Maid for Martin (31 page)

“True, and you need to work things out with one woman at a time, but I can see you have feelings for her.”

“I didn’t plan this, and you’re right, I do.”

“I didn’t think you did. I also can see those feelings. I just hope everyone else doesn’t see them. You better put those acting skills to work, young man. There will be plenty of time for smoothing things out later.”

“I hope so.”

“There will be. Now get going.” His mother reached for the tray, smiled, and walked out.

Martin couldn’t help but let a slow smile come across his lips. Randi was still here. She hadn’t run off like she’d threatened. Slipping past the entryway to the great room, Martin went to his temporary room.

After a quick shower he slipped into tan slacks and a white shirt, put on a black belt, and then looked in the mirror. It wouldn’t be easy to walk past Randi and not try to speak to her or give her a look that would say I'm sorry.

Somehow, some way, he was going to talk to Randi. He might have to slip to her room after everyone was gone to bed but he would talk to her.

Before the night was over he would have the chance to apologize again, and this time he would see to it that she listened to reason.

He smiled as he walked away from the mirror. The fact that she was here now, after everything that had happened, spoke volumes. Before the night was over he would get his chance, and this time he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

Chapter 54

Table Manners

Lillian knew the moment Randi entered the room, because Martin lit up like a Christmas tree. She could tell he realized the effect the girl had on him, and he did his best to get lost in the conversation going around the dinner table.

Another person who was was lit up and all but bubbling was her daughter. It was no wonder, though. That Italian-American fellow could lay it on thick when he wanted. His accent, those dark features -- well, most any woman would appreciate the man’s ability to flatter.

The next person Lillian observed was Celia. She sat by Martin doing her best to seem happy and unaffected by Randi’s presence. She spoke with her family. There were several conversations going around the table at once. The kids were off at their own table, and that’s where Randi spent most of her time.

Three women carried food and trays. The housekeeper, Emma, did all of the talking, asking folks if they were doing okay, did they need more to drink, more desert. Mostly things were going well. Randi and the younger girl, Ann, kept the children occupied.

Lillian and Ethan sat where they both had a direct line of sight to the children. The two youngest children were causing the most problems. Messy, of course, both of them being under the age of four and both spoiled beyond belief.

“Have you ever seen children act in such a wild manner?” Lillian leaned over, speaking to her husband.

“No. If that was any of ours, they would have not eaten, and never would have been allowed to have a food fight.”

Lillian agreed with a nod. It was easy to steal a private word now and then with all of the talk going around the table. Celia’s father, Edward, was loud and did not have an inside voice as far as Lillian could tell. Maybe he was hard of hearing. At least that was the polite way to look at it.

“I hope it’s not so obvious to others, where our son’s mind is.” Ethan’s voice was so low Lillian barely understood him.

“I doubt it. Most will think he’s watching the kids and worrying about the mess they’re making.”

“I hope you’re right. If he hadn’t run off, we would have already had a discussion on the matter.”

“Why do you think he ran off?” Lillian gave her husband a smile and went back to her desert. It was so hard to sit there and not start cleaning up the dishes. It was in her nature to clean and pick up, but she doubted if Martin would appreciate it if she jumped up and started helping Emma clear the table.

“So Marty,” Edward Carson began. “Are you working on anything? I must say I loved that racing adventure movie you did. It was so much better than the chick flick.”

“Dad, Martin doesn’t do chick flicks. Those were good, romantic movies, but thankfully with not too many love scenes.” Celia leaned against Martin’s shoulder and smiled. There was no doubt she knew what was going on and no doubt she was trying to hang on with both hands.

Martin smiled, more than likely forced, Lillian guessed. Her son did not like to talk about his occupation. It was a job, one he was good at, but one he didn’t care to share his opinions about openly. Especially at the dinner table, around people he more than likely considered strangers.

Often Martin would tell her about some of his movies, but the romantic movies were off-limits. He was uncomfortable doing any of the love scenes and she could tell that Edward would be the kind of man that would enjoy hearing every little detail, though he might not admit it.

He proved Lillian right with his next comment. “I don’t think I could do that. Having some beautiful lady that wasn’t my wife wrapping herself around my neck. Then again,” Edward laughed and winked at his wife. “I’m sure it can be interesting.”

“Edward, you’re terrible.” His wife Vicky said with a laugh, but Lillian could guess she was just wishing her husband would shut up for a while. Why not? The rest of them were.

“Martin,” Lillian said, getting everyone’s attention for the moment. “I think we all need to get up and stretch our legs some, get the children up and playing while we women get the presents organized. I assume the children will want to open at least one gift tonight.”

This brought on the chaos that Lillian was hoping for. Several of the children jumped up and ran to their parents asking, "Are there presents for us? Can we open one?" While she thought she could still control the room Lillian rose from her chair.

“Children, for everyone that will come and sit around the Christmas tree and hear a couple of Christmas stories, there will be at least one present to open.”

“But Santa hasn’t come yet.” A young girl climbed up on her mother's lap and spoke. She seemed a bit worried.

“Your name's Kendra, right?” Lillian walked toward the little girl. Lillian had taught Sunday school for years, so she was used to remembering names quickly.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“How old are you, Kendra?” The young black haired beauty smiled and glanced at her mother, but then spoke.

“I’m six.”

“It’s nice to meet you, and I know Santa hasn’t come yet, but we have a few presents we’ll give out tonight. All you have to do is listen to me read a few stories.”

“I don’t like stories, and I’m too old for Santa.” The older boy, Riley, said, and his little brother Billy chimed in too.

“Me too. I don’t care if Santa comes.”

Lillian was not used to coddling children, spoiled or not. She gave the older kids a smile. “Well, if you listen to the stories you can open a special gift from me. If not . . .” Lillian shrugged as she walked toward the tree. “Come children and we’ll sit down and begin the stories.”

“I want a present, too.” Riley said as he walked to his dad.

“Don’t worry. You can have one. We brought presents too.”

“What about me?” Billy asked. Billy was younger so Lillian turned and smiled, calling the boy's name.

“Billy, why don’t you come and sit down. The stories aren’t long and I’m really good at telling stories. If you don’t like it you don’t have to stay.” It was easy to see the boy was torn between the free gift and his older brother. “Surprise presents are the best,” Lillian added.

Lillian left it at this and turned, ushering the younger children along. As she heard the running feet of Billy, bringing up the rear, she smiled.

By the time she had her two books out. All of the kids were seated, or on the floor. She noticed Riley had come to stand in the hallway. He wasn’t coming all the way in, but she was sure before she was done he would be seated with the others, bright-eyed, and just itching to hear the next story.

Chapter 55

Come Morning Light

Addison had endured all of Edward Carson that she could stand. Raffaello had too. She could tell from the way he had grown quiet. He would never speak up or say his true feelings, but a few times she’d heard him say under his breath, "Strappo." Which she knew meant jerk.

She didn’t know a lot of Italian words but she’d learned his favorites when he was dealing with people that annoyed him. “I see mother’s found a way to escape. Would you like to take an evening walk, maybe catch the tail-end of a sunset?

“I’d love to.” Raffaello’s dark eyes said a silent Thank you, and Addison rose from the table.

“Excuse us while we take a walk around the grounds.” No one seemed to mind or notice so they rose and walked out. As Edward seemed to be getting wound up again, Raffaello muttered something under his breath, and this time Addison didn’t even bother to translate.

Once they were outside Raffaello’s mood changed. He smiled and took her hand. “Your brother has a beautiful home. Are you sure he doesn’t mind my staying here? I can get a hotel. Matter of fact, I would prefer it, over taking another meal with Edward.”

Addison laughed and leaned in against Raffaello as they walked to the back of the house. “My brother doesn’t mind, and I know what you mean about these group dinners. We’ll have just one more tomorrow. We can skip any other group events, but, if you have time, I’d like for us to take mom and dad out to dinner before they head back to Canada.”

“I don’t have to work until Monday, so we can take them somewhere nice, but I need to know, have you mentioned that I’m moving? I don’t want to mention it until they know.”

Addison snuggled up under Raffaello’s arm. “I’m dreading telling them, so no, they don’t know.”

“Or that you’re thinking of coming with me,” he added.

“They definitely don’t know that.” Addison stepped in front of Raffaello, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I think we need to have a talk about moving.”

“Don’t tell me your answer is going to be no? That wouldn’t be a good present.”

“Well, you haven’t told me where you’re moving to.”

Raffaello’s lips curled into a smile. “That’s because I’ve been waiting for us to be alone.” As she started to speak he bent down and kissed her.

Addison thought about protesting, but instead she wrapped her arms around Rafa’s neck and enjoyed the kiss. After a few seconds she pushed him back. “Tell me. We’re alone. Where are you moving too?”

“You are looking at the newest full partner of Daniels, Bastrom, and Slone.” He then pulled out a card and handed it to her. She looked at it and as he moved the key ring so she could read it, she spoke out loud.

“Embassy suites townhouse, Burbank, California. Really? You’re moving to LA?”

“Yes, and a hotel room will be mine for a month starting the first of the year. It’ll give me enough time to find the perfect apartment.”

Addison squealed and hugged Rafa. “I’m so happy. This is so, so much better than New York.”

“Hey what’s wrong with The Big Apple?”

“I’m tired of cold winters. New York would be closer to mom and dad, but I like it here.”

“You’re hoping your parents will move, aren’t you?”

“That too.” Raffaello put the card back into his pocket and they separated and started walking. “It does make the thought of moving a bit easier. Having family close would be nice.”

“Does that mean you’re thinking about making the move?” Raffaello leaned down and she looked at him and smiled.

“Kind of, but not like you’ve mentioned. I’ve been thinking about moving here to find a place of my own, but I’m not ready to move in . . . together.”

She wasn’t sure what kind of response this would bring. He didn’t speak quickly and that bothered her. She stopped walking and turned to face him. “Is that going to be a problem?”

“It will make it inconvenient, unless we could both get an apartment in the same building. Now that would be nice.”

“You’re not upset, that I’m saying no to your offer?”

“Of course not. I never really thought you would.”

Addison smiled and started to take a step, but Raffaello took her by the arm and she looked up.

“Does that mean you are moving, and that after the holidays we’ll be looking for apartments?”

Addison slowly nodded her head yes, and as Raffaello leaned in to sweep her away with another of his wonderful kisses, she quickly spoke.

“Separate apartments—” but her words were lost in the moment, and as she sank her fingers into his jet-black hair she tried to forget about the next hurdle she would face . . . breaking the news to her parents.

*****

The children were settled in, listening to a story. The table was clean and all of the dishes were in to be washed. With Lillian helping tend to the children, there would be no need to call in Ann’s friends. Emma took a few moments to sit down at the kitchen table.

“Are you tired, and what time is our day here over?” Ann patted Emma on the back as she walked to the sink with two empty coffee cups.