy your food. I’m heading home to Chicago. I’ll be back in a few days. Take care of yourself?”
“There’s no one else to do it. I’ll be fine.”
* * *
Tony putzed around in the kitchen, waiting for Renata to finish. He didn’t want to disturb her. He knew it was late. He wouldn’t let her be here alone. While they had good security, he would have felt this way about any woman, including his sisters. Protective. He walked around and waited for her to emerge.
It was close to eleven when Renata exited the office, yawning. He watched her come up beside him as he stood at the window looking out into the snow-covered garden.
“Hey,” she said. “Did you wait for me?”
”Yes.”
“Thanks. I’m done, and I’ll be going.”
“Merry Christmas, Renata.”
“Thanks. Merry Christmas, Tony.”
Before he could say more, she had slipped out into the night. He walked to the door to see the taillights of her truck as she drove down the road toward her apartment. With a sigh, he donned his own coat, locked up, and headed to his own bed.
* * *
Renata collapsed into a fluff
y, warm comforter. From her perspective, she had only been there for minutes before the alarm went off. She moaned as she rose for a quick shower. Long hours sitting at a desk and little sleep did not mix well with her still-healing back. She prepared herself and headed out to church. More snow had fallen. It was a white Christmas. She cranked the tunes in her freezing truck as she drove down the road.
The early morning service was full. Renata was surprised to see the entire De Luca clan present, including the children. They made up a merry bunch as they sang, and she delighted in watching them.
After the service, Renata made her way back to the worship meeting room. She hoped to escape out the back door and not meet anyone. She was exhausted, and her back spasmed. If she stood for much longer she’d be bedridden. She needed to go home and sleep. It was Christmas, but she just wanted to be alone.
Stephanie was out of town, and Renata was not up to being with the De Lucas or anyone else. Renata was afraid of having to talk about why she wasn’t spending this holiday with her own family. Being alone today was far preferable to the alternative.
Renata got her wish as she managed to sneak out the back door to her car and depart without encountering anyone. Everyone gravitated to the atrium where they enjoyed Christmas cookies. Everyone but her.
* * *
The De Luca clan was there. The kids scampered around, snarfing down as many cookies as they could while their parents half-heartedly tried to corral them.
“Where is Miss Blake? Tony, can you see her anywhere?” Mr. De Luca asked.
“No, Dad, I can’t see her at all. She has to be around somewhere, I would suspect.” Tony saw Amy, who had led the team, and made his way over to her.
“Merry Christmas, Amy. Nice job this morning. My family is looking for Renata. Have you seen her?”
“Merry Christmas to you as well, Tony.” Amy glanced around. “I haven’t seen her since the closing song. Sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s just that looking for her in this crowd is like trying to find the little pickle ornament some people hide in their trees.”
Amy laughed. “I hope you find her. If you do, does that mean you will have good luck?”
“I doubt it will mean any more than that I found her.”
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