The Sweet Road Home

by Jacki Kelly

  He sat next to Asa on the double-wide lounge chair. In all the years he had owned this house, she was his first visitor. He had it decorated with her in mind, but back then it was only a wish, something he had hoped for, without promise.

  He poured a glass of wine for her. They sat in silence for several minutes as the sun faded out of sight.

  “This is nice, Simeon.”

  “I’ve kept my promise then? I’ve fed you breakfast and lunch and in a few minutes dinner.”

  “You’ve kept your promise,” she assured him before snuggling against him. She reached for his hand. “So the only reason you ignored me in high school is because you thought we lived on opposite sides of the tracks? That’s why you continually ignored me?”

  “High school, huh? Are you sure you want to go all the way back to then?”

  “Do you ever answer any questions or is being evasive something they teach you in business school?”

  “Maybe you ask too many questions?” He nudged her.

  “See, you’re doing it again. You didn’t answer my question. I want an answer. I’ve always wondered. I thought it was just poor timing or something like that.”

  “It was poor timing. My family had some malfunctions that were quite consuming. I could only think about the basics; food and shelter. And if you remember how I dressed back then, I didn’t think too much about clothes.”

  Asa’s eyes were riveted on him. “I had no idea—”

  “That was my intention. I didn’t want anyone to know.” He shifted

  “So, you weren’t just a mean teenager?”

  “I haven’t got a mean bone in my body. Want to see?” He pulled her into his lap.

  Especially when it comes to you.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Asa moaned as she woke up. “Turn back the clock. It can’t be Sunday morning already.”

  Simeon placed a pillow over his head. “I usually come here to get some rest, to get away from the rat race in Bristol. You didn’t let me rest this weekend. I think I’m more exhausted now than before I left.”

  “You think that’s my fault? I didn’t keep you up all night, you kept me up.”

  “You’re the hot one. I can’t keep my hands off of you.” He sat up in the bed.

  His eyes were locked on her. Some unspoken emotion hid behind his hooded lids. She’d prodded him with enough questions this weekend to have the answers she needed, but he’d sidestepped enough of them to let her know to leave it alone. His evasiveness did nothing to quiet her growing attraction to him. Her chest pounded, she couldn’t turn away from the surge of emotions swelling in the pit of her stomach.

  “Simeon, I love you,” she whispered. His flinch happened so quickly she wondered if she’d imagined it. She waited for him to reply, to acknowledge that he at least heard her. Instead, he continued searching her face. He dropped onto his elbows, placing his full weight on top of her. His tongue parted her lips, his movements were slow and concentrated, just like the look he gave her. He released her tongue and bit softly on her bottom lip before rolling out of bed.

  “I think you just like my cooking,” he called over his shoulder as he made his way to the bathroom.

  She closed her eyes so tight a burst of color flashed behind her lids. The bathroom door closed with a thud.

  “Shit, shit, shit.” She punched the pillow. Did I really say I loved him? Those words weren’t supposed to slip past her tongue unless she was talking to Scruffy. She looked over the side of the bed to find the dog sprawled out on the floor. She reached down to rub the top of his head

  “I can’t stay out of trouble,” she whispered. He wagged his tail. “Shit,” she uttered again. After pulling on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt she yelled to Simeon, “I’ll go downstairs and start breakfast.”

  “Don’t bother. We’ll grab something quick before getting on the highway.”

  Quick? That certainly isn’t a good sign.

  Asa put the window down in the car. A humid rush of air blew through the car but did little to cool her. The noise made it difficult to have a conversation. She glimpsed Simeon out of the corner of her eye. His clenched jaw pulsed with tension. Could her emotional confession have instigated that strain? How could she have slipped like that? All that talk about enjoying the single life vanished after one lustful weekend. But it slipped out. She half expected him to tell her he loved her, too. That’s what she wanted. This weekend, he acted like she was important to him. The cooking, the pampering, the lovemaking. Or was it just sex? Maybe it was all part of his charm, part of his single life.

  She watched the scenery out the window, her hands pressed in her lap.

  “Are you okay? You’re really quiet.” Simeon shifted gears and changed lanes.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m fine.” She pulled down the sun visor and flipped open the mirror. “I’m just wondering how I’m going to hide these bags under my eyes. I’m supposed to go to New York again on Monday morning to meet with folks from Mercedes Benz about the fashion show. They want their designers to look as fresh as their clothing lines.”

  “Like I said earlier, it’s not my fault.” He grinned. “I know we ate a hurried breakfast in the car, so do you want to stop and get something to eat before I drop you off?”

  The weekend, the conversation, and that flinch all needed close examination. To scrutinize each detail required space between them. The restrictive area in the car wasn’t enough room to regroup her emotions.

  “No, I think I need to call it a day. Besides, what would we do with Scruffy while we’re eating? It’s too hot for him to stay in the car.”

  “Did you enjoy your breakfast?”

  She rubbed her stomach that protruded slightly over her drawstring shorts.

  “You did a great job, my stomach can testify to that.” She shifted in her seat to dislodge the twinge of disappointment that crept up her spine. When Simeon pulled in front of the house Asa climbed from the car. The dog jumped out behind her. Simeon followed them into the house and placed her bag at the foot of the stairs.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay tonight?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. It’s been two nights; Eric is probably back with one of his old loves by now.

  “Can we have dinner tonight?” He pulled her into his arms.

  “I’m leaving for New York in the morning. I need to prepare for my meetings.” She peered into his eyes. “Tell me something, Simeon.” She slipped out of his embrace to see his eyes. “What are we doing here?”

  His chin shot up. He shoved his hands in his pocket. “We...I thought we were just enjoying each other’s company.”

  “Is that all it was for you?” She shifted her position to see his eyes.

  “You’re very special to me, Asa. More special than any woman has ever been.” He held her face between his hands. The warmth from his palms heating her face. He kissed her lips tenderly before pushing his tongue deeper into her mouth.

  After a minute she released his mouth. She nodded. Being special wouldn’t be enough.

  § § §

  Tension congregated in Simeon’s neck. A decision about the mall was due today. His gut told him the news wasn’t good. A flurry of phone calls this week indicated Golden Leaf remained on the chopping block.

  Simeon rubbed his thumb over the crystal of his watch. He pictured Asa at the beach house. Remembering images of her curled up on the couch, stretched out on the lounge and next to him in bed, and none of it was enough. She was due back from New York and he couldn’t wait to see her.

  He could call her now. She had to be home and settled in. He wanted to go to New York with her, but a packed schedule kept him in the office. Besides, he wanted to stay close to see and hear the daily reviews. In the beginning, it looked like an easy switch, but after further investigation, several problems cropped up with both of his major projects.

  He glanced at his watch again. Brad should have called by now with the results.

  “Catherine, give S
tevens a call and tell him I want those final results today, before I leave the office.”

  Catherine stood in his door with a pad in her hand. She scribbled a note. “Anything else?”

  “Yeah. Send three dozen red long stem roses to Asa. I want the card to say, Congratulations on your success.”

  “Got it.”

  He picked up the phone and dialed Asa’s number. “How was your trip?”

  “I’m exhausted, but the trip was great. I saw the venue for the show. We discussed my line.” The warmth of her voice eased the tension in his shoulders. “The praise was enough to keep me afloat for a week. I missed you, though.”

  “I missed you, too. I—” He clamped down on his bottom lip. He almost said the unthinkable. “I can’t wait to get you in bed.” He reared back in his chair to place his feet on the desk.

  “We talked every day; sometimes even more.”

  “It’s not the same. I can’t kiss or hold a phone.”

  “I could have sworn we had phone sex one night.”

  “Yes, I know I did. And I’m here to tell you it wasn’t anything like the real thing. What time can I see you? I want the real thing.”

  “I’m having dinner with my sister tonight. Come by later; by the time you show up she’ll be long gone. Any word yet on the project? It’s been over a week.”

  “I’ll call again later today.” He tried to keep the concern out of his voice.

  “Why is it taking so long?”

  “Let’s talk tonight when I get there.” After they said good-bye, Simeon placed the phone in the cradle. He saved the document he was working on and shut down his computer. He spun his chair to face the picture of his mother on the credenza. Her gentle smile warmed him. The pain evident in her eyes spoke for her. She wanted to do more for her children, for her family. Every day produced a new struggle for her to overcome. Today she would be proud. The vision the two of them hatched together while trying to stay warm in the city housing project inched closer to reality. Other than his brother, no one else cared that the Harper family had finally turned that corner.

  He squared his shoulders. Rain peppered his window making it hard to see the city skyline. Below on the street, brightly colored umbrellas hurried from one spot to the next. He picked up the phone and punched in Brad’s number.

  “Brad, where are we on the study?”

  “I think I have good news.”

  “Let’s hear what you found.”

  “Moving the strip mall is a no-brainer. The new location is even better than the Golden Leaf location. It has easy access to the west side of town. The population in that area is denser. But—”

  “Finish up Brad, I don’t have all day.” Simeon fisted his hands.

  “The final result just arrived on my desk. The community center needs more parking than the parcel can accommodate. The only plan that makes sense is to move the community center to the Golden Leaf parcel. It’s the perfect location if we move the strip mall.”

  “That wasn’t part of the proposal.” Simeon ran his hand across his face. The tension in his neck spread across his shoulders.

  “I know, but if we have to search for other acreage for the community center we may have to delay the project for a few years.”

  “That’s not an option,” he insisted.

  “It’s your decision. The crews are ready.”

  “You’re sure about the results? There’re no other options?”

  “I double checked. I even called city planning to confirm the requirements.”

  “Let’s get together tomorrow to go over the details.” Simeon ended the call.

  He stretched his jaw, releasing his rear teeth from the repeated grinding. His slow gait to the door didn’t help sort out his thoughts. With his hands clasped behind him, he strolled back across his office to peer out the window. The rain had turned into a fine drizzle. Steam rose off the hot pavement.

  Telling Asa this news would be difficult. She was the roadblock that could make him forsake the dream that gave his mother a reason to keep going when cancer consumed her. He shook his head. He had to keep his promise to his mother. She deserved this one wish even if she hadn’t lived to see it.

  The phone rang. He saw his brother’s name on the caller ID. “Brian, how are you?”

  “Sim, I haven’t seen you since you left the shelter with my volunteer. How’ve you been?” His brother chuckled.

  “Asa hasn’t kicked me to the curb yet, if that’s what you mean.”

  “Good to hear that,” said Brian

  “Are you free tonight? Can we get together for dinner?”

  “Can’t tonight. I’m short on help here tonight. But come on down, I could use an extra pair of hands.”

  “I was hoping we could talk,” Simeon said.

  “We’ll talk. See you shortly.” Simeon hung up the phone. Brian never changed. With his brother he could let his guard down.

  Less than an hour later, the persistent drizzle annoyed him as it distorted his view through the car window. Every few seconds the windshield wipers cleared the window as he made his way to the shelter. He pulled into the back lot and parked.

  “Hey, it’s about time you got here,” Brian yelled as Simeon entered the shelter kitchen. “Wash your hands and grab an apron off the hook. I need someone to help me serve dinner. A couple of volunteers canceled on me tonight.”

  Simeon walked to the back of the kitchen and prepared to help. He sniffed the air. Something smelled good. He spotted the source of the familiar aroma. Across the room a cook sliced meatloaf and buried it in thick brown gravy. The smell reminded Simeon of one Christmas long ago, when his family was together and happy. He pushed the memory out of his mind as he walked into the dining room.

  § § §

  “I should have known you’d put me to work,” Simeon said at the end of the night.

  “You know you love it.” Brian pulled two cans of ginger ale from the refrigerator. “Have a soda,” he said before sitting down. “So what’s new with my baby brother?” Brian placed the can to his mouth and took a long swallow.

  “Nothing’s ever static in the development business. Today it’s good news and bad news. The community center moves forward. Unfortunately it’s going up at Golden Leaf.” He rolled the can between his palms.

  Neither said anything for several moments. The large industrial wall clock ticked off the seconds.

  “Mom would be proud of you, Sim. You did it. I knew you would. So, how does Asa feel about the demolition?”

  “I haven’t told her the plans for her house fell through.”

  “What are you waiting on?” Simeon took a big swallow from the soda can. “I guess that’s one thing I inherited from our father. I’m no good at relationships either, and I’ve taken procrastination to a whole new level.”

  “You know that’s just an excuse, don’t you?” Brian raised a brow. “One of these days you and I are going to have to look that devil in the eye. Stare down that fear. Just because Mom and Dad were so miserable doesn’t mean we’ll turn out like them.”

  “Name one happily married couple? If you’ve got all the answers then why aren’t you in a relationship?”

  “Well, it’s not because I’m afraid.” He nudged his brother’s shoulder. “You care about her. I can tell by the way you look at her. A few weeks ago you came in here, shoulders slumped, looking defeated. You saw Asa in the dining room and the next thing I know you’re escorting her out of here grinning like you found a pot of gold.”

  Simeon shifted in his seat. He drained the soda can before responding. “I can’t put my feelings for her ahead of the people waiting for a decent place to live. I’m seeing her later tonight; after I tell her I think that’ll be the end.”

  “You know that’s not true. Give her a chance. Maybe you won’t have to break it off.”

  “It’s not important.”

  “I think it is, Sim.” Brian put his soda down. “Look, I see men every day that ignore their feeli
ngs and end up with some hard knocks. I know that won’t happen to you, but it never does anyone any good to suppress their feelings. Talk to her, tell her how you feel. It’s sure got to beat hanging out here. Pride never warmed a bed.”

  But with Asa I have no control.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Asa licked her fingers. Sweet peach juice ran down her wrist. Her heart billowed with joy. Two hundred hits on her website, eight new orders, and no major meltdown with the house from the last big rainstorm were all good signs. Every magical minute with Simeon only enhanced her bliss. Even though he hadn’t expressed any feelings for her, his touch, his kisses added to her euphoria.

  Nothing with him came easy. One day she would have to let him go; the thought settled in her stomach like a rock. She held the counter until the feeling passed. Until then she planned to enjoy every minute. For now, everything was perfect. Hearing him whisper her name caused tremors to run along her flesh. His touch kindled a fire in her that burned slow and steady until he carried her to release.

  “What are you grinning about?” asked Dakota.

  Asa looked up and concentrated on her sister. “Nothing. I was just thinking about the show.” She put the pie in the oven then joined her sister at the counter.

  “What do you think?” Asa asked.

  “I love the color palette for this collection. These greens and blues are so rich.” Dakota fingered the Italian wool crepe dress. Asa nodded as Dakota picked up the gown. “This is gorgeous.” Dakota held the grand finale gown against her body. “I want you to make me one. Not that I’ll have anywhere to wear it. Just having this gown in my closet will make me feel better. I’ll get tickets to an awards program in New York. We can wear our ‘Asa Designs’ down the red carpet.” She laughed.

  “I think that calls for a toast.” Asa raised her wine glass.

  “I’m proud of you, Asa. You came back. You knew what you wanted and went after it. Including Simeon,” Dakota smirked.