Maid for Martin

by Samantha Lovern

  Three women carried food and trays. The housekeeper, Emma, did all of the talking, asking folks if they were doing okay, did they need more to drink, more desert. Mostly things were going well. Randi and the younger girl, Ann, kept the children occupied.

  Lillian and Ethan sat where they both had a direct line of sight to the children. The two youngest children were causing the most problems. Messy, of course, both of them being under the age of four and both spoiled beyond belief.

  “Have you ever seen children act in such a wild manner?” Lillian leaned over, speaking to her husband.

  “No. If that was any of ours, they would have not eaten, and never would have been allowed to have a food fight.”

  Lillian agreed with a nod. It was easy to steal a private word now and then with all of the talk going around the table. Celia’s father, Edward, was loud and did not have an inside voice as far as Lillian could tell. Maybe he was hard of hearing. At least that was the polite way to look at it.

  “I hope it’s not so obvious to others, where our son’s mind is.” Ethan’s voice was so low Lillian barely understood him.

  “I doubt it. Most will think he’s watching the kids and worrying about the mess they’re making.”

  “I hope you’re right. If he hadn’t run off, we would have already had a discussion on the matter.”

  “Why do you think he ran off?” Lillian gave her husband a smile and went back to her desert. It was so hard to sit there and not start cleaning up the dishes. It was in her nature to clean and pick up, but she doubted if Martin would appreciate it if she jumped up and started helping Emma clear the table.

  “So Marty,” Edward Carson began. “Are you working on anything? I must say I loved that racing adventure movie you did. It was so much better than the chick flick.”

  “Dad, Martin doesn’t do chick flicks. Those were good, romantic movies, but thankfully with not too many love scenes.” Celia leaned against Martin’s shoulder and smiled. There was no doubt she knew what was going on and no doubt she was trying to hang on with both hands.

  Martin smiled, more than likely forced, Lillian guessed. Her son did not like to talk about his occupation. It was a job, one he was good at, but one he didn’t care to share his opinions about openly. Especially at the dinner table, around people he more than likely considered strangers.

  Often Martin would tell her about some of his movies, but the romantic movies were off-limits. He was uncomfortable doing any of the love scenes and she could tell that Edward would be the kind of man that would enjoy hearing every little detail, though he might not admit it.

  He proved Lillian right with his next comment. “I don’t think I could do that. Having some beautiful lady that wasn’t my wife wrapping herself around my neck. Then again,” Edward laughed and winked at his wife. “I’m sure it can be interesting.”

  “Edward, you’re terrible.” His wife Vicky said with a laugh, but Lillian could guess she was just wishing her husband would shut up for a while. Why not? The rest of them were.

  “Martin,” Lillian said, getting everyone’s attention for the moment. “I think we all need to get up and stretch our legs some, get the children up and playing while we women get the presents organized. I assume the children will want to open at least one gift tonight.”

  This brought on the chaos that Lillian was hoping for. Several of the children jumped up and ran to their parents asking, "Are there presents for us? Can we open one?" While she thought she could still control the room Lillian rose from her chair.

  “Children, for everyone that will come and sit around the Christmas tree and hear a couple of Christmas stories, there will be at least one present to open.”

  “But Santa hasn’t come yet.” A young girl climbed up on her mother's lap and spoke. She seemed a bit worried.

  “Your name's Kendra, right?” Lillian walked toward the little girl. Lillian had taught Sunday school for years, so she was used to remembering names quickly.

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “How old are you, Kendra?” The young black haired beauty smiled and glanced at her mother, but then spoke.

  “I’m six.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, and I know Santa hasn’t come yet, but we have a few presents we’ll give out tonight. All you have to do is listen to me read a few stories.”

  “I don’t like stories, and I’m too old for Santa.” The older boy, Riley, said, and his little brother Billy chimed in too.

  “Me too. I don’t care if Santa comes.”

  Lillian was not used to coddling children, spoiled or not. She gave the older kids a smile. “Well, if you listen to the stories you can open a special gift from me. If not . . .” Lillian shrugged as she walked toward the tree. “Come children and we’ll sit down and begin the stories.”

  “I want a present, too.” Riley said as he walked to his dad.

  “Don’t worry. You can have one. We brought presents too.”

  “What about me?” Billy asked. Billy was younger so Lillian turned and smiled, calling the boy's name.

  “Billy, why don’t you come and sit down. The stories aren’t long and I’m really good at telling stories. If you don’t like it you don’t have to stay.” It was easy to see the boy was torn between the free gift and his older brother. “Surprise presents are the best,” Lillian added.

  Lillian left it at this and turned, ushering the younger children along. As she heard the running feet of Billy, bringing up the rear, she smiled.

  By the time she had her two books out. All of the kids were seated, or on the floor. She noticed Riley had come to stand in the hallway. He wasn’t coming all the way in, but she was sure before she was done he would be seated with the others, bright-eyed, and just itching to hear the next story.

  Chapter 55

  Come Morning Light

  Addison had endured all of Edward Carson that she could stand. Raffaello had too. She could tell from the way he had grown quiet. He would never speak up or say his true feelings, but a few times she’d heard him say under his breath, "Strappo." Which she knew meant jerk.

  She didn’t know a lot of Italian words but she’d learned his favorites when he was dealing with people that annoyed him. “I see mother’s found a way to escape. Would you like to take an evening walk, maybe catch the tail-end of a sunset?

  “I’d love to.” Raffaello’s dark eyes said a silent Thank you, and Addison rose from the table.

  “Excuse us while we take a walk around the grounds.” No one seemed to mind or notice so they rose and walked out. As Edward seemed to be getting wound up again, Raffaello muttered something under his breath, and this time Addison didn’t even bother to translate.

  Once they were outside Raffaello’s mood changed. He smiled and took her hand. “Your brother has a beautiful home. Are you sure he doesn’t mind my staying here? I can get a hotel. Matter of fact, I would prefer it, over taking another meal with Edward.”

  Addison laughed and leaned in against Raffaello as they walked to the back of the house. “My brother doesn’t mind, and I know what you mean about these group dinners. We’ll have just one more tomorrow. We can skip any other group events, but, if you have time, I’d like for us to take mom and dad out to dinner before they head back to Canada.”

  “I don’t have to work until Monday, so we can take them somewhere nice, but I need to know, have you mentioned that I’m moving? I don’t want to mention it until they know.”

  Addison snuggled up under Raffaello’s arm. “I’m dreading telling them, so no, they don’t know.”

  “Or that you’re thinking of coming with me,” he added.

  “They definitely don’t know that.” Addison stepped in front of Raffaello, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I think we need to have a talk about moving.”

  “Don’t tell me your answer is going to be no? That wouldn’t be a good present.”

  “Well, you haven’t told me where you’re moving to.”

  Raffaello’
s lips curled into a smile. “That’s because I’ve been waiting for us to be alone.” As she started to speak he bent down and kissed her.

  Addison thought about protesting, but instead she wrapped her arms around Rafa’s neck and enjoyed the kiss. After a few seconds she pushed him back. “Tell me. We’re alone. Where are you moving too?”

  “You are looking at the newest full partner of Daniels, Bastrom, and Slone.” He then pulled out a card and handed it to her. She looked at it and as he moved the key ring so she could read it, she spoke out loud.

  “Embassy suites townhouse, Burbank, California. Really? You’re moving to LA?”

  “Yes, and a hotel room will be mine for a month starting the first of the year. It’ll give me enough time to find the perfect apartment.”

  Addison squealed and hugged Rafa. “I’m so happy. This is so, so much better than New York.”

  “Hey what’s wrong with The Big Apple?”

  “I’m tired of cold winters. New York would be closer to mom and dad, but I like it here.”

  “You’re hoping your parents will move, aren’t you?”

  “That too.” Raffaello put the card back into his pocket and they separated and started walking. “It does make the thought of moving a bit easier. Having family close would be nice.”

  “Does that mean you’re thinking about making the move?” Raffaello leaned down and she looked at him and smiled.

  “Kind of, but not like you’ve mentioned. I’ve been thinking about moving here to find a place of my own, but I’m not ready to move in . . . together.”

  She wasn’t sure what kind of response this would bring. He didn’t speak quickly and that bothered her. She stopped walking and turned to face him. “Is that going to be a problem?”

  “It will make it inconvenient, unless we could both get an apartment in the same building. Now that would be nice.”

  “You’re not upset, that I’m saying no to your offer?”

  “Of course not. I never really thought you would.”

  Addison smiled and started to take a step, but Raffaello took her by the arm and she looked up.

  “Does that mean you are moving, and that after the holidays we’ll be looking for apartments?”

  Addison slowly nodded her head yes, and as Raffaello leaned in to sweep her away with another of his wonderful kisses, she quickly spoke.

  “Separate apartments—” but her words were lost in the moment, and as she sank her fingers into his jet-black hair she tried to forget about the next hurdle she would face . . . breaking the news to her parents.

  *****

  The children were settled in, listening to a story. The table was clean and all of the dishes were in to be washed. With Lillian helping tend to the children, there would be no need to call in Ann’s friends. Emma took a few moments to sit down at the kitchen table.

  “Are you tired, and what time is our day here over?” Ann patted Emma on the back as she walked to the sink with two empty coffee cups.

  “I’m going to head home soon, and since the family will open a few gifts tonight you’ll need to help Randi gather up the boxes and papers. We want the place looking good when everyone wakes up in the morning.”

  “Sure, we can take care of things. Why don’t you pack up and go home? Sleep in tomorrow, too. We can manage juice and whatever the kids need before dinner.”

  “I don’t know. I better not.” Emma pulled her purse closer and started taking out her keys.

  “Oh come on, you can trust us. I can cook anything the kids want, and they seem to really like Lillian. I’m sure she’ll be up early too and can help if something was to go wrong.”

  “You’re right there. She had all of those kids engrossed in her story.” Emma paused and shrugged, “I tell you what. You have my number. If anything happens, no matter how small, call me.”

  “I can do that, but I don’t think we’ll need to.”

  Emma rose from the table, keys in hand, and kissed Ann on the cheek. “I sure do appreciate this. I think I’m going to consider retiring after Christmas, or at least cut back on the hours I work. The stress is just too much.”

  “I can understand that. What good are our golden years if we can’t enjoy them?”

  “You said a mouthful there. Remember, if you need anything, call.” Emma watched as Ann left the room. It wasn’t just the families that she was worried about. It was the love triangle too. At any moment something could happen that would make this Christmas more memorable than anyone could imagine.

  Emma walked out the door, through the garage and to her car. She opened the back door and tossed her purse into the back seat. She was about to climb in when she heard a voice.

  “Goodnight, Emma.”

  She turned and smiled at Martin. “Goodnight yourself. I’m leaving the girls in control, as if your mother needs the help. I think you’ll be fine.”

  “Oh trust me, my mother thrives at moments like this. And she’ll handle any kitchen emergency that may arise.” Martin stepped out of the darkness and moved closer.

  “It’s not the kitchen that worries me.” Emma leaned on the door and the man before her nodded and crossed his arms.

  “Does everyone know?” Martin asked.

  “Not everyone, but I do. I had to talk Randi into staying. She wanted to leave. I felt like a heel asking . . . I know it’s not the easiest thing for her to be here.”

  “I never meant for this to happen. I didn’t know what to do. I sure didn’t see this coming. I assumed she was playing with me at first, but she wasn’t.”

  “No. She had no idea who you were.” Emma sighed.

  Martin took a few steps forward, glanced over his shoulder, and crossed his arms once more. “Why did she stay?”

  Emma didn’t like talking about people behind their backs, but this wasn’t a normal situation so she answered her boss. “I think at first it was because I ask her to, but then it seemed like more. I can’t say what she’s thinking. Just be careful, and don’t jump to any conclusions.”

  “Where is she? I need to talk to her.”

  Emma watched the man before her. She’d worked for him several years, and she’d never seen him this visibly upset.

  “All I know is that she was going to come around later and clean up, after the kids open their gifts. You might get her to talk to you then.”

  “Thanks. I’m sorry I put you—.”

  Emma held up a hand. “I know. Just be careful. You have a house full of trouble just waiting to happen.” The look on Martin’s face made Emma wonder if he cared about that last statement. She reminded him once more. “The time will pass quickly. There’s no use in making waves.”

  “I know. You’re right. Thanks for the reminder. Goodnight.” As Emma got in her car and sat down she watched Martin reluctantly go back into the house. She shut the door and started the motor. He didn’t turn and look. He didn’t even flinch at the sound of the motor starting.

  He walked toward the house, glancing up at the moon, the house, the walk, and she wondered if he was seeing any of it. Martin was in his own world, lost in thoughts of Randi and what he’d done.

  As Emma turned the car around and drove home. She just had to wonder what would await her, here at this fine mansion, come the morning’s light.

  Chapter 56

  Christmas Eve

  The children were tearing into presents, the men were having a late-night discussion about something boring, and all Celia could think about was, Where has Martin gone now? He’d stayed for most of the children opening their gifts, but then he’d slipped off, saying he was looking for a bulb.

  Aunt Lisa’s baby, Brad, had somehow pulled one of the lights from the tree and lost it. True, the bottom row of lights was off now, but she doubted if Martin was really concerned about the tree, or what the children thought. It was Randi he was looking for.

  Here Celia was, being the perfect hostess, tending to everyone, fake smile and all, when she really just wanted to go tearing
through the house looking for Randi and Martin.

  Celia hadn’t seen Randi for hours and was hoping the girl had come to her senses and left. The idea that Randi might be thinking that the fringe benefits would outweigh being lied to worried Celia.

  During dinner Martin had stolen glances at Randi as she came and went. She served only the children and didn’t give Martin a second glance.

  Now and then he’d comment about the children, covering for the fact that he was trying to get Randi to even look in his direction. It was obvious Randi knew she’d been lied to, but she wasn’t angry enough to leave, and that wasn’t good.

  Celia looked up and noticed one of her nieces looking at her. She forced another quick smile to her lips. From the expression on Kendra’s face, what Celia was feeling must have been showing, for the six-year-old looked a bit worried.

  “Do you like your new dolly?” Celia asked, trying to assure the child she wasn’t mad at her. This was all it took, for Kendra beamed.

  “I love her, but can we open more presents?”

  Celia yawned and dug for an excuse to start ushering the kids off to bed.

  “No, and I think we all need to go to bed soon, or Santa won’t have time to sneak in and leave more gifts.” There were the usual frowns and rolling of the eyes from the older kids, Billy and Riley, but the younger ones were all a-buzz.

  “I can’t wait,” Kendra squealed.

  “I want a new Barbie car,” little Sue added. Brad, who was two, was just crawling around looking for some paper to chew on.

  “I think you’re right. It’s time to get everyone into bed.” Lillian moved to pick up Brad before he reached the tree again.

  Celia looked around the room at her brother Roger, who was pulling himself away from the men’s circle. “Where did mom and dad go?” she asked.

  “They went to bed already,” Roger yawned, stretching.

  “Did Allie go to bed too? I haven’t seen her in a while?”