Meant To Be

by Karen Stivali

  “Here, I’ll get it.” He reached to take the bottle from her.

  “Just don’t let her…” Marienne started to say, just as Ella grabbed the bottle and gave it a vigorous shake. A cloud of powder poofed onto Daniel’s shirt. “Grab it.”

  Daniel laughed.

  “Sorry,” she said. “I tried to warn you.”

  Ella shrieked happily, holding onto her feet.

  “Oh you think that’s funny do you?” Daniel asked Ella. She gurgled back, smiling at him.

  “She adores you.” Marienne smiled.

  “The feeling is mutual.”

  ****

  It was dark out already, and Daniel imagined Marienne must be tired. He reluctantly said good night. He couldn’t help wondering why Frank was working so late. It seemed like he was barely ever home anymore.

  To his surprise he arrived home to find Justine sitting on the couch.

  “What the hell happened to you?” she asked, staring at his shirt.

  “Baby powder.”

  Justine’s eyebrows raised.

  He tried to brush off the streaks. “Ella shook the bottle when I was handing it to Marienne.”

  “Sounds like she’s becoming a handful.”

  “She’s very cute.”

  “Hey, I have news. I signed the contract. We’re going to production on the new body care line.” Justine beamed.

  “That’s great. Did you settle on a name?”

  “Yeah, I’m not even going to bother coming up with anything catchy. It’s my line. It’s my spa. I’m calling it ‘Justine’.”

  Daniel struggled not to laugh. There’s a little bit of Justine in every woman. And now there will be a little bit of Justine on them as well.

  “That sounds…perfect.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Hi Daniel,

  I wanted to invite you and Justine to stop by Saturday evening—it’s Ella’s 1st Birthday! Frank’s family will be over all day, and I’d never subject you to that, but I was hoping you could join us for cake. Around 7pm? I’m sure everyone will leave shortly thereafter—they all have to drive home—maybe you and Justine could stay and we could all watch a movie, like old times. Let me know if you can come.

  Hope to see you then!

  M

  Daniel walked into the dining room. Justine had spreadsheets covering the table and was marking pages with post-it notes.

  “Ella’s birthday is Saturday. Marienne invited us for cake.”

  Justine sighed. “I’m guessing you want to go.”

  “You don’t?”

  “I’ll go. We need to buy a gift.”

  “I already did.”

  Justine looked up from her papers. “What did you get?”

  “A teddy bear and some of my favorite childhood books. I figured we gave her modern toys at Christmas, so I thought I’d go for something more old-fashioned.”

  “As long as we’ve got something. She’s one. I doubt she’ll complain.”

  “She said we can stay after the family leaves. Watch a movie.”

  “Fine.” Justine was already focused on her work again.

  Daniel returned to his office and hit reply.

  Marienne,

  We’ll be there. Look forward to seeing the birthday girl try her first bite of cake.

  D

  ****

  Daniel had never been to a First Birthday Party before, but he thought Ella’s was lovely. Marienne had made a beautiful cake, decorated in swirling white icing with pink piping along the edges and frosting flowers across the top. It matched the floral dress Ella was wearing. Frank’s mother, Ruth, was in her glory, holding Ella while Marienne zipped about, tending to food and drinks. It had been a long time since Daniel had attended a family event where everyone acted like family.

  After the cake was eaten and all the frosting was wiped off Ella’s smiling face, the relatives said good night. Marienne carried a sleepy Ella off to bed. Daniel was thrilled to see Ella take his teddy bear with her.

  “Grab some beers,” Frank said. “I’ll set up the movie.”

  Justine followed Frank into the family room and Daniel took four beers out of the fridge.

  They made it half way through the movie before Ella began to wail.

  “Sorry,” Marienne said, rushing upstairs.

  Frank didn’t bother to pause the movie. “I’m surprised we made it this far.”

  “Doesn’t she sleep through the night yet?” Justine asked.

  Before Frank could answer, his cell phone rang. “Gotta take this—work.” He opened his phone and disappeared into his office.

  Daniel reached for the remote. “They’ll miss half the movie.”

  The image that froze on the screen was of the main characters making love. Justine turned her head sideways, eyebrows arched. “Interesting place to stop.”

  Daniel laughed. It had been unintentional. He finished his beer. “You want another?”

  “Sure.”

  He walked into the darkened kitchen. The light from the refrigerator flooded the room. He reached for a bottle and suddenly Justine was right behind him.

  “I was bringing you one.” He grabbed another.

  “I want something long and hard.” Justine purred in his ear, her arm slithering around his waist. “But a beer is not what I had in mind.” Her hand closed around the already hardened ridge of his cock, squeezing him through his jeans.

  Daniel almost dropped the bottles.

  “Jesus.” He moved out of her grasp. “What are you doing?”

  She smiled, a devious look in her eyes.

  “This movie is making me horny,” she whispered, stepping closer. “Come on. I know you’re turned on too.” She kissed his neck, trailing her tongue toward his ear.

  “No.” He stepped aside and closed the refrigerator. He placed the beers on the center island, knocking one over, but catching it before it hit the counter.

  “We’ll go fast,” she said, reaching for his zipper.

  “Stop it.” He grabbed her hand.

  “What’s the worst that can happen?” She inserted herself between him and the kitchen counter. “They catch us? I bet we could teach them a thing or two.” She swiveled her hips and kissed him, but again he pulled away.

  “I said no.”

  She frowned, shifting from lustful to angry.

  He twisted the cap off one of the beers and it bubbled over, spilling down the sides of the bottle and pooling on the countertop.

  Justine inserted her finger to stem the flow, then pulled it out and sucked it into her mouth, staring into his eyes. “You’re sure?”

  “Positive,” he said, though his cock throbbed.

  “Your loss.” She grabbed the other bottle and opened it with no sputtering result. She took a long swallow then sauntered out of the room.

  Daniel closed his eyes and breathed a frustrated sigh, then began to mop up the puddle of beer.

  He rubbed his forehead with both hands. His head ached. Great, now she’s pissed off. He raked his hands through his hair and sighed.

  “Hey, grab me another,” Frank said.

  “Sure.” Daniel shook his head as he opened the fridge. The cool air was a welcome sensation against his overheated body. He heard Marienne coming back downstairs. He grabbed two more beers and headed to the family room, thankful that the movie was playing again so he could focus on the lives of the characters rather than dwelling on his own.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Marienne stood at the stove while Ruth sat at the kitchen table, playing tea party with Ella. Marienne busied herself sautéing mushroom, roasting asparagus, breading veal cutlets, trying not to worry about whether or not Frank would actually make it home for dinner.

  Ruth smiled. “You remind me of myself at your age. Always cooking, always taking care of everyone. Why don’t you let me finish dinner? Come sit and play with Ella.”

  Marienne shook her head. “She gets to play with me all the time. Having her grandma
here is a special treat.”

  “It’s a treat for me too. I missed this having all sons.”

  “Frank wasn’t the tea party type?”

  Ruth laughed. “No, the closest I came was with Donny, at least he liked to bake with me. Frank never wanted anything to do with the kitchen besides eating. Just like his father.”

  Marienne glanced at the clock. It was after six and Frank hadn’t even called yet to say he was on his way. Please don’t be late again.

  “Frank’s lucky he found a woman like you. Most girls your age don’t cook. A lot of them don’t stay home with their kids either. I don’t know how you do it all. And you still manage do your artwork.”

  “Plenty of people juggle more. Look at all the single moms.”

  “True. But I don’t see Frank around to help you much. I’ve been here every week and I haven’t managed to see him in months. I know he works hard, but he needs to spend some time with his family too.”

  The front door opened, and Frank walked into the house. Marienne was shocked. He never came home early.

  He put his briefcase and gym bag down in the hallway and hung his garment bag from the bottom of the banister.

  “Hey Ma.” He was wearing a t-shirt and shorts. His hair was neatly combed, and he smelled like aftershave.

  “My son, the stranger. I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again.” Ruth frowned but her eyes softened when he kissed her cheek.

  “Yeah,” he said. “I knocked off early to go to the gym. I needed a run. Too stressed at work these days.”

  A run? How stupid does he think I am? His clothes weren’t sweaty; his hair wasn’t curling at the base of his neck. He hadn’t had a run.

  “I’m gonna take a quick shower before dinner. Ma, you staying?” Frank grabbed a glass and got some water, which he proceeded to chug.

  “Yeah,” she said, though she sounded unsure.

  He placed his glass on the counter. “I’ll be back in a few.”

  “Dinner will be ready soon,” Marienne said.

  “Did you see the lovely picture Ella drew?” Ruth asked, holding it up. Ella beamed at her, and she winked back. Frank hadn’t said a word to his daughter since he’d come home.

  Frank barely looked. “Yeah, that’s great.” He walked out of the room.

  “You know,” Ruth got up and stepped toward the hallway. “I think I’m going to head home after all. I’m gonna run up and say goodbye to Frank before he jumps in that shower.”

  “Are you all right?” Marienne asked.

  “I’m fine sweetie, I have a lot to do at home. I’ll be down in a few minutes to say goodbye.”

  I wonder why she changed her mind. Ruth’s mood appeared to shift the minute Frank walked in the door. She seemed perturbed. Marienne placed the last cutlet on the platter. Ella was busy dumping her teacups into a plastic bin so Marienne inched toward the staircase. The bedroom door was closed, but she could hear muffled voices. She strained to hear what they were saying. “This isn’t your business,” she heard Frank say. Ruth’s answer was hushed, but angry. “I just don’t want you to fuck up your life.” Is she mad because he doesn’t spend enough time with his family? Or is she talking about something else?

  Just like his father. Ruth’s words echoed in her head. It was a poorly kept family secret that Frank’s father had been cheating on Ruth for years. Is that what she meant? Marienne’s heart raced. Is that why he’s always working late? Is he having an affair?

  “Mommy, I’m hungry,” Ella said.

  “I know, sweetie. Mommy will have dinner ready in a few minutes. Can you put away your tea set so I can set the table?”

  “Okay.” Ella smiled and scampered back to the table.

  He wouldn’t do that to us. Would he?

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Daniel strode up the walkway toward Frank and Marienne’s front door. The windows were open, and their raised voices carried through the late summer breeze.

  Frank sounded harsh and impatient. “Look, you either find a sitter, or you don’t.”

  “It’s not that simple.” Marienne sounded stressed, her inflection higher than usual.

  “Then don’t take the job,” Frank boomed.

  Daniel felt bad about eavesdropping, so he rang the doorbell to announce his presence.

  “It’s open,” Frank said.

  Daniel let himself in and walked toward the kitchen.

  “Daniel!” Ella flung herself at him and hugged his leg. Dan-yoo. He loved the way she said his name.

  “Good morning, Ella.” He smiled and ruffled her hair.

  She tilted her head back and grinned at him, still attached to his leg, then released her grip and began dancing around the kitchen, humming to herself. Marienne handed Daniel a cup of coffee. He made sure he didn’t spill it on Ella as she twirled around him.

  “Look, she’s not an infant. She’s a year and a half old,” Frank said, having acknowledged Daniel with an offhanded wave. “You either take the job and find someplace to put Ella for the day, or you don’t take the job. Those are the options. I don’t want to ‘discuss’ this anymore.”

  “Someplace to ‘put’ Ella?” Marienne’s voice rose even higher. Her eyes glistened as she glared at Frank.

  “What job?” Daniel asked.

  “She got offered this account at a firm in Trenton, and if she wants it she has to go into the office every Thursday for client meetings. But apparently no one is qualified to watch Ella one day a week, so she’s not gonna take the job.”

  Marienne’s eyes narrowed. “It has nothing to do with being qualified. I don’t think it’s fair to her to be thrust into daycare one day a week when she’s used to being with people she knows.”

  “See?” Frank went back to eating his bagel.

  Daniel turned to Marienne. “Do you want to take this assignment?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was softer, but she continued to glare at Frank.

  “Apparently not.” Frank took another bite.

  Daniel ignored him. “And it’s Thursdays?”

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Well, I don’t have classes on Thursdays Fall semester. I could watch Ella.”

  Marienne’s mouth fell open. “Oh, I couldn’t ask—”

  Frank interrupted her. “There, you see? Daniel can watch her.” Clearly for Frank the issue was resolved.

  “Seriously. I could watch Ella.”

  “Daniel watch me. Daniel watch me!” Ella chanted as she grabbed his hand and began spinning in circles.

  Frank took the last bite of bagel and picked up his coffee cup. “Ella, cut it out. Eat your breakfast.”

  Ella stopped twirling, but held onto Daniel’s hand, clearly dizzy. She teetered, and he caught her. “Come here, silly girl.” He scooped her up with one arm. “Is the room spinning?”

  She tilted her head way back and giggled. “Yessssssssssssss.”

  He laughed and tipped her further so her upside down head was right in front of Marienne.

  Marienne kissed Ella’s forehead, making her giggle more. “I could never ask you to give up your free day every week.”

  “You didn’t ask. I offered, and I’d hardly consider it giving up anything to spend time with Ella.”

  Ella pulled herself upright, smiling. He crinkled his nose at her, and she crinkled hers back, then squirmed down from his arms. He made sure she landed gently on the floor, then turned his full attention to Marienne. “Seriously, you’re not asking; I’m offering. I’d be happy to do it.”

  “Really?” Her eyes searched his.

  He held her gaze. “Really.”

  Frank laughed. “Yeah, Daniel can nap at our house as easily as he can nap at his own.”

  “Do you want to discuss it with Justine first?” Marienne asked.

  Frank snorted as he packed his briefcase.

  “No,” Daniel said. “She won’t care.”

  Marienne paused. He knew she trusted him, and Ella was clearly comfortable with him. Say yes.
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  “Okay.” She smiled. “As long as you’re sure.”

  “I’m absolutely certain.”

  “Finally.” Frank took the last gulp of coffee and placed his empty mug on the counter. “Come on, let’s go. We’re gonna be late.”

  ****

  “You said you’d do what?” Justine asked when Daniel told her his decision.

  He rubbed his temples as he listened to her rant.

  “Why would you do that? Why on earth would you volunteer to do something so ridiculous? Are you going to change careers now and become a nanny for Christ’s sake? I thought spending your time with college students was bad enough, but now you’re moving on to toddlers? ‘What does your husband do’?” she said in a mocking voice. “Oh, nothing much, he teaches, and he babysits.”

  “Jesus, Justine.” Daniel could no longer contain his disgust. “I’m helping out a friend. I have that day off. I actually like spending time with Ella. What the fuck is your problem?”

  Justine glared then shook her head and looked away.

  It bothered him that she was ignoring his question. “Is it that you can’t understand why anyone would want to spend time with a child? Or are you afraid this won’t sound cool enough at your cocktail parties? Because either way I hate to inform you, but this is not about you. Not everything that happens in everyone’s life is about you.”

  Fury flashed behind Justine’s eyes. She stormed out of the room. He heard her stomp upstairs and slam their bedroom door. Daniel raked his hand through his hair and plunked down on the couch. Compared to this spending the day with a toddler should be a walk in the park.

  He thought about Ella and her sweet, smiley face, and the relief and gratitude in Marienne’s eyes. There was no question in his mind.

  He’d made the right decision.

  He settled into the couch and closed his eyes. It didn’t even occur to him to go upstairs and try to win his way back into the bedroom.

  For the moment he was content right where he was.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  It had been two months since Daniel had started watching Ella. He couldn’t have been happier. He’d always loved Ella, but spending this time with her, seeing how her little mind worked, watching her personality develop, was beyond anything he’d ever imagined.