Authors: Barbara Witek
She felt foolish. Reality weighed heavy on her chest. The sting of tears threatened to blur her vision so she turned away. “You don’t want another baby, do you?”
“Hey, I never said that.” He spoke tenderly against her ear.
“You didn’t have to.” She swiped the first tear away.
“I don’t think it’s a good time, that’s all.”
“How can you say that? It’s the perfect time.” He must be having doubts about our marriage.
“Let’s wait awhile.” This wasn’t the reaction she’d hoped for, but she’d take it. Even though she was disappointed, she could wait. He’d see how serious she was about making their marriage work, and then he’d change his mind.
“How long?”
“How about Fall?”
“Really?” She couldn’t believe her ears.
“Sure.” He smiled.
Once again her heart swelled. “You won’t mind if Jill and I still go shopping Friday, will you. I really want to get working on my clothes. Now I can take my time and maybe order some things for the nursery. Is that all right?”
Sam was quiet for a moment before he answered, “Whatever.”
Kate wrapped her arms around him, thankful that he was giving her this chance. How could she have ever thought to leave this man?
**
*
“Dante, assure our new friends Jose and Cody when their order will leave the dock,” Carlo said from across the pool table. Blowing the excess dust from this cue stick, he lined up for a shot.
“Of course.” Dante rested his stick against the wall and took a slow sip from his rocks glass full of scotch.
He didn’t trust these two, hence the reason why he lifted the diamonds from Carlo and formulated his own deal with Rico to smooth things over. For reasons Dante did not know Carlo had chosen to stop working with Rico, sending the young-gun into a paranoid frenzy of threats to pull all deals currently in place. Carlo now treated Jose and Cody like they were long lost family. The
Florida
panhandle was booming these days, there was no reason to seek out a new supplier.
Unless Carlo was making private deals on his own.
Rico trusted Dante at this point more than he did Carlo. Dante was able to entice the younger man with a glimpse of the diamonds, assuring him there would be more to come as soon as their job was complete. They came up with a plan which would make the new boys appear incompetent and careless, solidifying Rico’s place with Carlo.
The two thugs he’d seen at the warehouse were not Jose and Cody, but they had to be somehow connected. The job was between Rico and Dante, no one else in the
Philadelphia
area knew. Had Carlo found out? No, Dante felt confident they had covered their tracks well. Looking intently at the two before him, they were nothing more than delivery men who believed they carried more weight than what they did.
“Well?” Jose took a drink from the amber beer bottle. “We’ve been waiting for almost a week. Still nothing.” He tossed a hand in the air and stepped closer to Dante, who wasn’t about to be intimidated by such immature antics. Jose’s thin mustache twitched when Dante centered his stare directly on him.
“There have been some delays, and I appreciate your continued patience.”
“Delays? What kind of delays?” Cody flanked Dante’s other side. “We have a schedule to keep as well, Mr. Pizzaro. Unless you want the price to go up, I suggest you speed things along.”
“Understandable.” Dante kept his voice calm yet stern, focusing on them rather than Carlo. “My wife had an unexpected family emergency. In her absence, my sister has been handling the business affairs. I will be having dinner with her tomorrow evening to discuss the situation and confirm delivery.”
“Smart move, Dante,” Carlo said, raising his glass. “Francesca has impeccable fashion sense, not to mention business acumen. I trust you are in good hands, my friends.” Carlo laid his pool stick across the table signaling their game was now over.
For Dante, the game was just beginning.
***
Sam saw Jill’s red car coming down the drive and yelled to Kate who was still upstairs.
“Stall her for me. I’m not quite ready,” she called down.
He opened the door for Jill as she came up the porch. “Kate will be right down. She’s almost ready.”
“Good. That giv
es me a minute to talk to you.”
Sam rolled his eyes and leaned against the doorjamb. “Jill, I’ve done enough talking.”
“Then why is she still in the dark? I thought you were going to fess up?”
“I was. You heard her the other night. She’s so into having a baby. How can I disappoint her?”
“How can you agree with her? Don’t tell me you’re actually considering it?” Jill slapped a hand to her own forehead. “I don’t understand you. You’re a smarter man than this, Sammy.”
“I don’t want them to hurt her. If I tell her now and she leaves me, I’m afraid they will hurt her.”
“They? What are you talking about?”
“I was followed when we left your house the other night. I pulled into the gas station, we had a little stare-down, and then they left.”
“Was it the Santini family?” Jill glanced at the stairs. “Sam, that’s not good.”
“I know.” He paced the small entryway, his hands in his denim pockets. “I keep thinking if we try to have a baby, then she won’t leave me even if she does find out the truth.”
“Don’t you mean when? In case you’ve forgotten, she already has a child, with her husband. Don’t you think she’ll want to reunite with her daughter?”
“Almost ex-husband,” Sam corrected before his heart sank even lower. “I hadn’t thought about that.” What was he thinking? What seemed like a grand idea in the beginning wasn’t looking so hot right about now.
“Well, you’d better start thinking about it. You might have gotten yourself into more than you can handle.”
“Don’t think that hasn’t crossed my mind lately.”
“What’s that, honey?” Kate slid her arm through his as soon as she got to the foyer.
He noticed how radiant she looked. As much as he hated to see her go with Jill, he hated the thought of her being in danger here with him. He looked down at her expectant face as she waited for his answer.
Once again, Jill came to his rescue. “About how much fun we’re going to have in Philly when we’re not shopping.” Jill linked her own arm through Kate’s. “Where’s your bag?”
“Bag?” Kate and Sam asked in unison.
“Yes, a bag. You didn’t think we were going for just the day, did you? Hell, we’re going to treat ourselves right and spend the night in one of those posh hotels.”
“Oh. Then I’d better grab some things.” Kate started toward the stairs, but Jill stopped her.
“There’s no time for that if we want to get there at a decent hour. I’m sure your wonderful husband, here, will agree to let you buy whatever you need.” Both women looked expectantly at Sam.
“Sure.” He opened his wallet then handed Kate a credit card while leveling Jill with a glare. “Don’t go too crazy, all right?”
“Promise.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Jill piped in with a look that said he deserved it.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Sam covered his eyes with his palm.
“She needs a night to relax and have a little ‘girl time,’ especially if you guys are going to start popping out babies any time soon.” Jill gave Sam her do-the-right-thing look that was starting to drive him nuts.
He only nodded. “You two be careful. Call if you get into trouble.” He leaned in so only Jill could hear. “I mean it, Jill. Keep your eyes open.”
Jill gave a wink and then gave him a friendly pat on the cheek. “Perk up, Sammy, she’ll be back by dinner time tomorrow. Now give her a quick smooch because we’ve got to hit the road.”
Sam watched Jill trot through the door and couldn’t miss Kate’s excited expression. He pulled her to him, enjoying the brief feel of her body against his own. He hoped he didn’t squeeze her too tightly or kiss her too quickly, but if he lingered, he wouldn’t let her go at all.
“See you tomorrow.”
Chapter Eight
Kate and Jill had been so into their quest for fabrics, perfumes and gifts, they totally skipped lunch. By the time Jill pulled up for valet parking in front of the St. Claire Regency, they were famished. Their packages were loaded onto a brass dolly, and Jill handed a clean-cut young man her keys before slipping him a twenty.
“Put the seat back where it was and don’t change my radio station.”
“I can’t believe you said that,” Kate said in shock. Jill never ceased to amaze her. This was going to be a fun-filled night.
“Well, ya know they always do that kind of stuff. Probably rifle through the glove box, too.” The two women walked inside the main lobby, followed by the valet pushing the dolly. “I’ll check us in. Why don’t you ask where there’s a good restaurant close by?”
Kate returned a few moments later and joined Jill at the elevators, noticing the poor valet still in tow. “The concierge said Antonia’s is just around the block.”
“Great.”
“But Jill, we don’t have anything dressy to wear. Why don’t we stick to the hotel and order room service?”
“No way. We’ll hit up the boutique I saw when we were walking in. I’m sure they have some great dresses. We’ll get our hair and makeup done, too.” Jill scanned the directory by the elevator doors. “We’ll order room service for breakfast. Tonight, we enjoy the city.”
Kate’s face hurt from smiling so much. “You don’t stop, do you?”
“Never!” Jill shouted, and they both burst out laughing. She handed the valet a generous tip. “Here, honey, you take our bags to our room. We’re headed for the salon.”
They entered the doors of Antonia’s well after seven o’clock. Kate thought for sure if they didn’t eat soon, she would pass out from hunger. A charming, young, maitre’d flashed them a bright smile as he guided them to a table and pulled out their chairs. There wasn’t a staff member at the restaurant who wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous enough to be a cover model somewhere.
The décor painted a picture of sophistication without being overpowering and stuffy. Kate sat in awe of the polished mahogany woodwork surrounding the room. Elegant brass sconces complimented the rich, clay-colored walls. Greenery had been strategically placed about the room, allowing diners closer to the walls to have some privacy. Kate didn’t mind their table in the center of the enormous room. It allowed her to take in the people and scenery around them. When they ordered their first bottle of wine, Kate knew they were in for a night to remember.
After their four-course meal and two bottles of Chianti, the women giggled their way over the dessert menu aided by their adorably hot waiter. Kate couldn’t say the names of the desserts, let alone eat one. She decided to settle for a cup of coffee.
Jill leaned over to point at the young man’s muscular backside as he cleared the adjacent table. “Excuse me while I freshen up in the ladies’ room. I haven’t drunk like this in a long time.”
“Oh, please,” Kate said, snickering, feeling the giggles bubbling up inside. She tried to keep her voice soft when she added, “We just partied at your place a few nights ago.”
“We did, didn’t we?” Jill placed a plump hand to her mouth in mock embarrassment. “Silly me.” She started to rise, when the waiter of her dreams came to pull out her chair. “Oh, why thank you...”
“Vincente, Senorina.”
“Vincente, nice name. Thank you, Vincente.” Jill smiled down at Kate. “He’s so hot. And he thinks I’m unattached. Did you hear him call me senor-ina?”
“I did.” Kate tried to suppress another giggle without snorting. “Don’t make me call Rusty. You behave yourself.”
“Oh, stop.” Jill teetered on her heels as she turned her attention back to the waiter. “Vincente, could you please point me in the direction of the ladies room?” He steadied her with his hand.
“Might I escort you?” He extended his elbow.
“I, um... guess so.” Jill shrugged and then graciously accepted the arm he offered, wagging her eyebrows in Kate’s direction before walking carefully away with the ever-so-handsome Vincente.
Kate put her head in her hands over the whole display. Thank goodness Jill had someone to lean on at this point, or she wouldn’t have made it without tripping. That thought alone almost had her laughing harder, but she gained control as she observed the other elegantly dressed people.
As crazy as this idea sounded in the beginning, she was really enjoying herself. She found herself humming along to the music of the string quartet playing in the corner while thinking of something special to make as a thank you to Jill. Her old friend had known this was exactly what she’d needed. Kate felt more relaxed than she’d been in a long time.
She thanked the waiter when he brought her coffee, as the wine had gone straight to her head, and she’d felt a little dizzy even though they’d left nothing on their plates. A little wine remained in her glass, and she decided she shouldn’t waste it. As she tipped the glass, she choked at the sight across the room.
Him. Her dark man.
Prickles of nerves tingled across her skin, putting her on high alert. Her hand trembled as she set the glass upon the linen tablecloth. She found herself slouching ever so slightly in her chair as if not to be noticed herself, but to get a better look at him. She had to be sure.
This is ridiculous. Remember, you decided he was some old flame, nothing more.
From where he sat, he wasn’t fully facing her so she couldn’t catch a true look at him. The lighting was low throughout the restaurant. She could very well be wrong. She released her held breath and relaxed. Steeling another glance, she bit her lower lip. There was no mistaking his profile. That goatee and dark olive skin were so familiar.
“Mr. Nothing just became a reality,” she mumbled to herself.
Her heart stopped beating, and she didn’t dare breathe. When he stood to allow the woman he was with to excuse herself from the table, the hairs on the back of Kate’s neck stood at attention as a chill zipped through her. All of her instincts were telling her he was the guy. She looked around anxiously for Jill. Jill would keep things in perspective for her.
“Jill, where are you?” she whispered under her breath as she scanned the room again. “How long can it take you to pee for crying out loud?”
Realizing her friend was more than likely having a lively conversation with Vincente, Kate could wait no longer. For her own sanity, she needed to find out how she knew this man. When she looked toward the table again, he was gone.
“No, this can’t be happening. You were right there. You can’t have gone far.”
She stood up too quickly and the rush of wine to her head stopped her from going farther. Her hands gripped the edge of the table for support. “I know I’ve had a lot to drink, but I didn’t imagine you.”
Once again she scanned the dining room. There was no sign of the dark man or Jill.
She grabbed the arm of the nearest waiter. “Which way to the ladies room?”
Within minutes, she burst through the restroom door. “Oh my God, he’s here, Jill. It’s really him.” She grabbed both of Jill’s arms and shook her to emphasize her fears. “I thought I was making him up, but he’s real. He really does exist, and he’s here in this restaurant!”
“Hey, wait a minute. Who are you talking about?” Jill’s voice seemed to hold the same fear as her own.
“Hurry, there’s no time. I’ve got to catch up to him.” Kate pulled on Jill’s wrist.
“Who?” Jill planted her feet. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me why you’re acting like this.”
“I don’t remember his name okay. But I saw him, and he’s real.” Kate gave Jill a wide-eyed stare, wishing her friend would just give in and come with her. Why was she picking now to be stubborn? “I think I know him somehow, but I’m not sure. I’ve got to talk to him.”
Jill held her ground. The look of confusion on her face pushed Kate over the edge as she latched on to Jill’s arms and shoved her through the door. “Look, he’s a gorgeous European man in a designer suit, and he’s with an equally striking woman wearing a red dress. We’ve got to catch them, c’mon!”
“No.” Jill’s shocked voice went unheard as Kate continued pulling, tugging and excusing their way between tables. She was determined to catch up to this guy, whoever he was. What would she do? What could she say?
The moment the dark man and his companion crossed the threshold of the door and stepped out into the night, Kate collided with a bus-boy clearing tables. Kate became tangled in the young man’s arms as he tried to break her fall. The empty serving tray hit the floor with a clang. Jill extended her hand to help Kate to her feet. Kate scrambled and lurched for the door, Jill again in tow.
They stumbled through the entrance to stand in the middle of the busy sidewalk. “Where did he go? Did you see him? C’mon Jill, we’re so close, we can’t stop now.” Kate stretched to see over the heads of passersby and eagerly scanned the immediate area around them. In a matter of seconds, she went from panic stricken to hanging her head in defeat. “He’s gone. Who knows if I’ll ever see him again?”
Jill put her arms around Kate’s shoulders and guided her back into the restaurant. “Let’s pay up and get you back to the hotel.”
**
*
“A large pot of black coffee, please. No, nothing else, thank you.” Jill’s words were muffled in Kate’s head. She’d come so close to solving her riddle. The man at the restaurant held the key, and she knew it. She placed her forearm across her head and fell back onto the queen size bed.
“Hey, coffee will be here in a jiff. How ‘bout we fire up the hot tub and enjoy some after dinner drinks.”
“Sure, whatever.”
“At least you’re an agreeable drunk,” Jill said with a laugh. When she didn’t respond, her friend sat next to her on the bed, yanking off her pumps. “Loosen up, everything will be fine.”
“I’m not so sure, Jill.” Kate felt hopeless. The excitement of the day vanished with her dark man out the door. “I need to talk to you.”
Jill’s eyes widened, and she shifted her weight on the side of the bed. “Okay. W-why so serious? Did your mystery man shake your cage that badly?”
“More than that.” Kate rose from the bed, heading straight for the bathroom. “Be right back.” It only took her a minute to slip out of her dress and splash some water on her face. She needed to snap out of it. She didn’t want to let Jill down. Kate stopped at the wet bar and grabbed a couple bottles of Jack Daniels. Some spiked up coffees might be just what the doctor ordered. “Where’s that coffee?”
“It came when you were in the bathroom.”
“Great. I got the Jack, let’s do it.” Kate poured the coffee, emptying a bottle in each cup. Letting her robe fall, she eased her body into the hot tub. “Ahhh, once again, you had a great idea.”
“Then you don’t think I’ve totally screwed up your life?” Jill dropped her robe and did the same.
“Why would I think that? I’m the one chasing some man who shouldn’t exist.” She sipped the coffee, feeling the warming effects of the liquid and the bite of the whiskey.
“Because I brought you here, and you saw this ‘dark-man’ fellow.”
“Oh, Jill, believe it or not, I needed this. Dark man or no, this has been a great day.”
“So fill me in on this guy. Is he that important to you?”
“That’s just it, Jill, I don’t know.” Kate leaned across the bubbling water. “I’ve had dreams of this man ever since Sam brought me home from the hospital. Something happened between me and this guy.” She leaned back again, taking another drink. “I tried to brush it off, but when I saw him tonight I felt a charge. I’ve been with him before.”
Jill turned a ghostly shade of white while sinking deeper into the water.
“At first I thought I’d had an affair with the guy. Then I realized I could never do that. Sam and I have something that runs very deep.” Kate dipped down against the jets, enjoying the pulses on her skin. “So I’d basically convinced myself he was an old flame. Sam and I have begun to get closer, and I figured my mind was distorting my past. I started to doubt the guy even existed, until tonight.” Kate paused when Jill climbed out of the tub. “Jill? What’s wrong? Are you all right?”
Jill went straight to the bar as if on auto-pilot. Dumping her coffee down the drain, she grabbed three mini bottles of Jose Cuervo, twisted the tops off
and downed them like a trooper.
“Sorry, but I need the strong stuff.” She made her way back to the tub. “So let me get this straight. You’re sure you’re connected to him, and you think you had an affair?” She shook her head. “You and Sam are so tight, it seems highly unlikely to me.”
“Well, I have this feeling that at some point Sam and I had problems. I think I wanted out of the marriage. I still don’t know exactly why, but I’m betting it had something to do with this man.”
“Now Kate, don’t you think you’re jumping to conclusions? You said so yourself, this guy is probably a figment of your distorted imagination.”
“I know, I know.” Kate took the Cuervo from Jill’s fingers. She finished the bottle, wishing she had the salt and lime. “Sam and I are making a fresh start. We’re going to try for another baby in the fall.” She saw the look of worry in Jill’s eyes. “Yes, I did catch him off guard the other night. We’ve talked. I think he realizes now how important a baby is to me. That’s what’s been missing, Jill, I feel it in my soul. I was a mom once. I want to be a mom again.”