A Love We Deserve (True Love Book 2) (11 page)

An hour later the house is packed. We are having so much fun, as are our guests. Most of the people here know each other already, so the banter is fun and free-flowing. Jill’s introductory speech brings even the biggest of men here tonight to tears. She shares the stories of two homeless women and their children. She introduces the staff, including Katie and me, and thanks us profusely. Then she screams, “Let’s raise the roof!” and the fun really begins. The DJ is playing upbeat music while Katie, the rest of the staff and I walk around and beg for money. The begging is pretty easy considering everyone here is ready to give. Hundred-dollar bills are peeled off one by one from large wads and tossed into our aprons. We had all put change at the bottom so we would make noise as we walked. The real fun, and money, will come later during the auctions. 

I’m exhausted. I’ve been on my feet for more than two hours, and we’re just getting started. I have to take a break. The upstairs is corded off so everyone will know that the area is off-limits. I slip around it and go upstairs to pee and put my feet up for a few. They can handle it while I’m gone. It’s quiet up here; you’d almost never know I have two hundred people in my house. My ears are pounding from the noise downstairs. As I head down the hallway to my room, I see that John’s bedroom door is open. I know I closed it because that’s where I put Benny with his bed and food for the night. I’m startled when I see a large -
very
large - guy in the doorway. He’s bending over and petting Benny who’s on his back loving every minute of it. Some damn watchdog. Who does this guy think he is, wandering around my house? How rude can you be?

“
Excuse
me, this area is supposed to be off-limits. Can I help you find something?”

Ooh, my tone is bitchy.

“Oh, I’m sorry. My head was hurting and I needed a quiet place to close my eyes for a minute. Your valet took my car, so I came up here. I heard your dog whining and I couldn’t help myself. He’s a cutie.”

No,
you’re
the cutie, but I don’t care. He barged into my private rooms. Not cool.

“Well, I can have the valet find your car if you’d like to leave.”

He looks stung. I don’t know why I’m so riled up, perhaps because a total stranger is in my personal space, but I need him out of here so I can lie down.

“Your boy like Georgia?”

He’s tilting his head toward John’s large collection of Georgia memorabilia on his shelves. He took over my collection and has added to it heavily, thanks to my family, over the years. My mood is so sour that all I feeling like saying is “No shit, Sherlock,” but I manage to keep a civil tongue.

“Yes, he does. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get off my feet. Thanks for coming.”

I reach around and push Benny back in the room as I close the door in the guy’s face.

“Yeah, OK. Thanks for hosting; it’s a great cause. Jill is really a special person.”

He gives me a long stare, which I interpret to mean, “And you aren’t,
bitch
,” but he smiles and turns to go back down the stairs. That was an odd interaction. I don’t know who he is, but based on his size I’m guessing he’s a football player or coach. They’re mostly dumb jocks, so no wonder he got lost. I should have drawn a picture on the sign instead. I reach my blessed bed, don’t even stop to pee and collapse.

“Hey you, wake up! The auction is about to start and we need you.”

Katie is shaking me to wake me up. Oh boy, I disappeared for an hour. I hop up and run to the bathroom to relieve myself. I wipe the smeared mascara from under my eyes and follow her back downstairs. The party is still in full swing, doesn’t look like I missed too much. The guests are beginning to assemble in the backyard where we set up chairs for the auction. The silent-auction items are still inside, but we gathered the best and began a bidding war. Not only is it fun, it usually brings donation amounts up considerably. Now that everyone is in one location, I’m on the lookout for the big guy I was so rude to. I see a few large men, but none of them are him. Oh well, he’ll just have to go on believing I was the bitch of the century.

The auction begins, and it goes just as expected. Ski weekends in Aspen, yacht rentals, jewelry, you name it, we got it, and they’re fighting over it. You could send a child to college for what some of these people are bidding. With a cause this important, it’s nice to see everyone open their hearts and wallets. Jill has called in many favors, and now she gets to reap the rewards. I’m so happy for her and the charity. The shelter is a big step closer to reality.

After the last guests depart, we leave the cleanup to the caterers so that we can count the money. We have a large pile of cash and checks in front of us in the middle of my dining-room table. Katie is in charge of credit-card transactions using her smart phone, so she’s on the laptop printing out receipts. After an hour or so of adding everything up, we get a grand total of $519,250. Holy crap! I had no idea we would come even close to that. Katie walks into the room with a huge smile on her face.

“Ladies, we forgot to count one. I found a plain envelope on the entryway table while I was helping to clean up. It wasn’t sealed, but there was a large check in it, and by large I don’t mean paper size!”

She is about to burst, I can tell.

“How much?” Jill asks with tired enthusiasm.

“Five-hundred.” She pauses for half a second. “Thousand!”

She runs to Jill and slams it down on the table. If Jill is tired, you’d never know it now. She jumps up from the table, grabs Katie and swings her around.

“Oh my God!!! Who’s it from??”

We all scramble for the check to see who could possibly have given us that amount. Jill gets to it first.

“That’s strange. It’s a cashier’s check made out to us but no name on it. Why would someone give that much anonymously? We can’t even properly thank them! We have to find out who it was. Starting tomorrow, that’s our mission. For tonight, though, we’re finished. Go to bed and have sweet dreams from a job well done. I never could have done this without you.”

She gives us all big hugs, and everyone leaves except Katie. Jason had gone home already, and our kids are long since asleep so she decides to stay here. The house is in good shape, so I pour a small nightcap to celebrate.

“Here’s to us, we all did good tonight. So, who do you think gave us that fat check?”

We clink glasses, and turn quiet to think. I don’t remember anyone who didn’t donate in public tonight, and why do it twice? Maybe it came from a larger organization that needs to be quiet about charitable giving? I really have no idea. Whoever it was must really believe in Jill and her mission.

“Do you think it was that basketball player with the hot wife? She had more rocks on her fingers than she had God given sense.”

Kat laughs at my drawl.

“Nah, I don’t think so. They seemed to enjoy everyone noticing it every time they put another hundred in my apron. How about that older man who owns the car dealerships? He was friendly, and had a subtlety about him that might indicate he didn’t want the attention.”

“He gave enough. I took a large check from him for some auction items, as well as many cash donations. I just don’t know. Maybe someone brought it for someone else who wasn’t here?”

We keep digging for a while, and don’t get any closer to figuring out the mystery. Kat goes to the couch, and tucks herself in for the night.

“Thanks, Mel, you were a great hostess tonight. Next time I have a party, you have to help. Love you.”

And she’s out.

Chapter 11

It’s been three weeks since the fundraiser, and we’re still no closer to finding out who our mystery donor is. It’s about to drive Jill insane. She’s compelled by her good upbringing to send a thank-you card, but this time she can’t. We’ve shifted our focus back to the here and now, and the work we have ahead. I’m about to finish hiring our meager office staff, while Katie is busy contacting the other local shelters, social services and schools for those who are in need. She’s usually an emotional basket case after each meeting or phone call. Too many needs, and not enough resources to go around is the common theme. I offered to take that job on myself, knowing what a marshmallow she is, but she insists she can handle it.

“It just kills me, Mel. All these poor women and children with no place to go. Most are even working two or three jobs and juggling their kids from shelter to shelter. It’s going to be hard turning some away.”

This experience has been life-changing for both of us. I know having something other than myself, or my own kids to focus on has been really fulfilling. I haven’t even cared that I haven’t had sex in, well, it doesn’t matter.

We finish organizing the offices, and call it a day. Katie told Jason we would need extra time today, so he got our kids off the bus and said he would cover dinner. She and I decide to stop for a drink on the way home.

“How are you, Mel? You seem like a different person. I haven’t heard you mention men in a long time. Are you lonely?” Kat asks as the first sip of wine dribbles down her chin. I swear, she’s like a little kid sometimes.

“Here, you slob.” I toss her a napkin. “I’m great, Kat. I am so happy using my brain again for good and not evil!”

That comment elicits a laugh from her, causing more wine to escape from her mouth.

“Stop!! I look like I’m drunk already! I haven’t even had a full sip yet. Come on, no more jokes. Are you OK?”

“Yes, my dear friend, I’m better than OK. I’m
happy.
I don’t remember when I’ve felt so sure my life was headed down the right path. I always seem to take the wrong fork in the road. Now, I sleep well at night, and have zero time to cry in my soup. Even my boys have noticed how much calmer I am these days.”

“Yes, you are, and you look very happy. You know me: Miss Worrywart. I just want you to find someone who will love you and your boys like you deserve. I know, I know, all in good time. No lectures. OK, change of subject. Jason wants us to have a dinner party, nothing crazy, just a few close friends. We’ve both been so busy lately that we haven’t had much chance to socialize with friends. In a couple weeks, he’ll be slammed with football season, so I have to take him up on it or I may not see him again until spring. You in? I figured we could also invite Jill and her husband, and whoever else Jason had in mind.”

“That sounds perfect. I could really use some down time with friends. Can I help?”

“Nope, not at all. Jason wants to do everything himself. He’s so proud of the two of us and the work we’re doing, he just wants us to relax and enjoy. Seven o’clock, this Friday. Be there or, well, you know.”

I’m looking forward to this. Between the job and the kids, I haven’t had any social time. Even Katie and I usually talk about work, so I feel like I’ve been engulfed. I’ll make my famous peach and pecan pies to bring. Jason loves them so much, I know he won’t mind if I do.

Jill has managed to secure both locations that Katie found, and that has kept us hopping all week. The logistics of re-modeling and outfitting not one, but two
shelters seems an insurmountable task some days. We’re hoping to get at least one finished and outfitted before winter hits. Chicago winters are brutal enough with a heavy coat and a warm home, I can’t even imagine being homeless with children and no place to go. The thought makes me work even harder. Friday comes before I know it, and I haven’t made my pies yet.

“Shit! I have to get home to make those pies. I promised Jason, and I’m not letting him down, see? There’s a
reason
my momma sends me fresh peaches all summer.”

Katie smiles at my drawl. I put it on thick for her whenever I speak of home. She loves it. She drove today, so she drops me off at home just in time for me to get the pies made and out of the oven in time for the party.

I’ve got flour and sugar every place possible for flour and sugar to stick. I’ve been rushing as fast as possible to get them in the oven and take my shower. The kids are all staying over here tonight with a babysitter from down the street. She walks into the kitchen and laughs at the mess.

“Hi, Mrs. Kennedy. Anything I can help with?”

She looks around my kitchen, and I can tell she’s praying I’ll say no.

“Yes, you can, hon. Order pizza and stay out of here until I get back to clean up. I’m going to run and shower, so if the timer rings will you take them out for me? Thanks!”

I give her my credit card for the pizza, and bolt up the stairs. I don’t have much time for anything but a quick shower and a little make-up. Heck, my hair’s not too bad; maybe I’ll just throw it in a bun. Twenty minutes later and I’m not red-carpet ready, but I’m presentable. The pies are done, and scalding hot, but at least I’ll be on time. I lay a couple of towels in the bottom of the kid’s old red wagon, and place the pies on top. I had to hold them using oven mitts and dish towels, they were so hot. If anyone sees me wheeling my pies down the street in a wagon I might die of embarrassment. Thankfully, their house is close.

Just when I think I’m in the clear, I hear laughter. Katie’s door is open, and guests are on the front stoop chatting with her as I squeak my little wagon up her driveway.

“Mel! You need help?” Jason asks as he approaches me and my wagon. He is suppressing a laugh, but I can see it flicker in his eyes.

“These are for
you,
dammit, no laughing!”

He takes the handle from me and I storm off ahead of him in mock anger. He lets his laughter go and it echoes down the street. I walk in the back door, and see Kat in the kitchen.

“Your ugly husband has my pies,” I say with a smirk, as she gives me a quick hug.

“Help me get out the wine glasses, will you? I need to get the door.”

She gives me a peck on my cheek, and smacks my rear. This is definitely what the doctor ordered, some silly time with friends. There are about ten people here already, all of whom I know or have met at least once before. It seems I’m the only one here without a significant other. Then it hits me like a lightning bolt. This is a set-up! She’s doing the matchmaker thing again. Just as I’m relaxed and have let my guard down, she pounces. How did that not even cross my mind?

I hear her speaking with the latest arrival, and I instantly recognize the voice. It’s the trespasser from our fundraiser: the guy I found up in John’s room, looking at his stuff. Insanely hot, yes, but not my type. I need more than a walnut brained athlete. I relax a little, knowing that the pressure’s off. No one I care to impress. Anyway, I’m pretty sure the feeling would be mutual based on how bitchy I was to him. I mentally shrug it off, and go back to counting the wine glasses. I hear Katie approach me from behind, and I know she’s going to introduce us. I don’t recall ever telling her about the run-in I had with him. Maybe I’ll let her figure it out for herself.

“Melanie, there’s someone here I’d like you to meet.”

I’ll just bet there is. I turn around slowly to add more drama for her benefit. He and I catch eyes, and he laughs. What the heck!

“Oh, hi. I’ll bet you didn’t think you were going to see me again, huh? I’m still sorry for overstepping the boundaries. I hope you have forgiven me.”

Katie is staring at me, her mouth agape.

“It’s OK, really. If I had a nickel for every man I’ve had to kick to the curb, well, I’d be broke. Nevertheless, you’re forgiven.”

He smiles and reaches to shake my hand. He is nicely dressed, and smells amazing. I didn’t notice much about him at my house that night; I was exhausted. He’s almost as tall as Jason, but not quite. He’s muscular, very muscular, but not in a gross Conan the Barbarian kind of way. More in a natural-born athlete kind of way. Piercing green-blue eyes, and a bit too long, dirty-blond hair. Not that I’m interested or anything. His giant sized hand is still floating in the air, just waiting to land in a handshake. I remind myself that I’m not supposed to be interested, so I stare at it awkwardly. He takes the hint I guess, because he lowers it back to his side.

“Well, my name is Brian. Brian Eyre. Nice to see you again, Melanie.”

His name sounds familiar. I don’t know why, maybe I just remember seeing it on the guest list for the fundraiser. I don’t think that’s it, though. I know I’ve heard it somewhere. I turn around to find Jason in the kitchen, putting finishing touches on the steaks.

“Jason, why do I know the name Brian Eyre? I just met him, and I’m sure I’ve heard that name before. Have you ever mentioned him to me?

“Not that I remember, but I’m not surprised you know the name. He
was
Georgia football for a couple of years. I think he was behind you in school. Think back when you were there, remember a really talented tight end with that name?”

“I do!!!! That’s where I know his name from. He was two years behind me. My senior year, he was a hot shot on campus. Of course, I would have only known him by name because I didn’t hang around athletes at all. About the only thing I can remember was that he had a reputation for being a jerk. Never went out or got into trouble, but always refused to speak to the media.”

“Yeah, that sounds like him. There’s a reason he developed that reputation. “

Jason is still talking to me, but I ignore him and go into the garage for a minute alone. I use my phone to Google his name, I have to find out more. Sure enough, there he is. Lots of pictures of him in college, ignoring the cameras, even one picture flipping the bird to a photographer. Two types of stories on him, it seems: The first are stories about his bad reputation and having a bad attitude off the field, and the second are article after article of his accomplishments on the field. I wrack my brain to remember that season, we were almost undefeated, but I can’t remember the details. Jerk football player? No big surprise there. There’s a reason I always avoided those types. Well, Mr. Gorgeous, you can take your attitude somewhere else. I need another guy like that like I need an oozing hole in my head. I go back in and everyone is sitting around the dining-room table. Awkward.

“There you are! I was looking for you. Drinks and appetizers are ready, have a seat.”

She guides me over to my seat, and to my surprise, he’s not next to me. He’s sitting across the table next to an attractive young blonde. I think she works in Jason’s office. She seems enthralled with whatever he’s saying to her. Gag. Really? Why don’t guys see right through that crap? He’s not that intriguing, missy; just drop the charade already. My mood has changed from relaxed and casual, to feeling like I’m sitting on a bed of hot nails. My alter ego seems to want to come out and play.

“So, Brian, it seems I do remember you after all. You played at Georgia when I was there. You weren’t very well liked as I recall.”

That came out harshly. The entire table stops talking, and is looking directly at him for an answer. Oh my God, he’s blushing; I’ve embarrassed him. What the
hell
is wrong with me? Why would I say that? I can’t seem to think of anything to say to make it better. Bitch Melanie is strangling Nice Melanie for control of my mouth. He looks up at me, and appears genuinely insulted.

“Well, you know college. Everyone has their least proud moments, I guess.”

He gives a half-hearted chuckle and tries to smile, but it’s clear this always comes back to haunt him. Shit. What is wrong with me? The girl next to him throws me a look that would keep polar bears safe from extinction for the next thousand years. He rises and excuses himself, pretending he has a phone call. I feel lower than dirt. Even Jason is looking at me strangely. I stay silent as everyone resumes their previous conversations. Katie looks at me with a blank stare. She nods her head toward the kitchen, and I feel like my mom is about to yell at me but doesn’t want to do it in front of the guests. We make it out of earshot, and she spins me around.

“What the hell was that? Why are you being such a bitch to him? He’s one of Jason’s closest friends, and he’s a nice person. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I deserve an explanation.”

“I think
I’m
the one who deserves the explanation. Was this another set-up? I don’t want or need this right now, Katie!”

“It
is
a set-up, but not for you! I was trying to introduce Julia to him, she’s been begging me to, but thanks to you I’m pretty sure that’s ruined. I respect your boundaries and when you tell me you don’t want a set-up, I listen. I might not agree with you, but I respect it.”

Oh shit. If it’s humanly possible to feel lower than I do right now, I can’t imagine it. I made a fool of him and myself, ruined Katie and Jason’s party, and made a young, pretty enemy, all in about ten minutes. I suck.

“I’m so sorry, Kat, I don’t know what else to say. I’ll leave and you guys can finish your party.”