The Reluctant Bachelor (17 page)

Rick glanced between both women. “I don’t think Melissa would like to know she won by default. It’s not fair to her or the audience.” He rose and walked toward Brandy. “Would you be willing to stay on? We can pretend for the cameras for the last few shows.”

She bit her lip. “But is that fair to you?”

He shrugged. “I guess I’m proposing to Melissa.” But even as he said the words, he knew he didn’t mean them. If he did, he would be more excited. More certain. If anything, he only felt more confused. “What else am I supposed to do? What do you want from me, Lizzie?”

“I want you to be happy. Does this decision make you happy?”

“The fact that my brother is in love with one of my contestants?” He shook his head. “Nope. Not happy about that. But I can’t do anything to change it, can I?”

The room started to close in on him. He held up his hands. “I need some air.”

He left them behind.

* * *

E
LIZABETH
WATCHED
Rick go. Wished she could ease his pain. Instead, she turned to Brandy. “You should have told him from the beginning about Dan.”

Brandy frowned. Almost pouted, which Elizabeth thought was more annoying than anything. The woman shook her head. “I thought my feelings were one-sided. I didn’t know he felt the same.”

“Then you should have told Rick you were having feelings about someone else. You’ve done this to him twice, Brandy. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope he kicks your butt to the curb for this.” She walked to the door and held it open. “Unfortunately, Rick is a nice guy, so he won’t. He’ll forgive you and accept you. And let you get away with it.”

Brandy walked through the door, then stopped and turned. “What about the show?”

“That’s up to Rick now. But I’d start packing my bags.” She slammed the door in the other woman’s face.

Her heart reached out to Rick. It was bad enough that Brandy had rejected him before, but now this? Small comfort in the fact that it had been done behind closed doors rather than on live television.

She picked up her cell phone and dialed Rick’s number. Wasn’t surprised that her call got directed straight to voice mail. She hung up the phone and considered the possibilities.

Without the sense that the proposal could go two different ways, much of the drama and romance would be left out of the last dates. As well as the live finale. If the audience knew who Rick had chosen, why would they tune in?

She sank to the bed, head in her hands. Should she call Becky and ask her to come back? Give them a chance to redeem the show?

Or keep all this quiet and proceed with Brandy and Melissa?

Again she thought of Rick. He didn’t deserve to be treated like this. He deserved love. True love. The kind that poets wrote about and singers sang about. The kind that made her show popular.

The kind that just maybe she deserved, too.

She sighed, not wanting to think about that, grabbed her phone and dialed another number. When he picked up, she held her breath. “Will you meet me in an hour at the factory? We need to talk.”

* * *

D
AN
MET
HER
in the pickle factory parking lot, leaning against his car as if the gray skies and melting snow on the ground didn’t affect him. She’d asked him to meet her here thinking he’d be more comfortable on his own turf, and since it was Sunday there wouldn’t be too many unwanted eyes and ears for their conversation. Elizabeth got out of her SUV and walked toward him. He held up his hands. “We haven’t done anything yet.”

She nodded and removed her sunglasses to look at him. “But you haven’t made this easy on me. Especially with Rick.” She shook her head. “What were you thinking?”

“For once, I was thinking about myself. Not Rick. Or the company. Or the town.” Dan turned up the collar of his coat. “I love her.”

“I knew it. I could see it happening right in front of my eyes. But I thought I could control it. Just like everything else.”

“No offense, Elizabeth, but you can’t control love.”

She looked at him and slowly nodded. “I think I’m finally realizing that.” She crooked her head at the factory. “Mind if we continue this conversation somewhere warmer?”

Dan led her inside the factory, where the hissing and whirring of machines and conveyor belts filled most of the space. He walked her down the hallway to his office and held open the door for her.

She surveyed the room. It was much like Dan. No-nonsense. Neat. Organized. And focused on business. She turned and leaned against his desk. “What do we do about Rick?”

Dan frowned and looked at her as if she’d asked about climate change. “He’ll honor his commitment to the show, of course.”

“I meant about his heart.” She pushed off the desk and approached Dan. “He’s really hurting right now, and I need to find him.”

“Well, he’s not answering my phone calls.” Dan held up his cell. “I’ve called him every fifteen minutes this morning. No response.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I’m worried about him. If he was hurting, where would he go to think?”

Dan considered this. “Our cottage is closed in the winter. Otherwise I’d send you there. He’d be alone.” He shrugged. “Other than that, I’d say your best bet is the Penalty Box. It’s past Main Street before you get to the lake.”

“Thanks, Dan.” She left to find Rick. Had to find him. Because he should know he wasn’t alone.

* * *

R
ICK
BIT
INTO
another nacho and cheered as someone scored a goal on the television. He wasn’t quite sure who was playing, but it didn’t matter. At least someone was winning.

The door to the bar opened, and Lizzie walked in, scanning the room until her eyes locked on his.
Great.
The one person he didn’t want to see.

Well, maybe there were two or three.

He returned to eating his early lunch, piling the chip with two jalapeño peppers. Bit into it. Welcomed the sting and burn.

Lizzie sat in the seat across from him. Folded her hands and placed them on the table. He nudged the plate toward her. “Want one?”

“No, thanks.”

She glanced at his mug and raised an eyebrow. He shrugged. “It’s pop. Too early for anything stronger.”

She motioned to the bartender to get her a pop, then turned back to him. “We need to talk.”

“Do what you want about the show, okay? I don’t care.” He took a swig of his drink.

“I don’t care about the show, either, right now,” she said, leaning forward into his sight line. “You’re the one I care about.”

“Why?” When she raised one eyebrow at him, he winced. “I don’t do the wallowing thing very well. But I desperately want to wallow.”

“Rick, you’re an amazing guy, but you’ve got to stop acting like a victim.” When he started to protest, she continued, “Brandy doesn’t love you. So what? Give Melissa a chance. Or find someone else. But don’t act like your life is over.”

Where was the sympathy? The reassurance? He glowered at her. “Aren’t you supposed to be comforting me? Supporting me in my time of need?”

She shook her head and waited as the bartender placed the drink in front of her. She handed him her credit card. “I’m picking up his tab, too.” Once he was gone, she leaned in closer. “Is that enough support for you?”

“You don’t get it, Liz.” He closed his eyes and shoved the plate of nachos away. They sat heavily in his belly, the burn of the spices no longer welcome. “I let her into my life, and she hurt me again.”

“So you made yourself vulnerable. What’s wrong with that?” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “Part of loving someone means you open yourself up to getting hurt by them. It’s a risk. Sure. But isn’t it worth it?”

Why did she have to make sense? Couldn’t she let him enjoy the pity party before getting back to his promises? “I’m still alone.”

She looked at him hard. “Are you really? You have your family. Your friends.” She glanced around the bar at the few patrons who watched the game. “You even told me yourself that this town won’t let anyone be alone. I’m sure any one of them would join you for lunch.”

“I’m tired of going home alone.”
There.
He’d said it. The thing that weighed on him every night as he tried to ignore the ache and emptiness. “I’d hoped that this time would be different.”

“And it is different. You still have Melissa.”

He looked up at Lizzie. “But is she the one I want?”

Lizzie swallowed and turned her gaze elsewhere. Watched the game for a few seconds. Then she faced him. “I’ll support whatever you want to do going forward. But I think you should give Melissa a chance. I know you like her.”

He did like her. Which was the problem. He never wanted to hurt her. “But what if I’m not in love with her?”

“Then open your heart and take a chance.” She squeezed his hand. “It’ll be worth it in the end. I promise.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

R
ICK
STOOD
OUTSIDE
Brandy’s Chicago apartment, hand raised to knock on the door. Was he doing the right thing? Should he even be there alone? Before he could lose his nerve, he knocked and waited for her to answer.

He should have called first. She might not be home. But he wanted to surprise her so she couldn’t run away. They needed to talk. They had to get this thing figured out before cameras started rolling again.

He knocked again. Maybe she hadn’t heard the first time.

This was crazy. He could have done this over the phone, but he thought being face-to-face would make the truth easier to see. To say.

He hung his head and debated knocking again. She obviously wasn’t home.

He’d turned to leave when the door opened. Brandy looked at him, then up and down the hallway. “You’re alone?”

He held up his hands. “I wanted us to talk, just the two of us. No cameras. No producers. No Dan. Just us.”

She nodded and stepped aside, letting him brush past her into the apartment. He looked around. It was on the small side, but she paid more for the address than the space. She still kept things neat and homey. It was a place where he wouldn’t mind curling up on the couch and watching TV or cooking for her in the galley kitchen.

He shook his head. He had to stop thinking about Brandy that way. He turned to her. “It’s a nice place.”

She shrugged and motioned to the love seat. “Can I get you something to drink? I can make coffee.”

He shook his head and patted the sofa next to him. “I only want to talk.”

She took a seat in a rocking chair across from him. Folded her hands and kept them in her lap. Her casual wear told him that she’d planned for an easy day; her blond hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail. He sighed. Again, he had to stop looking.

“I’ve told Lizzie that I want you to stay on the show.” He watched for her reaction, but she didn’t give one. She waited for him to continue. “It wouldn’t be fair to Becky to bring her back when I’ve already decided she’s not the one for me.”

“And Melissa?”

He thought of the blonde and softly smiled. “I’ve also asked that they shorten our week together so that I can spend more time with Melissa in Tennessee.” He shrugged. “Might as well get to know my future wife, right?”

Brandy rose and took the seat right next to him. “Do you love her?”

“I like her. A lot.” He chuckled. “Guess I have to do more than just like her if I’m going to marry her, huh?”

“No one says you have to marry her just because she’s the last woman standing.” She touched his hand, and he tried not to flinch. “It’s just a show. But marriage is your life. Can you see yourself with her?”

Rick shifted on the sofa, then stood and walked to the entertainment center. Brandy had a much smaller television than most, but he remembered she’d preferred spending time out with friends rather than at home. He turned and faced her. “Can you see yourself with Dan?”

Her head shot up, and her eyebrows knit together. “Do you really want to talk about that?”

He’d rather have a root canal, but this conversation had to happen. He noted the boxes stacked by the wall. “You planning on moving?”

“My lease is up next month. I’m ready to make a change.” She stood and approached him. “I’m moving to Lake Mildred.”

Huh.
Hadn’t seen that coming. “Does Dan know?”

She shook her head. “We’ve agreed that we won’t contact each other until after the show. But I know this is what I want.”

“Dan. You want Dan.” He put his hands on his hips and looked at her. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing.”

He crooked his eyebrow. “Really? Because twice you’ve dated me, then chosen someone else.” He shook his head. “Why couldn’t it have been me?”

She shrugged. “I tried, Rick. I really did. You’re a nice guy. Everything a woman could want for a husband.” She turned and walked to the balcony that overlooked the shore of Lake Michigan. “But when I saw Dan...” She turned back and looked at him. “Sorry.”

Rick took the few steps to reach her. “No matter what happened with us, I always wanted you to be happy. That’s no lie.” He took her hands in his. “If Dan is what makes you happy, then I say go for it. Move to Michigan. Find a future with him. And be happy.”

She hugged him, and he let her linger in his arms for a moment. When she stepped back, he put his hands in his jeans pockets. “I should go. But I’ll see you tomorrow with your mom and best friend.”

She nodded and walked him to the door. Opened it. Waited until he passed through before she gave balm to his hurting heart. “I want you to be happy, too. And you deserve someone special. If that’s Melissa, then great. But if there’s someone else...”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. I can’t have her.”

* * *

R
ICK
MET
L
IZZIE
in the lobby before the limousine would take them to the restaurant. She again wore a suit, this time navy. But her hair looked a bit shorter. He reached out to touch it, but she backed away. “It looks good on you.”

She nodded and turned her gaze to the parking lot. “You talked to Brandy alone.”

“Thought I should. Had to clear up some things before shooting today’s home visit.” He sighed. “Believe me, it was not a conversation for the audience to be a part of.”

Lizzie gave a short nod. All business. “I’ve rearranged the schedule with Melissa. We’ll go over my notes on the plane there.”

Rick watched her for a moment. “Have I done something wrong? You’re ignoring me.”

“I’m your producer, so I can’t avoid you, can I?” She glanced down at her clipboard, then back out to the parking lot.

“But you’re doing exactly that.” He stepped closer to her. Put a hand on her arm. Which she brushed off. “What did I do?”

“Nothing. The limo’s here.” She walked out the revolving doors.

Rick followed her. Took a seat in the limo beside her and gazed out the window. On the ride, Rick relaxed for the first time since this crazy show had started. He didn’t have to pursue Brandy because her heart already belonged to another.

Just like his.

Problem was, she didn’t belong to him. Never would.

Though his heart was filled with regret, Rick couldn’t help enjoying the view of Chicago. He watched as buildings passed, people walked by and other cars tried to get to their destination faster than anyone else on the road. He even caught a glimpse of the El and grinned like a kid. He loved this town.

They arrived at Willis Tower, though in Rick’s mind it would always belong to Sears. He got out of the car, then craned his neck, trying to see the top of the soaring skyscraper. He remembered coming here as a kid with his family. His dad had let Uncle Larry take over the company while they explored Chicago for a week. It was one of the best vacations he could remember. Probably because it was the only one they’d had.

Brandy stood next to a young woman with dark hair and an older woman with dyed blond hair and dark roots. She looked like an older version of Brandy that had been crumpled up and left in a dark corner. Rick approached her and held out his hand. “Mrs. Mathews, it’s good to see you again.”

“Just call me Rita. Never saw a reason to get hitched myself.” She glanced at Brandy. “But this girl has been planning her wedding since she was a flower girl for my sister when she was ten.” She looked back at him and perused his face as if trying to place it. “Baby, he’s different from the picture you sent me.”

Brandy colored. “That wasn’t him,” she said in a hushed voice.

“Well, you sure are a good-looking man.” She put a hand in the crook of his elbow. “Let’s go. I’m dying for a drink.”

Lizzie had made arrangements beforehand, so they sat at a table near one of the windows. Salads waited for them as well as a bottle of wine for Rita. Rick passed around the basket of freshly baked bread as they talked about movies, the show. It was a nice dinner.

Until Rita asked, “So you gonna marry her this time or what?”

Charlie turned his camera in Rick’s direction. He shook his head. “I can’t really answer that question now. There’s still one more woman in the picture.”

Rita leaned her head on one hand. “But do you think you might? I mean, what’s wrong with her?”

Rick sighed as the waiter brought their pasta dinners. As Rita continued to stare, he shrugged. “Nothing’s wrong with her.”

Brandy nudged her mother. “Mama, just drink your wine.”

“My glass is empty and so’s the bottle.” She held up a hand to a passing waiter who didn’t belong to their table. “Another house white.”

Brandy leaned closer. “Then maybe you’ve had enough.”

Rita glared at her. “You’re right. I’ve had enough of your thinking you know what’s best for me. You don’t know. Never have and never will.”

Brandy winced. “Mama...”

“Rita...”

Rita stood up, and Brandy’s friend Lil took her elbow when she wobbled. “I think I’ll take your mom home.” She turned to Rick. “Good luck with the show.”

Brandy rose and gave Lil a quick hug. “Thanks. You’re the best.”

After they left, Rick had no idea what to say. And by Brandy’s silence, he guessed she didn’t, either.

Finally Charlie cleared his throat. Rick sat up straighter. “Right. We have some time to sightsee if you’re in the mood.”

Brandy nodded but didn’t say anything. She kept her gaze on the full plate of lobster ravioli in front of her.

Rick reached across the table and touched her hand. “I’m sure they’ll edit it to put our time together in the best light.”

Brandy glanced up at him. “She’s having a bad day.” She tried to smile.

Rick nodded. “I know.”

She chuckled glumly. “Actually, she’s having a bad life.” She put her face in her hands, and her shoulders started to shake.

Rick looked at Charlie and made a slashing movement near his throat. The red light on the camera turned off, and Charlie excused himself. Once he left, Rick took the seat next to Brandy and touched her shoulder. “It’s just us now.” Brandy looked at him through her fingers. “Families aren’t easy, are they?” He reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek. “Why don’t you take a moment, okay? Maybe go to the bathroom and freshen up or whatever it is you ladies do in there.”

She kissed his cheek before leaving the table. Lizzie walked over and sat in the chair next to him. She took his hand in hers. “She doesn’t deserve you.”

“Well, she’s not getting me, is she?” He took a deep breath and looked her over. “Thanks for understanding about my needing to talk to Brandy alone yesterday.”

She nodded. “You were right.”

Rick touched his chest and waved Charlie over. “Did you hear that? Ms. Producer said I was right. We should have recorded that for posterity.”

Even Charlie chuckled at that. He took a seat next to them and cleaned off the camera lens while they waited for Brandy’s return. Rick watched Lizzie, who kept looking in the direction of the bathrooms. He nudged her shoulder. “Do you want to go check on her?”

“I probably should.” She stood and put her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry about the attitude earlier. To be honest, I was hurt you didn’t include me. But I understand now.”

Rick patted her hand as she walked away. He glanced at Charlie. “Does life ever get easy?”

The cameraman stood and switched the camera on. Rick turned and saw Brandy walking back to their table. He stood and pulled her chair out for her. She looked more composed and pulled together. He swore women could perform miracles in the ladies’ room.

Once they were seated, Brandy picked up her fork and resumed eating her meal. Rick followed suit and placed the napkin back on his lap. He cleared his throat. “I think after dinner we should go all the way to the top of the tower. You game?”

* * *

R
ICK
LOOKED
OUT
the windows and tried to see if he could catch a glimpse of the Michigan shore. It was a cloudy day, so what appeared to be land on the other side of the lake was probably just fog. Brandy brushed against his sleeve. “Trying to see home?”

He turned and smiled at her. “Can you see where you live from here?”

She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the south side of the building and pointed. “I grew up in one of those houses. But I try not to go there often.”

“Hard to go home?”

She nodded. “You saw what my mom is like. Would you want to be around that day after day?”

“She wasn’t like that the last time we met.”

“It was a good day, I guess. I don’t know.” She shrugged and wrapped her arms around herself, then stood off to the side. “There’s good and bad, and you never know what you’re going to get until she shows up.”

To break the somber mood, Rick snatched her hand and pulled her onto the glass floor that jutted out over the side of the building and made him feel as if he were walking on air. Brandy squealed and closed her eyes. “I can’t look down. I feel like I could fall at any moment.”

Rick glanced at his feet and marveled that glass could hold him up all fourteen hundred and fifty feet in the air. He squeezed her hand. “If you fall, I’ll catch you.”

* * *

R
ICK
HELD
A
BOUQUET
of daisies. Lizzie checked him over. “You couldn’t have worn something nicer?”

He glanced down at his jeans. “This is my nice pair. Besides, what she sees is what she gets with me. Why dress up to look like something I’m not?”

Lizzie glanced up at the hospital. “My source told me she’s working on the third floor today. Cameras are set up to record your surprise visit. She thinks you’re not arriving until next week.”

Rick nodded as he took in the information. Today’s plan to surprise Melissa at work had been his attempt to keep part of this real. Besides, he really wanted to see her. Especially after everything with Brandy. He sniffed the flowers. “Daisies are a nice touch.”

“You said she seemed like a daisy girl. Not roses.” Lizzie consulted her clipboard, then sighed. “Please give her a chance, Rick. I’m not saying you have to marry her, but open yourself up to that possibility.”