Patricia cleared her throat. “In regard to Mr. Malloy and his residency here. Out of necessity, I have reached a difficult decision.”
All eyes turned toward Patricia. In Crystal’s opinion the woman had abysmally poor timing.
“Given Mr. Childers’ accusations against Mr. Malloy last night, many of the elderly women here no longer feel safe,” she said. “It’s my responsibility to provide a worry-free environment for them, and that’s impossible when a man of questionable moral rectitude is living here. By noon, Mr. Malloy will be given a notice of eviction.”
“Oh, really!” Essie sighed. “Thank you for making this easy for me, Patricia. As of right now, you are relieved of your duties as administrator.”
Patricia stared at Essie as if now firmly convinced the woman had lost her mind. “You can’t fire me. You have no authority here.”
Stan Mercer intervened. “Actually, Ms. Childers now has absolute authority here. Early this morning I contacted the corporation that owns this facility and made a purchase offer on her behalf that was too attractive to be refused. Her people are hard at work as we speak to finalize a cash transaction. Until you and a few other key individuals can be replaced, my employer will be overseeing operations here and filling any vacated positions with temporary employees.”
Patricia’s mouth dropped open. Crystal wondered if hers had as well. Garth looked ready to pass out. Patricia managed a faint gurgle. “I don’t believe a word of it. No one has notified me. Besides, there are all kinds of permits and licenses to acquire! That isn’t to mention the training of personnel. You can’t just hire people off the street to care for the elderly. And a change of ownership can’t be accomplished in a day! Even with the purchase of a house, a closing takes longer than that!”
The attorney replied, “The elderly at this facility will be in good hands. We’ve got all the bases covered, both practically and legally.”
Patricia folded her arms over her ample bosom. “I’m not abandoning my post until I receive notice from the corporate office.”
Stan cupped Essie’s elbow in his hand. “How long has it been since you checked your email, Ms. Flintlock?” He turned to escort his employer from the room but paused to address Tuck. “Essie is hosting a catered luncheon in the dining room today. Social hour starts at eleven, and Ms. Childers has invited you and your granddaughter to honor her with your presence at the head table.”
“Mom!” Garth nearly knocked his attorney over in his haste to follow his mother. “Please. Let’s not be impulsive. I’m your son. Just give me a moment and hear me out! At least give me a chance to apologize.”
Essie hugged Stan’s brawny arm and kept walking. Garth’s attorney grabbed his satchel and followed his frantic client from the room. Patricia had already opened her laptop to check her emails, and she didn’t even glance up. A moment later, she leaped up from her chair, clamped a hand over her heart, and cried, “Oh, my God, it’s true! Essie bought the place!”
* * *
Crystal had no choice but to decline Essie’s invitation to lunch. She’d already abandoned several clients that morning, and she needed to run home, check on the animals, and dress for work. She could only hope Essie would understand. Surely she would, Crystal reasoned. Essie hadn’t gotten where she was today without putting in some long hours. As Crystal drove to the farmhouse, she called Tanner and updated him on the outcome of the meeting.
“Holy smokes!” he exclaimed. “I had Essie pegged as a smart cookie, but I never dreamed she could be that rich.”
Crystal laughed. “Me, either. On our picnic she was so down-to-earth, and I’ve never seen her put on airs. It’s sad about her kids. I think she’s come to accept it now, but at some point their betrayal must have broken her heart.”
By ten Crystal was at the salon, her nostrils filled with the rotten-egg odor of permanent-wave solution coming from Shannon’s station, the varying baritones of blow-dryers humming all around her. Tonya Lucas, her ten-fifteen appointment, seemed less focused on her hair than usual.
“Is everything going okay for you and Troy?” Crystal asked. The couple had met on the Mystic Creek Natural Bridge, had fallen wildly in love, and had been happily married for almost ten years. Right now they were remodeling an older home at the Bearberry Loop Golf Course. “How’s the house coming along?”
Tonya sighed. “One step forward and two back, pretty much like all remodels. Usually I roll with it, but my little granddaughter is having a sleepover Friday night.” Her eyes filled with warmth. “It’s the most important party ever in her estimation, and my kitchen is torn apart. Troy has volunteered to barbecue and supervise a marshmallow roast. Otherwise I’ll be winging it.”
Tonya’s granddaughter, Macy, was an adorable child. Not as cute as Tori, though, Crystal thought. And then, as she swabbed color on sections of Tonya’s hair, she allowed herself to imagine a sleepover for Tori at the farmhouse. She pictured herself supervising games, serving treats little girls that age would love, and enjoying every second of the chaos.
After Tonya left, Crystal texted Tanner. I promised to take Tori to the Crystal Falls library to look for books. Would tomorrow after school be a good time?
Tanner texted back saying Tori’s schedule was clear as far as he knew, but he’d check with his mom. Excitement fluttered in the pit of her stomach. With Libby on the sidelines to help, Crystal didn’t feel quite so intimidated by the thought of coparenting two kids with Tanner. Libby had already raised a wonderful son, and she was doing a great job with her grandchildren. The safety of Tori and Michael wouldn’t be solely Crystal’s responsibility unless she took them out to do something fun.
Realistically, what could go wrong at a library?
* * *
After the luncheon, Tuck got to be alone with Essie for the first time since all hell had broken loose last night. Offering him a smile, she looped arms with him and suggested they take a tour of the building to discuss changes they could make to the facility. Now that Tuck knew just how wealthy she was, he could really enjoy dreaming with her.
They took measure of the kitchen first, which Essie deemed to be sufficient as it was. “The first order of business will be to hire at least three chefs,” she told him. “I want first-class dining available seven days a week, three meals a day.”
“Some of these old folks have never eaten fancy food,” Tuck reminded her.
“We’ll have choices for everyone. Ordinary things and gourmet delights.” She gifted him with a saucy grin. “But I’m willing to bet people will soon develop a taste for finer offerings.”
When they reentered the common area, Essie waved her free hand. “Just look at the space out here. And most of it’s wasted. Few people gather in these conversation areas. What do you think about leaving only a small visiting area and partitioning off the rest into rooms?”
“What kind of rooms?”
“Definitely a card room, only we’d call it something else.”
Tuck laughed. “You gonna allow us old farts to gamble?”
“Hell, yes. Otherwise why bother to play?”
“Maybe we can call it the High Roller Room.”
“There you go.” She pressed her cheek against his arm. “And we need a lounge, a place where people can socialize and order mixed drinks. They’ll need scripts from a doctor to consume alcohol, of course. Some will have a daily drink limit. But we’ll hire bartenders who can create fabulous virgin cocktails for those who can’t imbibe.”
Tuck let out a blissful sigh. “It’ll be amazin’.”
“We’ll add a new wing for people with pets, too. Some individuals really are allergic to cats or dogs, but if we keep the animals in only one section, we’ll be able to make it work. Courtyards off each patio with gates so a dog can go outside or be taken for a walk. You’ll be able to have Rip with you full-time again, and I’d enjoy having a lapdog. I also want a
n equine center. Not a huge one, but large enough for old-timers who have horses to be able to keep them here.”
Tuck’s heart caught. “Bolt?”
She grinned. “As I came up with that idea, I was thinking of him, I must admit. And I think we should create a temporary shelter and pasture for him right away. It’s ridiculous for him to be boarded elsewhere.”
“This sounds like a place I won’t be able to afford,” he said with a laugh.
“Oh, no. Everyone will be able to afford this. Well, not everyone will be able to keep horses, but they’ll be able to enjoy everything else. They’ll be charged on a sliding scale according to income. Those on government assistance will enjoy all the same perks as everyone else.”
“You’ll go broke doin’ that, honey.”
She laughed. “It’ll all even out, with wealthier people making up the difference. If I have to invest a little myself, my accountants will use it as a tax write-off. I can always use one of those.”
Tuck gazed down at her, feeling like the luckiest man alive. “Why me, Essie? With your looks and money, you could have your pick of men. What do you find attractive about a common, broken-down old rancher like me?”
She stopped and turned her lovely face up to his. Tears shimmered in her eyes. “Everything, Tuck. Absolutely everything.”
Chapter Eighteen
Over the next two weeks, Crystal forged friendships with Tanner’s children. Her trip to the library with Tori was delightful. The child went home carrying a tote filled with books: several dog-training tomes and three novels about canines. Crystal met Tanner’s mom, Libby, and accepted her invitation to stay for tea and cookies after they returned from the library. Crystal found Libby to have a casual, low-key personality with a ready smile and a soft laugh. Her home was bright with sunshine coming through the windows, and the decor reflected Libby’s lifestyle, that of an older woman who pursued her own interests—such as jewelry-making and ceramics classes—and a grandmother who spent much of her time focused on her son’s motherless children. Her kitchen was a comfortable gathering place with a refrigerator lurking somewhere beneath countless magnets, school assignments, and pieces of artwork. A stand mixer sheathed in a cheerful hand-quilted cover sat on the counter near a slow cooker that emitted mouthwatering smells. A step stool stood in one corner to elevate Tori to counter height so she could help Nana in the kitchen.
Toward the end of the visit, Crystal asked, “Does Tori enjoy baking?”
“Oh, yes.” Libby’s blue eyes danced with merriment. “And it’s very interesting. Tori has an inquisitive mind. She doesn’t just accept that baking powder is a rising agent. She wants to know how it makes things rise. I’m the opposite. If it works, I don’t feel compelled to know why. Whenever we use a new ingredient, she looks it up afterward.”
Crystal smiled. “Tanner told me she’s exceptionally bright. It’s a shame Michael wasn’t interested in visiting the library with us. We had a lot of fun.”
“Michael is a physically active child. If it’s wet enough to drown a duck, he’ll watch television or read, but when it’s nice, he’s outside exercising.”
“I’d like to do something special with him.”
“Given Michael’s age, you’re better off to just go with his flow. He’d love to have you attend one of his baseball games. His team plays on Wednesday afternoons. It would be fun if you came and sat with me. Tanner can’t always be there, because of work.”
“I’d love to see Michael play. I’ll have to juggle some appointments, though.”
“This Wednesday? Just come here, and we’ll drive together.”
“Perfect.”
* * *
As Crystal drove to Libby’s house the following Wednesday, she realized she hadn’t been this nervous even on her first date as a teenager. She’d definitely spent less time choosing an outfit. She hadn’t a clue what a twelve-year-old boy might think was appropriate for a ball game. She finally settled on jeans, white running shoes, and a red top. Then she drew her hair through the open back of a green ball cap. Examining her reflection, she decided she was good to go. She needed to take Rip along, of course. The thought made her smile. If the dog saw balls being thrown, he’d want to chase them.
Having played baseball in high school, Crystal wasn’t out of her element in the stands with Libby and Tori. The little girl spent much of her time petting Rip instead of watching the game. At one point, a boy hit a grounder, and Rip lunged so hard against the leash that Crystal lost her grip. The dog shot down the bleacher steps, dashed across the diamond, and got the ball before the left fielder could reach it.
“Rip!” Michael yelled. His face turned as red as Crystal’s shirt.
The other boys joined in to yell at the dog, and the chase began. Tori clapped her hands in delight. Rip had the time of his life while the batter walked the bases. Crystal ran onto the field. Remembering what Tuck had told her, she pointed at her feet and used a stern tone to yell, “Rip! Come!”
To her amazement Rip obeyed and dropped the coveted ball at her feet. She collected the end of his leash and led him back to the bleachers. The coaches had a conversation and called for a replay. The same batter had to step up to the plate again.
Crystal enjoyed every aspect of the game even though Michael’s team lost. What really enchanted her, though, was how Libby handled the team’s defeat.
“Who wants to have a pizza party to celebrate?” she asked the glum-faced boys.
“What are we celebrating?” Michael asked. He held Rip’s leash and had bent forward to fondle his ears. “I don’t know if we’re in the mood.”
“The amazing performance shown by each and every one of you!” Libby grinned at one of the pitchers, a freckled redhead, and said, “You’ve got a dynamite arm on you, Jimmy! I won’t be surprised to see you play for a pro team one day.” Then Libby went on to praise all the boys individually and soon had them grinning with sheepish pride. “So what do you say? I think a pizza party at my house sounds fun.”
Crystal had imagined that Libby would have the party at a parlor where the pizzas and cleanup would be provided. She was startled when she realized that the older woman intended to make that many pizzas from scratch.
“I can help,” she heard herself say. “To attend the game, I took the rest of the day off.”
One of the mothers, a freckled redhead who greatly resembled Jimmy, offered to chauffeur the boys to Libby’s house in her van and then help with the party. In Libby’s kitchen, Crystal donned an apron to slice toppings and grate cheese while the hostess rolled out rounds of dough like a pro. The double ovens accommodated eight pizzas, and Libby baked sixteen in all. The boys set up folding tables in the fenced backyard, where Rip had been turned out to play. Tori was in charge of setting out paper plates, napkins, cups, and plastic eating utensils.
A few of the parents showed up. Tanner trailed in behind them. He grinned when he saw Crystal topping rounds of dough with assembly-line swiftness. Her cheeks went hot when she saw him. He’d opened the front of his uniform shirt because of the heat, and even through the cotton tee he wore as a cover-up, she could see the contours of his chest. He strode up behind her and snatched pieces of pepperoni from the platter, which earned him a playful slap on the hand.
“Seeing you makes me hungry,” he whispered near her ear as he stole more meat.
“Shh!” she hissed, glancing around. “Someone might hear you!”
Tanner looked injured, though his twinkling eyes gave him away. “Just because I’m hungry for . . . pizza?”
Later, as Crystal drove home, she couldn’t stop smiling. I did it. For the first time in her adult life, she felt as if she had cracked through the wall of fear that had governed her world for so long. This week she’d taken her first steps toward being a normal woman. She had entered into a serious relationship with a man. She was participating in his children
’s activities. She’d helped make pizza for a game party. How fabulous was that?
On Sunday, Crystal’s only day off, she invited Tanner and his children for a playdate with Rip and a barbecue. Libby came for the outdoor meal and brought side dishes. Crystal supplied the meat, a German potato casserole, and a tossed green salad. Tanner manned the grill.
The month of June had brought with it warm evenings, and in a few days the solstice would officially bring in summer, which had always been Crystal’s favorite season. Prior to eating, she tossed a baseball with Michael, painted Tori’s toenails, and chatted with Libby over a glass of white wine at the patio table. Rip, of course, was the main act. The children spent most of their time playing with him, their primary activity being to throw sticks into the pond for the heeler to fetch. Rip was in his element, and he did his best to shake water over everyone.
“I’m sure glad you got waterproof collars.” Tanner basted steaks on the barbecue shelf with a homemade sauce. “We’ll need to test it later to make sure it survived the dunking.”
“Good idea,” Crystal agreed.
Tanner sent her a steamy look that made her stomach do flip-flops. She’d heard of men with bedroom eyes. His brown lashes shadowed his and made her wish he were making love to her.
As the sunlight faded, Crystal lighted the fire, which she’d laid earlier in a rock fire pit built into the paver patio. The dancing flames added just the right touch, sending out warmth, lending golden light, and scenting the air with smoke from lengths of lodgepole pine.
The dinner turned out perfect, the steaks done to a turn. The kids preferred hot dogs, but each of them took a small piece of beef, which they fed to Rip on the sly. Crystal’s German potato casserole was a hit. Libby had brought dessert, a delightful peach crisp that everyone enjoyed with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
After the mess was cleared away, Crystal brought out a surprise, a bag of marshmallows and four roasting sticks. The kids were excited. Both of them loved s’mores and were over the moon when they learned she’d also gotten graham crackers and milk chocolate. Tanner added to the fun by asking if Crystal had peanut butter. The spread added a special twist to the unexpected treat.
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