The strange thing was, she wasn’t heartbroken. Had Martin been right? Was it only her pride that was at stake, and this huge mansion? Celia let out a deep sigh. She wasn’t really a crying type, but later on the what if’s would set in and then . . . well, she’d cross that bridge when it came.
It was all so frustrating. “I guess only Cinderella gets a happy ending. Then again, she didn’t invite little Bo Peep into her own home.”
Celia knew the ending to her story was all her fault, if you wanted to break it down into facts and figures. Martin didn’t want to hire extra help, he didn’t want to have this party, but she did. It was she who had called the maid service, and it was she that insisted they hire three girls.
Celia cursed under her breath. Martin was right about one thing. They wanted different things. She never would want pets, or horses, or any of those other fuzzy things he’d mentioned. Not counting three or more children -- or did he say four? No matter. It wasn’t her concern now.
Celia, if she was anything, was a facts kind of person. She’d seen the look in Martin’s eyes, and heard the finality in his tone. It was over, and she would adjust in time.
An hour closer to dinner, Celia headed down the stairs, looking like the mistress of the manor. She wore black heels, a beautiful green dress with a thin black belt, and her hair and make-up looked perfect.
Celia forced a smile and was about to head into the kitchen when there was a knock at the front door. She had no clue who it could be, so she opened the door and smiled. “Hello, Mike. Glad you could join us.”
“Hey, Celia. I know I’m late, and intruding, but Martin said come, so I did.”
“No, you’re welcome anytime.” Celia motioned for Mike to come in, and she closed the door behind him. He turned to face her and she tilted her head.
“Have you lost weight?”
“Yes, I’ve been working out. Thanks for noticing.” Mike smiled.
“Nice tan, too. Do you go to the beach often?” Celia took Mike by the arm and started leading him into the dining room.
“No, just fishing. Out by the house. I love it and I’m out there whenever work allows.”
“You actually enjoy fishing? I thought it was just something men did to irritate their wives.”
“No, it’s great fun. You should go sometime. The air, the sun, the quiet . . . then there’s the waiting. You just sit back until you get a bite and then you reel it in.”
“I don’t know. It sounds like more work than fun,” Celia said as they came walking toward her brother, who was just hanging up his phone.
“No, no. It’s not work at all. You might break a nail opening up a cola, but it’s all fun,” Mike added.
“What’s all fun? I’m game,” Roger said, pushing his phone into his pocket and holding out his hand to Mike.
“Mike, this is my brother Roger. Roger, this is Martin's best friend, Mike Jackson.” Celia let go of Mike’s arm as the two men shook hands. “The fun he was talking about was fishing.” Celia added.
“Really, what kind? I was just on the computer last night and found this site that listed ten places to fish in Los Angeles. The only one I can recall is Echo Lake.”
“Yeah I know that one, but it’s mostly catch-and-release over there. Too much run off to eat something out of that place.”
“Really? Well, that’s fine with me. I don’t think I could eat one I caught.”
Mike laughed. “You could if it was cooked right.” Celia stepped back and let the two men discuss their love for fishing. She walked over to speak with her sister. They hugged and Allie didn’t waste any time.
“Man, who’s the hunk? Gorgeous for sure.” Celia laughed and pulled back, glancing over her shoulder.
“You’re engaged. Stop looking.”
“I’m getting engaged, true, but that didn’t affect my eyesight. Who is that?”
“That’s Martin’s friend. They met years ago. I guess he is nice-looking, now that you mention it.”
“Is Martin the jealous type? Did you stop looking and forget what a cute guy looked like?”
“No, I guess it’s just because I know him. He’s one of those outdoorsy types. He’s always camping, or fishing, or hunting. Then he cooks what he catches.”
“True, it’s not what we're used to, but it’s kind of sexy, that he can do all of that. You know, a man’s man. Robinson Crusoe type.”
“I know, it was sexy when Pierce and Hanks did it, but we’re not on a deserted island, and I don’t need to be rescued.”
“Just sayin'.” Allie smiled and spoke over her shoulder. “I think I’ll go over and introduce myself.”
Celia shook her head at her sister’s antics and turned to look at Mike once more. True, he was handsome, and dark, and all of those things her sister mentioned, but he wasn’t her type. She didn’t like to fish, or hunt, or cook. They were total opposites.
As she looked from his black curly hair, to his dark eyes, then on down to his nicely-tanned arms and broad chest she considered a few things. He was gorgeous, but he was Martin's best friend.
Wouldn’t that be poetic justice, to have her first date with Martin's right-hand man? That just might irritate Martin, and that just might be all she needed to give her the momentum to take that first step towards what could be her happily ever after.
Chapter 62
Growing Pains
Butterflies were swirling and Addison couldn’t help but think about the announcement she wanted to make. She kept rehearsing her lines, trying it this way and that, hoping it would come out right, hoping that she didn’t lose her nerve.
She knew if she began the conversation at the table her secret would be out in the open and her parents could start adjusting to the idea of her moving. Her dad could think it through before rising to his feet and telling her that she’d lost her ever-loving mind.
Hearing the words in her own head made her wince, but she knew she had to stay strong. It was time for her to leave, time for her to strike out on her own as Martin had. It would be harder since she would be the last child to leave home.
As she glanced across the table, tears threatened to sting her eyes. She’d never been away from her parents for more than a week at a time. Would she enjoy living that far away? Would talking to her mom on the phone be enough?
She took in a deep breath and smiled as she saw Raffaello walk into the room. He’d been out talking to one of his partners on the phone. He came to stand by her side. She’d been waiting for him before she took her seat.
It amazed her how he could be such a gentleman at times, and even old-fashioned in some of his thinking. Then again at other times, he was 'way too modern. After all, he had asked her to move in with him.
Raffaello smiled, gestured, and pulled out her chair. He pushed the chair in as she settled in, and then sat himself. She guessed this kind of behavior wouldn’t last once they were married, but she was going to enjoy it while she could.
As she glanced in to Rafa’s dark eyes, she realized she would have to be careful not to do things she shouldn’t with this man.
He was gorgeous, going to be a very successful lawyer, and a gentleman, most of the time, but he had not proposed. She needed to stop thinking and acting as though he had.
It was very possible that he would, but she needed to prepare herself for the future, and for the possibility that he might not ever ask her to marry him. When he spoke she was brought out of her thoughts.
“You seem jittery today. Are you all right?” Raffaello took her hand and kissed it, smiling.
“I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“I understand. Is something going on with your brother? I can tell something isn’t right.” Rafa kept his tone low as he waited for Addison to answer. The room was abuzz and the children were making all kinds of noise as they came to the table. There was no worry of anyone hearing his comment or hers.
“I’ll give you the full story later, but it’s over.”
�
��Over as in really over?” Rafa expertly raised one dark brow. "Is this something recent? Do they need a lawyer?” Raffaello leaned in, smiling.
“I can ask later. For now, turn around and hush.”
“I can’t. I have to know more. Did they have a Cohabitation Agreement?”
“A what?” Addison raised the brow this time, but she was sure it just didn’t look the same on her. She smiled at Rafa. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. Martin should have had something drawn up, and he may have. If not though, he should consider it next time around.”
Addison straightened in the chair and the look on her face made Rafa speak. “What? I didn’t mean to offend.”
“You didn’t, but I was wondering, is this a hint that we need something like this in place?” The moment he broke out into a huge smile she relaxed.
“No, of course not. For one, I totally trust you, and two, I don’t have that much equity to worry about.”
“Do you think she could cause him trouble?”
Rafael shrugged. “I’m not saying if she did try to sue she’d get far, but prenups can stop you from worrying about it.”
“Or cause you to break up before you even get started.”
Rafael smiled. “You do have a point. The lawyer in me is always thinking about work. You’ll have to forgive me.” As always, Rafa treated her as if they were in their own private world. He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.
When he straightened, he paid no mind to Edward or anyone else. He was confident, sure of himself, and always in control. Addison tried to keep a smile from her lips, but it was hard. She glanced across the table and caught Celia’s sister giving her a quick wink.
A smile was given in exchange and everyone turned their attention to her dad who, much to the shock of a few, was about to give thanks.
Dinner was wonderful, and thankfully most of the children had gone to the great room to play with their new toys. Desert had been served and everyone was chatting and eating, having simple conversations about dinner, fishing, and a past Christmas or two.
The room was quite noisy, but it was good that everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the company around them. Martin was chatting with his friend Mike and Celia’s brother Roger. They were making plans to go fishing before the holiday was over.
Her parents were chatting with each other, occasionally listening to Martin, Roger and Mike talk about their fishing trip.
Addison and Raffaello were closer to Martin and Mike, and though he’d never mentioned a love for fly-fishing he sat leaning on the table sipping his coffee, intently listening to the conversation. Addison didn’t mind. She needed a few more moments to compose her thoughts.
She glanced toward the other end of the table. Celia was laughing and chatting with her parents, aunts, and uncles. The whole lot of them seemed oblivious to the rest of the dinner party or the screaming children that were in the other room.
Now and again one of the maids would enter, and the few times when it was Randi, Addison noticed the tension in the room seemed to rise. Celia would glance up, and Martin would do his best to not let his eyes follow Randi.
Randi, on the other hand, seemed the best in control of her emotions. She didn’t smile or speak, but only went around the room offering more coffee. When she came to Martin, he held out his cup.
Martin didn’t seem to be worried that Randi would spill hot coffee on him, and for a brief second she caught a slight smile from Randi as she stepped away. Addison didn’t dare look toward Celia at that moment, but Martin did. If there was any exchange between the two, it didn’t reflect in her brother’s expression.
The filling up of cups, and sugar and milk going in, seemed to have slowed down the conversation. This seemed liked as good as a time as any for Addison to make her announcement. No time was going to be the perfect time.
She took a drink of water and, not really caring if the whole table was listening or not, she looked toward Martin and her parents and spoke. “I have something I’d like for you to be thinking and praying about.”
“What is it?” Lillian asked, taking a quick sip of coffee.
Addison glanced down, kept her grip on her glass of water, and then spoke. “I’m going to be making a move soon. I’m pretty sure that I’ll be apartment-hunting here in L.A.” She waited for one of her parents to yell, jump up, start screaming, "How dare you?" but they didn’t.
“That’s great, sis. No need to rush on the apartment.” Martin smiled from ear to ear. He knew what she was going through, and he seemed to be enjoying himself a bit too much. He leaned on the table and nodded. “I’ll be happy to have you stay as long as you like. I’ve got plenty of room.”
Addison didn’t have any trouble noticing that Martin didn’t say "we" in that statement, but she was too lost in her own worries to tell if any of Celia’s family picked it up.
“Thanks, Martin, I may just take you up on that.”
Finally, Addison got up the nerve to look at her parents. Her mother didn’t look happy, but she didn’t look like this came as a huge shock.
Her dad, on the other hand, seemed to be taking it harder. He drank down his coffee, rose from the table, and politely excused himself. Lillian left also, making up an excuse about checking on the children.
A few others rose, not seeming to notice the tension. Raffaello leaned in, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered that he was going to go check his voice mail. She knew this time he was just giving her some space, and she was thankful for it.
As each person slowly moved from the table, she and Martin were left alone. He leaned back, one of those soft smiles playing on his lips. “You sure know how to clear a room, sis, but I have to say, that took brass. I told mom I was leaving, and let her tell dad.” Martin laughed and leaned on the table.
Addison shrugged. “Maybe I should have done that too. I think -- hope -- that he’s just concerned that I’m moving in with Rafa, which I’m not.”
“I don’t know. You’re his little girl. It may just be harder to face. Also it has to make you feel old when all of your children are flying the coop.”
“I’d say it does. It seems kind of scary, too, leaving home, having to pay my own bills.”
“I’m sure you have some savings from doing odd jobs, but don’t pressure yourself by getting an apartment before you can afford it. Stay here for a while. It’s not any fun out there with no money. I paid my dues for years, going back and forth from here to Church Lane. Lean on me if you need to. Thankfully, I can take it.”
“I’d rather strike out on my own, but you’re right. I only have a small amount of savings. I’m sure I can get a job, but it might take a while to get on my feet.”
Martin nodded and rose. “It will take longer than you think. I’ll go see if I can’t find dad and assure him that I’ll keep an eye on you while he’s not around.”
“Don’t make it any worse!” she called.
“No promises,” Martin said over his shoulder and Addison laughed as he walked out of the room. She then leaned back and let out a long sigh. She sat, taking sips of water, and thinking about Raffaello and the possibility of a new life.
The packing and the leaving would be hard, of course, but the excitement of things to come would help her get past the tears and goodbyes. Addison rose, a smile playing on her lips. She knew she’d miss the safety net that her parents had provided, but she couldn’t wait to make it on her own.
She pushed her chair under the table and smiled. “LA, here I come.”
Chapter 63
Second Chances
The visitors in Martin’s home seemed to have all gone to neutral corners. Some went to take an after-dinner nap, the women were heading out for a swim with the children, while Roger, Bill, Jerry and William went to see Mike’s new Harley.
Martin stopped off in the kitchen where he found his mother and Emma. When he came into the room, Lillian smiled. "If you’re looking for your dad, he went out for a walk. The news abo
ut Addison hit him hard. I would give him some space.”
“I can do that.” Martin glanced around. He wanted to ask about Randi but wasn’t sure how to do so tastefully. After a second it came to him. “Can I be of assistance? It seems some of the help is missing.”
Emma turned and gave him a yeah-right look. He shrugged and she shook her head. “Ann and Randi have gone home for a few hours. They’ll be back later. We can handle what’s left of the mess. Why don’t you go to the garage with the rest of the men?”
“Ouch. I’m being invited to leave my own kitchen.”
“Unless you really do want to help with the dishes,” his mother added. Then she turned, dismissing him.
“I know when I’m not wanted.” Martin started to go, then stopped. “By the way, desert was wonderful. Thanks, mom, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without your sweets.”
“You’re welcome,” She said as he slipped out the garage door, disappointed that he’d have to wait to see Randi.
As Martin entered the garage he could hear men talking and laughing. He stepped out to find them inside now, looking his bike over. Mike was the first one to notice him.
“They got tired of my bike. I hope you don’t mind.”
“That’s what bikes are for.” Martin walked over and joined the men.
“And for getting women,” Roger added.
“A Harley has been known to turn a head,” William added.
“Some women.” Mike gestured. “I’ve dated a few that never would ride with me.”
“Celia won’t ride.” Martin crossed his arms, looking at the bike.
“Did you ever ask her, or did you assume she wouldn’t want to?” Edward’s tone inferred he knew something. Martin was in no mood to talk about his love life with Celia’s family. What went on between them was their business.
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