The Apple Of My Eye (5 page)

“That sounds perfect. See you then. Thanks again for coming out today.” Michelle smiled as she held out her hand.

Rather than shake it, Hayes turned Michelle’s hand up right and kissed it. “It was my pleasure. See you this evening.” He glanced up and smiled ruefully. “Goodbye, Mrs. Turner,” he called down the hall.

“Goodbye, young man.” Betsy stood in the hallway just in front of the kitchen door. “I will be keeping an eye on you, be sure you behave yourself.”

Hayes nodded obediently and with a quick wink at Michelle, left. Michelle turned to her exasperating guest. “Mrs. Turner…”

Betsy cut the younger woman off. “I know what you are going to say, my dear. That was terribly rude of me, wasn’t it? Normally I would never interfere with your business, or your love life for that matter.” Michelle raised a skeptical eyebrow. “I saw the two of you together, and when I noticed Ed watching… Well I just needed to be absolutely certain he wasn’t in cahoots with his uncle. I don’t want Ed trying to take advantage of the situation. Judging by Hayes’ reaction, I think it’s fair to say he’s being honest with you.”

“Mr. Olson was watching us?” Michelle shivered, the idea leaving a bad taste in her mouth.

“Yes, unfortunately he was, and with more than his usual venom. He hates seeing other people happy. The idea of Katie’s son with Violet’s granddaughter probably has him seeing red,” Betsy tut-tutted to herself.

“Katie?” Michelle asked, curious to find out what she could about Hayes.

“Hayes’ mother. She’s a charming woman, which is something of a miracle, considering that Ed raised her after her parents died. He was furious when she married Ronin Marshall. He said she had betrayed him. What a load of nonsense. I’m sure he thought she would live with him forever and take care of him. As if any woman in her right mind would want to live with Ed Olson by choice. He even tried to cut her off from her inheritance.” Betsy shook her head sadly. “Horrible man. Oh, there’s your tea kettle!” Betsy hurried back into the kitchen and pulled the whistling kettle off of the burner.

“There you are, my dear, and I’d best be getting back home. It’s nearly time to check on my roast. You have a lovely time, and make sure you don’t let that boy break your heart, hmm?” Just as quickly as she had come, Betsy Turner disappeared back through the kitchen door. Michelle shook her head at her neighbor. How much of a busybody could one person be?

She put the tea leaves in the kettle and let the water steep. While Michelle waited, she stared out the kitchen window, watching the McIntosh tree and the yellow house behind it. She tapped her fingers on the countertop idly while she considered the large house, and the man who lived there. Why had Ed Olson been watching her and Hayes together? Was it because of the bad blood between him and his niece? If he was still angry with Katie after all this time, then why would Hayes have been over at his home yesterday?  Would he try to do something about her apple tree, once he realized it wouldn’t be torn down? Did she and Kara need to be worried about their safety? She frowned unhappily. Perhaps her uncle’s recommendations weren’t that far off the mark after all.

Michelle poured herself a cup of tea and left the rest of the water in the kettle. Maybe Kara would want a cup when she got home. She wondered if her friend had really gone to the store or had just wanted to make herself scarce to give Michelle some alone time with the handsome arborist. Michelle pulled the cell phone from her pocket and texted her friend. “Coast is clear. U can come home now. Got a date 2 night!”

Thirty seconds later Michelle’s phone buzzed with a reply text. “Knew u could do it. Wear the teal cashmere. Be back soon.”

Michelle laughed, Kara loved giving fashion advice. She finished her tea and checked the clock on the wall. The clock read 4:35. If she wanted to get ready for a date at seven, she needed to get a move on. She wasn’t even sure all her clothing had been unpacked yet. Michelle hurried upstairs, pouncing on the suitcase that held the clothing she reserved for special occasions. She flipped the clasps open and began to sort through the contents. Within a few moments her hands lit on the buttery soft cashmere sweater. Kara knew what she was talking about. The teal color made Michelle’s hazel eyes go a deep blue-green, and the v-neck showed just enough décolletage to entice without being vulgar. She set the sweater aside and rifled through the suitcase looking for a skirt or pants to match. Finally, she found just the right number. It was a flirty, knee length, black circle skirt made of feather light chiffon. She pulled the skirt from the suitcase and then groaned in dismay. The chiffon was so wrinkled it looked like it had been used as a rag. There was no way she could wear the skirt in its current condition.

She pulled a matching lace teal bra and panties from the underwear Kara had put away yesterday. She would have to hurry if she wanted to get everything ready before seven. Clutching her outfit to her chest Michelle hurried down the steps, nearly slamming into Kara as she walked in the front door. “Whoa! Somebody is in a rush. I know it’s your first date in a year or so, but slow down, girlie.” Kara took a step back and looked at her excited friend. “Okay, you go take a shower, I will take these.” She neatly lifted the clothes from Michelle’s hands. “Hmm… I would’ve gone with the bustier myself, but at least these match, and they’re lacy. Kara approved.” With a flourish she handed Michelle her underwear back, but kept the sweater and skirt. “Get going. I will handle the wrinkles and the accessories.”

While Michelle showered, Kara ironed the wrinkle strewn chiffon skirt back to perfection. By the time Michelle was ready to get dressed her entire outfit was lying neatly on the bathroom counter waiting for her. Michelle came out of the bathroom and presented herself for Kara’s inspection. “Let’s see what we have here. Sexy form hugging sweater? Check. Flirty skirt? Check. Amazing black pumps, and yes, they’re mine, and you’re welcome. Check.  Matching silver jewelry to set off your skin and draw his eye to your assets, like they aren’t going to be there already? Check.” Kara clapped her hands while Michelle laughed at her. “Okay, that means it's hair and makeup time. Back in the bathroom young lady while Fairy God-Kara gets you ready for the ball.”

Half an hour later Michelle had been primped and polished to perfection. Her hair was gently twisted and caught up in the back. Her makeup brought out the glow of her cheeks and the sweet swell of her lips. Her eyes practically glowed as she admired Kara’s handiwork in the mirror. “Remind me again why you don’t do this professionally?”

“Because I only beautify people I care about. No one else is worth all the effort,” Kara replied. Now go get your coat on, Mr. Dreamy Marshall is going to be here any minute.”

“You can just call him Hayes, you know. What are you going to do about dinner?” Michelle frowned, feeling bad that she was leaving her friend alone in a new place right after a breakup.

“Galoshes and I have a date with Mrs. Turner’s goulash. Don’t worry about us. We are going to have a great time. Especially since the satellite service is up and running. Reality TV marathon here I come! Where is he taking you, by the way?”

“We’re going to The River Bell.” Michelle couldn’t keep the smile off of her face.

Kara took Michelle’s camel colored wool coat from the closet and handed it to her. “Ooh. Wow, being an arborist must pay better than I thought. That’s the fanciest restaurant in town. Just remember to stay away from the garlic and the fish. That will make the post-dinner make out session more pleasant.”

Michelle rolled her eyes at her friend’s brazen statement. “You never stop, do you? “

“If I did, you’d think there was something wrong with me!”

“You’re right, I would. Thanks Kara, have fun without me.” Michelle went to kiss her friend on the cheek, but Kara waved her off.

“Oh no you don’t, you’ll smudge your lip gloss. No kissing until he has had a chance to admire my handiwork.” The doorbell chimed, interrupting their conversation. “There he is. You put on your coat, I will get the door.” Kara bounced to the front door while Michelle buttoned up her dress coat.

“Come on in, Hayes. She’s been waiting for you.” Kara bowed the handsome arborist in the door.

Kara stepped back out of the way, and Michelle got her first look at Hayes. If she had thought he was handsome in his work clothes, it was nothing compared to him all dressed up. His short chestnut hair was brushed back from his face. He wore a deep navy, wool pea coat, with brown dress pants and shiny, patent leather dress shoes. Now he truly did look as if he had stepped off the pages of a department store advertisement.  The coat accentuated his broad shoulders, and his dress pants drew her eyes to his trim, sculpted legs. She couldn’t help but be thrilled. Her last boyfriend’s idea of dressed up was an unstained shirt and cargo pants. A tiny, breathy sigh escaped Michelle as she caught the fiery look of appreciation glittering in Hayes’ green eyes.

“You look amazing, Michelle.” Hayes voice had returned to the sexy growl she had heard briefly earlier that afternoon.  He held a leather gloved hand out to her. “Are you ready to go?”

Michelle favored him with a dazzling smile. “Thank you, you look pretty amazing yourself. Yes I’m ready.” She walked up to him and took his powerful hand in hers. “Bye Kara.”

“Bye guys. Don’t hurry home on my account.” Kara waved to the couple and watched them walk out into the star strewn night.

Hayes tucked Michelle's hand into the crook of his arm and led her to where his black sedan was parked, shining under the street lamp. He opened the passenger door for her and carefully helped her sit down, not the easiest task in stilettos and a skirt. Michelle looked around the interior of the car, impressed. The gray interior was clean and uncluttered, the seat warmed by an internal heater. “I like your car.” she told Hayes admiringly.

“Oh, thanks. Don’t let this fool you. I’m not usually this neat.” He gave her a sassy wink that made her smile, and they were off.

The River Bell was an expensive fine cuisine restaurant located in Greenville’s historic downtown. Michelle had only been there twice before, once for her twenty first birthday and again when she graduated from college. The restaurant was located in a graceful Victorian brick building. The décor captured the romance of that bygone era. A metallic tin tile ceiling and beautiful, rich woodwork abounded inside. Artisan stained glass panels accented the windows. Guests were seated at linen draped tables lit by tiny candles.

Michelle looked around the restaurant as they were seated. Since it was a Monday night, the restaurant was not very busy. The table they were seated at felt quite private. She unbuttoned her coat and smiled as Hayes watched her, clearly liking what he was seeing. “I love this restaurant, it’s so pretty. I’ve only been here a few times, but the food was incredible on both occasions. Do you come here often?”

Hayes shook his head ruefully. “No, I’ve only been here a few times myself. You’re right it is beautiful, but not as lovely as the company I’m keeping.” Hayes warm smile sent a thrill up Michelle’s back.

A tall man with graying hair, dressed in black pants and a black dress shirt came striding over to their table from behind the bar. “Hayes! Have you finally decided to call in that favor?”

Hayes chuckled and nodded. “I certainly have. John Cooper, meet Michelle Perry. Michelle, John is the owner of The River Bell.”

Michelle’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as she took John’s proffered hand. “Welcome to The River Bell, Miss Perry. We are delighted to have you this evening.”

“Well thank you. I’m delighted to be here.” Michelle shot Hayes an inquiring look.

“I did some work for John last summer. He wanted to improve the look of the outdoor dining patio.” Hayes indicated a window behind her. Turning, Michelle saw a graceful cobblestone patio, lit with Victorian style iron street lamps and surrounded by small dormant trees and shrubs. Michelle could just barely make out the glint of water beyond. Greenville had been built on the elevated banks of a local river and was famous for its romantic river scenery. Warm weather diners would be able to sit outside and enjoy the river from the patio.

“He did a fabulous job, and luckily for me, Hayes allowed me to pay partly in trade. The staff and I can hardly wait for spring. You two will have to come back for our ‘Tea Beneath the Blooms’ event.” John looked behind his shoulder to where a black clad server stood, waiting respectfully for his employer to finish. “Here’s Andy, he will be taking care of you this evening. Feel free to order whatever your heart desires.” John clapped an appreciative hand on Hayes’ shoulder and then walked back to where his server stood waiting. He whispered something into the young man’s ear and then disappeared into the back of the restaurant.

After the waiter had taken their drink orders, Michelle turned back to Hayes. “So you work in trade?”

The handsome man nodded his head. “Occasionally I do. Especially in situations like The River Bell Project. John has sent a few referrals my way since I finished the work for him. Plus I get to enjoy an amazing night out with you. That’s well worth a discount in my book.” He pulled an envelope from the inner pocket of his coat. “Would you like to get the business portion out of the way?”

Michelle nodded vigorously. “Yes, please. Then I can relax and enjoy the evening.”

Hayes handed her the envelope, and she removed the contents. Michelle unfolded the paper and read Hayes’ precise, masculine script.