by Danni Roan
Chapter 10
Anita stepped back looking at the pale blue walls of her room and smiled. “What do you think Gram?” she asked placing her hands on her hips. “Do you like it?” The room was in the upper part of the house on the third floor of the family wing, and far enough away from the area that Carlos and Jamie called home that the paint fumes weren’t a concern.
“It looks real nice,” Gram replied her bright eyes sparkling at the lovely soft hue. “It will be even better when you start putting some of your art work back up.”
Anita shook her head, her long black pony tail swaying with the movement. “No, I’m going to do something new?” she smiled. “I want this room to be perfect. I’m going to paint all new items from my visit to Alaska in shades that match this space.”
“You’re mighty ambitious,” Grandma Walton said with a grin. “I love your spark sweetheart, but don’t forget I need you in the dining room tonight.”
Anita leaned over hugging the older woman. Gram had been there from the beginning helping the whole family adjust after Carlos and Jamie’s wedding.
Jamie’s parents had also been a big part of the years since that astounding change had taken place, but they lived further away and often only got home for holidays or long weekends. Now they were ensconced in the guest room on the main floor and were busy helping with the Inn and the new grandbaby that they both gushed over.
Gram however, was always there. She had listened to the young artist’s dreams, hopes, and ideas. Watching Anita grow from a painfully shy teen to the beautiful and talented young woman she is today.
“So are you ever gonna call that doctor?” Gram asked a twinkle in her blue eyes.
“What? How do you know I didn’t?” Anita asked swinging around to stare at Gram.
“I have my sources,” Gram laughed.
“I should have known Carlos would tell you.”
“Who said it was Carlos,” Gram sassed. “Come on, we’ll have a cup of tea and chat,” she urged taking Anita’s arm and dragging her toward the stairs. “I’m on the graveyard shift tonight, so Jamie can get some sleep.”
“I’m not sure how much sleep she’s getting,” Anita sighed. “I know little Chris wakes up at least twice each night.”
“That’s normal,” Gram said fluttering her hands. “That’s how this works. He’ll figure out the right schedule.”
Anita laughed; Gram had a way of taking things in stride and embracing life with gusto. Anita felt close to the older woman and had poured out her heart to the lady who had become a true confidant. “You never cease to amaze me.”
“Stop hedging,” Gram grumbled as they slipped into the small kitchen at the back of the house. “Spill, I want to know about this doctor.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Anita said moving to the stove only to be shooed away by Gram. “We bumped into each other when Jamie was having the baby.”
“You mean crashed into each other.”
Anita rolled her eyes. “Yes, crashed into each other,” she chortled. “He was carrying a giant teddy bear, and I came around the corner looking at my phone. I didn’t see him, and we bounced right off each other because of the overstuffed bears.”
“I would have loved to see that,” Gram giggled. “Is he cute?” The older woman set the tea cups on the table, opened a tin of cookies and placed the tea pot between them before sitting down. “Based on the look you had on your face the other night, I’d guess yes. Well?” she prompted pouring tea.
“Yes, he’s cute,” Anita admitted with a blush.
“Then why don’t you go out with him, give him a call, or I can pinch the baby and make Jamie believe Christian needs to see a doctor.”
“Gram!” Anita gasped.
“I’m not serious,” the old woman shushed. “Besides this isn’t about me, now spill.”
Anita felt her cheeks heat and sipped her tea stalling and meeting the older woman’s eyes over her cup. “Yes, he’s cute.” She admitted starting at Grandma Walton’s cackle.
“Then you should call him,” Grandma said. “Get a date, have fun, do something different. You’ve been so busy with school and this trip; you’re too young to stay home all the time.”
“I don’t stay home all the time.”
“No you’re just using your winter holiday to repaint your bedroom and finish up those commission pieces.”
“That’s important,” Anita chafed. “I take my work and my education seriously. Besides you know how busy it gets here in the summer with people looking for gifts and trinkets to take home.”
“I know,” Gram said reaching across the table and taking Anita’s hands as her blue eyes studied the young woman’s face. “But there is more to life than work and education Nita. You’re a beautiful young woman and someday wouldn’t it be nice to have someone who loves you the way Carlos loves my Jamie? How much more wonderful would it be to have someone of your very own to appreciate you and what you do?”
Anita dropped her eyes thinking of the handsome doctor. Would it be so bad if she called him? “I didn’t think you’d approve of a girl calling a man,” she tried.
“I’m not that old fashioned,” Gram chided smacking Anita’s hand affectionately. “I think in our modern world when something special comes along we should grab it with both hands,” she added grabbing air in her still strong hands, “and not be afraid. Tomorrow might never come, and why live with regrets if we don’t have to.”
Anita nodded, her heart fluttering in her chest. There was no denying the fact that she was attracted to Devon Willshire. She just didn’t know if either of them really had time to pursue whatever it was between them. For a moment, she thought about the twinkling teddy bear ornament dangling on the tree, and a slow smile covered her face.
“I’ll call him,” she said leaning close and whispering to Gram. “Just don’t tell anyone all right? Pablo already thinks the man has nefarious plans for me.”
Gram’s bright cackle of laughter pulled Anita along with her as they both laughed. “Nefarious,” Gram gurgled. “I can’t believe you said nefarious.”
Chapter 11
Devon pulled on his third shirt and studied himself in the mirror. It had been so long since he’d worn anything other than scrubs that he wasn’t sure if his clothes were acceptable or not, especially for a date with someone as pretty and put together as Anita Jimenez.
A soft knock on the spare bedroom door had him spinning as his sister stepped inside, tiny Emma in her arms.
“You look good,” Jennie said. “I always liked that shirt.”
“Are you sure?” Devon asked looking at himself in the full-length mirror again. He’d spent the night at Jennie’s house for the fourth night in a row and had thrown whatever he had clean in a bag for the stay. His mother was on baby duty round the clock, but Jennie seemed to think his status as a med-student was some special magic insurance policy.
His brother-in-law Mark had finally arrived home the night before from his long haul, and Jen was much calmer today. Still Devon had packed a bag and kept it at the house to be safe.
“Yes, you look fine, stop fussing.”
Devon smiled brushing his hand over Emma’s little head. “You’re calmer today,” he commented not looking at his sister but aiming his words her way.
“Better than you,” Jen teased. “You like this girl don’t you?”
Devon turned toward his sister his blue eyes meeting her weary blue gaze. “I do,” he admitted. “I don’t know what it is, but there is something special about her.”
Jen laughed, brushing her blonde hair off of her other shoulder. “I’m glad you bumped into her then,” his sister said. “You deserve someone special in your life.”
“I already have someone special,” Devon smiled kissing his baby niece and pulling his sister in for a hug. “I have a great family that I love.”
“Yes, but you need your own family, someone to come home to each night, someone to dream with and plan your future w
ith. You won’t be a student forever.”
“It only feels like it,” Devon said with a chuckle. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better,” Jennie admitted. “I don’t know what was wrong with me, but everything scared me. Thank you for being so great. Mom’s great too, but she’s so busy all the time. Right now she is planning Christmas dinner and Christmas family photos.”
Devon groaned. “Again?”
“Every year,” Jen laughed. “Now go on your date and have fun. I’m fine. Since Mark is here, we can take turns with the baby.”
Devon kissed his niece again and slipped into his brown loafers, checking the creases in his chinos then grabbed his keys and headed for the door.
It was a short drive to the restaurant he was meeting Anita at, and Devon felt that same nervousness bubble in his middle as he drove along light strewn streets to the rendezvous. He had been surprised when Anita finally called him, and even now was afraid she wouldn’t show.
He couldn’t stop thinking of how her older brother had looked at him in the hospital that night. Devon had seen plenty of men like that over the years: cautious, protective, and somewhat suspicious of others.
Pulling into the parking area of the small café, Devon took one last look in the mirror then headed inside to find a table. He couldn’t explain why, but it was important to him that Anita show up tonight. Maybe she wasn’t the girl for him, but his sister’s words had made him want someone of his own more than ever.
Finding a table near the door where he could watch for her, Devon took a seat and ordered water, waiting impatiently until she walked through the door.
***
“Why are you going?” Pablo asked standing in the kitchen as Anita gathered her bag and keys. “What does this almost doctor want with you?”
“It’s a date Pablo,” Anita said. “I’m not giving the man my kidney,” she joked. “It’s just a date, a chance to get out and do something different. Besides he seems like a nice guy.”
“Appearances can be deceiving,” Pablo barked looking surly. “You’re busy with college and all this painting stuff you’re doing. You don’t have time for dating.”
“I’m going Pablo,” Anita said her dark eyes flashing at her older brother. Carlos doesn’t care if I go out with Dr. Devon. Jamie even liked him when she took Chris to the clinic.”
“Carlos doesn’t have time to worry about you anymore. He’s got the Inn to run, a new baby, and his painting company. That’s why I’m looking out for you.”
Anita walked toward the door, pausing at the sink where Pablo stood arms akimbo, leaning on the counter.
“I’m not a little girl anymore big brother. You don’t have to look over my shoulder all the time. Have a little faith. If I don’t like Dr. Devon, and I’m not having a good time I’ll come home. Besides, I’m on vacation, and I intend to enjoy it.”
Pablo shrugged not looking convinced. “Just watch your back,” he said his narrow face brooding. “I didn’t like the way he looked at you the other day at the hospital. I don’t know what a doctor wants with a regular girl like you. Why can’t he find a woman from his own class?”
Anita gaped at Pablo, shocked at his thoughts. “Pablo, that’s terrible. We don’t have classes here in America, and just because someone is studying to be a doctor doesn’t mean his parents are paying his way or that he’s rich. He’s a regular guy too, just like you.”
Pablo huffed shaking his head. “I’ll believe that when he proves it,” he said. “You’ll never catch a man like that with grease under his nails, or motor oil in his hair. I work hard at the garage; I sacrifice skinned knuckles, and blackened knees. I’ve built a reputation with my boss and he trusts me. No fancy pants doctor with an expensive degree can say that. A piece of paper doesn’t make him better than me.”
“No one said it did,” Anita said glancing at the clock. “No one is looking down on you or me Pablo, that’s in your head. Not everyone is meant to go to college or get a degree or any of that. Others are supposed to take a different path, that doesn’t mean any path is better than the other.”
Pablo raised an ebony brow at his sister. “I still don’t see why he is interested in you,” he said, his words hurtful. “You watch out for yourself.”
Anita blinked at her brother wondering where the harsh words had come from. Didn’t he think she was good enough to go out with someone like Dr. Devon? “I’m going to be late,” she snapped reaching for the door then hesitating. “I don’t know what’s made you so suspicious, but I’m smart and I like this guy. You stay out of it.”
Pablo shrugged, turning and walking from the room as Anita pulled the door open onto an icy blast of lake air.
Chapter 12
Anita rolled her window down as she drove through town, taking in the sparkle of decorated street lights and flashing Christmas decorations amidst piles of plowed snow.
It had taken her longer than she would have liked to get to town, her irritation with Pablo tainting her drive through a winter wonderland. Now she would be late and hoped that Devon wouldn’t think she had stood him up.
The cold air drifting through her window as she pulled into a parking spot brushed her face, pinking her cheeks and turning her breath to mist. Letting the air out of her lungs slowly she pushed thoughts of Pablo out of her head, straightened her earrings and breathed deeply of the crisp air. It was time to see what this was all about.
***
Devon watched Anita step through the front door, her heavy white coat buttoned over a long red skirt that swished around her black boots as she stood, scanning the dining room for him.
She was beautiful, and he hesitated a moment before lifting a hand. Though late, the vision before him was worth the wait, and Devon felt a bright smile spread across his handsome face.
Lifting his hand as she turned in his direction he flashed Anita his best smile waving in her direction.
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Anita said, her cheeks were rosy and her dark eyes flashed with irritation. “I’m afraid my brother tried to talk me out of meeting you.”
Devon stood hurrying to pull out a chair and grinning at her surprise. “I’m glad you didn’t listen to him,” he said returning to his seat and gazing across at her. “I was starting to worry.”
Anita dropped her head and a curtain of hair fell forward over her shoulder hiding her pretty face. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him,” she said. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” Devon said pushing back a wave of silky hair, to look into her eyes. “I’m just glad you’re here.”
Anita smiled lifting her head and meeting Devon’s pale blue gaze. “Thank you,” she said, the bubbles in her stomach settling as she sank into his eyes.
Devon stared into Anita’s eyes mesmerized by the dark depths of her gaze. Shaking his head to break the spell, Devon handed Anita a menu as she slipped out of her coat. She was wearing a black sweater and her hair seemed to meld with the heavy dark cabled knit.
“So how was your week? Is your sister-in-law adjusting to motherhood?” he asked as the waiter brought fresh bread.
“She’s doing great,” Anita said. “She has a lot of support. Her grandmother is a fire brand, and Carlos and Pablo are there, and her parents are staying through Christmas.”
Devon smiled. “I’m glad she has such a great support system.”
“How’s your sister doing?” Anita asked scanning the menu.
“I think she’ll be all right,” Devon said. “Her husband got back last night, and he’ll be home for good now. I think she’s feeling a lot calmer now.”
“She’s lucky to have you,” Anita smiled. She could see the dark circles under the man’s eyes, but the bright smile he shot her zipped straight to her heart.
The waiter returned, taking their orders, and Anita smiled shyly at Devon. She felt comfortable with the man, but didn’t seem to know what to say. “Did your sister like the bear?” Anita asked.
“She said it was too big, but I think she loves it,” Devon grinned. “Mark, my brother-in-law, loves it though. He said when he’s not around, that big ol’ bear will be watching his precious Emma.”
Anita smiled relaxing further. “It’s was a cute teddy bear and I thought the polar bear was perfect since I had just flown in from Alaska.”
“What was that like?” Devon asked leaning closer. “It’s cold enough here, was Alaska worse?”
Anita shook her head. “It’s easier for me to show you,” she said standing and slipping into the booth next to him as she flicked opened a picture file on her phone.
“These are amazing,” Devon said leaning in and looking at the phone. His shoulder brushed the young woman’s arm as he felt a rush of warmth fill him as if a ray of sun had brushed his skin. “Your photos are great.”
Anita turned looking into Devon’s face as his eyes came up. “They’re just quick pics to paint from,” she breathed.
Devon lifted his face a fraction higher drawn in by some magic he couldn’t name until his lips brushed hers in a feathery kiss.
The world stood still, frozen like the shimmering icicles outside, and Devon felt a shiver run down his spine as his breath froze in his chest. He wanted this moment to last forever, to never end.
The sound of plates being placed on the table made Devon and Anita jump apart and the blush that graced the young woman’s face warmed Devon to his toes. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but something about the black-haired beauty had his heart wound around her finger.
Anita moved to the other side of the table where her meal waited steaming, but the room felt cold as she moved from Devon’s side and picked up a fork, afraid to meet the man’s blue gaze.
“I’m sorry about that,” Devon said fidgeting with his napkin. “I was too bold.”
Anita shook her head, her shimmering shroud of hair falling forward once more. “I didn’t mind,” she smiled looking up and meeting his eyes, as the spell he seemed to cast, washed over her again.
