Chapter Seven
L ee sold one necklace, a bracelet and a small driftwood sculpture by four the following Monday afternoon. She sat at the small work counter in the corner of the shop, sorting through stones, striving for her usual feeling of all’s right in the world.
Her last customer had bought one of Lee’s favorite blue-and-green bracelets. She was a new repeat customer who had discovered Singer’s Treasures a few months ago. Since then, she’d stopped in frequently for gifts for friends, and for herself. She was the type of customer who kept Singer’s Treasures going.
Lee kept sorting. She was looking for bits of glass whose color and sizes matched, or complemented each other. This was part of the art of crafting jewelry—the part she loved. The bins of glass were like jigsaw pieces. She combed through them until she found just the right grouping. When she finally put enough pieces together and could see the finished product in her mind’s eye, it was a eureka moment that always left her feeling euphoric.
She was hoping for a spurt of that euphoria because, at the moment, her predominant emotion was confusion. Wondering what to do about her mother’s sudden interest in her. She wanted to trust it, to revel in it, but this change of roles made her feel uneasy.
The quiet life she’d so carefully crafted over the last year was in a state of flux. It left her feeling unsettled. She kept hoping the glass sorting would help. It normally did. But today it hadn’t so far.
The door opened and Adam walked in without a baby stroller, or baby, for that matter.
They’d spent most of the weekend together with Jessie. They’d gone out to the peninsula and seen the new tourist center, like her mother had suggested. They’d even gone with her mom and dad to play miniature golf on Sunday night. Jessie had been enamored with the plastic putter. She’d hit everything but the golf ball, and Lee hadn’t analyzed or worried, she’d just enjoyed.
Enjoyed a night out with her parents and Adam, her childhood nemesis. Who’d have ever thought?
Not her.
But as Adam approached without the baby, she felt a spurt of concern. “Where’s Jessie?”
His smile put her at ease…at least, at ease over the baby’s safety. “No hi Adam? No nice to see you, Adam? No—”
She couldn’t help but allow a grin herself. “Okay. Hi, Adam. It’s so nice to see you. Now, where’s Jessie?”
“Your mom and dad borrowed her.”
“What?” Her earlier confusion over her parents reasserted itself. What on earth was up with her business-is-life mother and father? Offering to babysit? It was just too…
She couldn’t come up with a good description of what it was, but it was unsettling.
“Your mom asked if they could watch her, then suggested since I was free, I come get you and take you out. Just the two us. Alone. An adult thing.”
“An adult thing?” Lee asked. “That’s what they call it these days? I’m so out of touch with the adult-thing scene.”
“A date,” he corrected. “Your mom said I should take you out on a real, baby-less date. I just didn’t want to spook you by using the word.”
“And you’re claiming my mom—the woman living in the RV behind my cottage—suggested this?”
Her mom had said she’d sensed the sparks between Adam and Lee. And Lee was betting this was her attempt to fan them.
Adam nodded. “And right after she was done, your father warned me if I hurt you, he’d hurt me.”
“He what?” Lee had thought her mom’s change of character was odd, but her father threatening men she dated? That was beyond odd and just plain weird. “I had friends whose fathers would make sure boys they dated knew what was what. One had a father who was a cop. He really laid it on the line. But my dad never even realized I had a date, much less worried about it. My mom either, for that matter. When I announced I was engaged, they asked to who. I’d been dating Alan for two years.”
“Well, that’s what happened. I had free babysitting on offer, and a death threat all in the space of a few minutes.”
“Call Mulder and Scully. This is the weirdest X-File ever. Some pod people are inhabiting my parents’ bodies. And you left Jessie with them. They’ll probably make her an alien, too.”
“From what you told me, I knew it was an odd offer.”
“More than odd. Something the Lone Gunmen would put in their paper.”
“Two X-Files references in a row. Dare I guess what you’ve been watching lately?”
“I’ve been buying the seasons on DVD. Although, I freaked myself out a couple times. It’s a show meant to be watched in groups, not alone in a cottage on a deserted stretch of lakefront.”
“Just call me next time,” he offered. “I’d watch with you.”
“First an offer of a date, then an offer to watch scary shows? Must be my lucky day.”
“Except that whole your-parents-are-pod-people thing.”
“Yeah, there’s that. It’s just weird. They seem to be trying to be…well, parents.”
“I thought that’s what you wanted?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know how I feel about it. Maybe it’s too late to be that kind of family.”
“What kind of family is that?”
“The kind where the mother offers to babysit and the father threatens guys on your behalf. Maybe when I was younger, but now?” She didn’t say, but silently she added, the kind of parents who showed concern.
She knew her parents loved her, but she’d never felt as if she were more than a small blip on their radar screens.
“It’s never too late to accept love.” His voice softened. “My uncle taught me that.”
She reached out and placed her hand lightly on top of his. For a moment, they stayed like that, not talking, nor moving. Just connected, and not just through their hands. Connected on a real person-to-person level. Lee hadn’t felt that since her grandmother had passed.
Finally, Adam said, “So, with all this talk of parents, pod people and X-Files , the answer to my request to go out was somehow forgotten or lost.”
“It was neither forgotten nor lost, just put aside for a minute.” She realized she still hadn’t answered. “Yes, I’d love to go out.”
“Great. How long until you close?”
“Another half hour or so?” she asked. She realized if he wanted, she’d close early. She was half tempted to regardless.
“Great. That’s perfect. I’ll be back in thirty minutes then.” He turned and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” she called out after him.
“Don’t you worry about it.”
Lee had said yes.
Adam hadn’t realized he’d been nervous until he’d felt the flood of relief when she’d agreed to spend the evening with him.
There were a multitude of reasons he shouldn’t be dating Lee. He’d recited the list to himself so many times that he had it memorized.
He was leaving at the end of the month.
His life was already in upheaval with Jessie’s care.
He had an every-waking-hour job waiting for him when he got back to New York.
Those were just his reasons for avoiding a relationship. Lee had baggage of her own. The fact was she’d suffered a traumatic end to her marriage, and he wasn’t sure she’d totally recovered from that. And she obviously had unresolved issues with her parents.
Yes, it would probably be best for both of them to ignore their growing sense of attraction. It would be safe. Smart.
But Adam had long since learned that you didn’t get anywhere by playing it safe.
Starting Delmark, Inc. hadn’t been safe. He’d put everything he had and some of Paul’s savings on the line when he’d started the small company from nothing. And it had payed off. He’d worked hard to see to it that it did.
But he wasn’t sure any amount of work would make whatever this was between Lee and himself end well.
He pushed all his concerns aside and hurried across the park to Snips and Snaps. He wasn’t quite sure why he was drawn there. But after meeting Pearly Gates, he knew that she’d at least be able to help figure out where to take Lee…and maybe a few other things as well.
She was at the first hair station talking to a silver-haired man. “Why, I must be livin’ right if the powers that be send me two handsome men in one day.” She smiled. “So, what brings you in, Adam?”
“I came for advice. But I see that you’re busy.”
“Don’t go gettin’ all formal. This is my beau, Buster.”
The man extended his hand. “Bartholemew McClinnon.”
“Ambassador Bartholemew McClinnon if you want to be all proper,” Pearly said. “But don’t be. It gives him a swollen head and makes my hair cuttin’ that much harder. You can call him just plain ol’ Buster, like the rest of us. Keeps him humble.”
The ambassador laughed. Adam didn’t have to be overly insightful to see that the man was head over heels in love with Pearly Gates.
“Ex-ambassador,” he said. “Pearly just likes to show off.”
“Hey, it’s not every day I get to say I’m dating an ambassador, ex or otherwise.”
“Engaged to an ambassador,” he corrected.
The gray-haired woman actually blushed as she dangled her ring at Adam.
He gave a long whistle of appreciation. “Well, whatever you call yourself these days, sir, I’d say you have great taste in engagement rings and fiancées. Congratulations.” He thrust out his hand. “Adam Benton.”
“I remember,” the ambassador assured him as they shook.
“Now, what advice did you need?” Pearly asked.
“The name of a restaurant.”
“Well, there’s the Five and Dine where we all ate the other day.”
“No,” Adam said. “I mean, the food was great, but I need something a bit fancier.” He paused, then added, “I’m taking Lee out on a date.”
“A date, just the two of you? No baby?” Pearly asked.
“Yes.”
She smiled. “That does need something fancier. How ’bout Abayte. It’s new, down on the bay front. Quiet, romantic and swanky as all get out. Plus the food’s great. It’s not all so fancy that you’re afraid to order.”
“We went last night,” the ambassador said. “It’s a place for memories.”
“That’s where you proposed?” Adam guessed. They both nodded their heads and cast another one of those hearts flying-between-them sort of looks.
“Abayte sounds like just what I’m looking for. I’ll call and get a reservation.”
“If they’re full, or put you off, mention my name. The ambassador one, not the Buster one.” The older gentleman laughed.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’d better get going. Lee’s closing up the shop soon.”
“Adam,” Pearly said, “I know it’s none of my business—”
“Uh-oh,” the ambassador said, warning in his voice. “It never bodes well for a man when Pearly starts a sentence with I know it’s none of my business .”
She shot the ambassador a look and he wisely got quiet. Very quiet.
“As I was sayin’,” she started again, “it’s none of my business, but I want you to promise you’ll be careful of Lee.”
“You’re the second person to warn me today. Why does everyone think I’d hurt her?” It wasn’t that he didn’t question the wisdom of getting entangled with Lee Singer. He did. But hurt her? That was the last thing he’d ever do.
“Are you going back to New York at the end of the month?” Pearly asked.
“Yes. My company’s there.” Normally he’d be chomping at the bit to get back to it. But the last few days he’d realized how very little enthusiasm he had for returning to New York. It wasn’t that he wasn’t still pulled by his business, but he’d begun to suspect there was something in Erie that pulled at him as well.
“And so you’re going to wine and dine Lee, then just leave?” Pearly asked softly.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. What I do know is that Lee means something to me, and that something is growing. I want to see just where it leads.”
“Just don’t hurt her,” she warned again. “Now, go get ready for your date.”
Adam hurried out. First Lee’s father, now Pearly Gates. He wasn’t planning on hurting Lee. But he suddenly wondered if his growing attraction to her would end up hurting him.
Adam had brought Lee flowers.
Pink roses. Had they been red, she might have felt uncomfortable.
Lee didn’t think whatever they had between them was at a red-rose level. But the small pink tea roses weren’t as intimidating. She nervously fingered one of the roses’ petals as she drank in the atmosphere of Abayte.
She remembered how excited Perry Square neighbor Sarah Donovan had been when she’d gotten the contract to decorate the new upscale restaurant.
Lee would have to make sure and let her know that she’d done a wonderful job. The dining room had a very classy, nautical feel to it. Soothing shades of blue and gray were the predominant colors, and soft lighting, accented by candles on every table, completed the perfect atmosphere.
“Everything all right?” Adam asked.
“It’s wonderful,” she assured him. “I was just drinking in the room. It’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as y—” he started.
Lee cut him off with a snort. “Don’t you dare feed me a line like that, Matty Benton. Remember me? I’m the girl you chased with a snake, saying it was my long-lost cousin. Snake girls by their very definition aren’t beautiful, and this particular snake girl doesn’t respond well to canned lines.”
“You seemed quiet and it made me nervous because that used to signal you were thinking.” He didn’t look nervous. He looked as if he was enjoying this.
“Why would my thinking make you nervous?”
“If you recall the snake incident, you must also recall your revenge.”
“Telling Angie Thomas you liked her wasn’t a bad revenge.”
“It was because I did like her, and being a senior, she wasn’t much interested in a twelve-year-old boy. If I recall correctly she told me that my crush was cute . I avoided her for a long time after that. I mean, cute? ”
Lee smiled. “Well, she was right. You were cute. Now, see that wasn’t nearly as pat as your whole more-beautiful comment.”
As they ate, Lee said, “Tell me about your company. I’ve noticed how busy you’ve been, despite the fact you’re supposed to be on sabbatical.”
“This turned out to be absolutely the worst time for me to leave. We’re on the cusp of a major expansion into a brand-new market. Rather than just working on computer systems, we’ve actually developed and patented a new chip. Rather than sell the rights, we’re going to attempt manufacturing it ourselves. Starting our own research department and…”
Lee was totally caught up in Adam’s excitement at seeing his dreams unfold.
“I’m so happy for your success,” she said. And though his nonstop work schedule would drive her crazy in short order, she could see he thrived on the challenge. “Can I ask just how Jessie’s going to fit into your life, since work is obviously going to be busier, at least until your expansion’s complete?”
“That’s why I’m here. Trying to decide if I can give her what she needs and still cope with the company’s needs. This is the biggest lull I’ll have for a few months, so I’m taking the time to work things out. My right-hand man, Darius, is ready to assume more responsibility, but still, this next year is going to be brutal. I don’t know if I can do it all. I know a lot of working moms do, but…”
“The fact you’re worried about it, that you’re taking the time to really think it through shows how much you care about Jessie. I’m sure you’ll take care of her best interests.”
Maybe that’s what her parents had tried to do. Realizing they had a growing business, and a growing child, they’d seen to it that she’d had her grandmother when they hadn’t been with her. Maybe, like Adam, they’d simply tried to do the best they could for her and for themselves.
Did their visit mean that maybe, like Adam, they doubted their attempt at getting the balance right?
“You’re quiet again,” Adam said. “I hope I’m not the target of this new bout of thinking. Care to share?”
“What you said about Jessie, about working things out in her best interest. It got me thinking about my parents, and their new attempt to become more hands-on in my life.”
“Is it all so bad?” he asked.
“It’s…” She searched for the right word and finally settled on, “Weird.”
“But I thought that’s what you always wanted.”
He was right. Having her parents take a more active role in her life was what she’d wanted…when she was younger. Now, she was older and wasn’t sure how to deal with their attention.
The waitress came and cleared away their dinner dishes. “Would you like dessert?” she asked.
Before Lee could say no, Adam ordered a sinful-sounding chocolate tart and coffee.
Lee grinned. “I’ll have the same.”
After the waitress left, Lee said, “You forced me into it. I mean, I couldn’t let you eat all alone.”
Adam laughed.
She searched for some new topic, but before she could come up with something else, Adam spoke, “What you said about your parents. It’s not just concern or being part of your life, it’s love. When I went to live with my uncle, I was a real jerk. I made his life miserable. I blamed him for not finding me sooner, and I blamed him for finding me when he did and taking me away from someplace that was starting to feel like home.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Paul was the best thing that ever happened to me. It took time for us to develop a relationship. To get to know each other. Give your parents some time—see what happens.”
“About us,” she started, not sure what to say.
“Let’s table that discussion and anything else remotely serious. I’ve wined and dined you, brought you flowers. I think the next step to a perfect first official date is to gorge ourselves on the chocolate tarts, then take a walk along the bay. What do you think?”
Lee felt a wave of relief. “Sounds wonderful to me. You’re on.”
After finishing their desserts, which were beyond decadent in Lee’s book, they left the restaurant and walked up State Street to the bay-front highway, then along the sidewalk, drinking in the sights in silence. The quiet was fine with Lee. She didn’t want to think, didn’t want to analyze. She just wanted to enjoy this moment with this man.
They reached the empty amphitheater, and climbed the grassy hill to its crest just as the sun began to slip behind the peninsula. A few children ran about on the playground below, out of their line of sight. Their occasional squeals were the only sounds intruding on the twilight.
“Lee.” Adam turned her toward him, and she could see the question in his eyes and gave her answer by kissing him with a hunger she’d forgotten existed.
Want. She wanted this man, wanted to feel his body pressed to hers, wanted his arms wrapped around her. The want was changing into something more akin to need.
They parted, both a little breathless from the kiss.
“Wow,” was Adam’s eloquent comment.
It made Lee laugh. “Wow, yourself.”
“Since there are kids just below us on the playground, it occurs to me that we’re tempting fate. I think it’s best if we head back to the car before they find us.”
“You’re right.”
He took her hand and held it as they started to retrace their steps.
Walking next to Adam, Lee realized for the first time this year she felt truly alive. She felt connected to the world. She had Adam to thank for that.
She drew in a deep breath.
Alive.