Beauty and the Feast (18 page)
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Eva smiled at him. “Yes, I’d like that. I’d like to get to know your family. On one condition.”
“What’s that, sweetheart?”
“Turnabout is fair play. You’ll have to pass muster. Remember, I have four big brothers and they’ve yet to meet a man they thought was good enough for me.”
Gabe grinned right back at her. “I guarantee I’ll be the first.”
And I hope the last
, Eva added silently, right before Gabe kissed her.
The barbecue was a tremendous success. Most of the time when Eva catered, she remained behind the scenes, but today she joined Ruth and helped serve the guests. They wore what passed for ATAP uniforms, short black jeans shorts, a bright green polo shirt with ATAP embroidered across the breast pocket and black sneakers. Both she and Ruth had the legs to make it work. Tom, Marcus, Byron and Jose wore black jeans and the same green polo shirt. They all worked their tails off. Eva paid special attention to Luis and his lovely sister and she made an effort to include them in everything. Gabe seemed grateful she’d remembered to invite them.
Eva watched
her
man welcome his guests to his home, hand out drinks, pass around platters of food, supervise the pool area, pat little kids on the head and hold babies. When he wasn’t otherwise engaged and she happened to be paying attention, he’d wink at her. Once, when he thought no one was looking, he pulled her behind a big oak tree and surprised her with a kiss. When Gabe let her go, Eva stumbled away, right into Tom who stared at her open-mouthed for an instant, before his face split into a knowing grin and he mouthed the word,
later
.
Finally, after the sun had set, the guests gathered around the fire pit and the bright bonfire Byron and Jose had built with Luis’ help. Eva brought a chair for Luis’ sister and made her a s’more. The woman never had one before and Eva could tell she was delighted with the s’more and the attention.
“Muchos gracias,”
Luis murmured in Eva’s ear. “
Mi hermana
does not get out much. This is very good for her. And you,
mi amiga
, are very good for
Señor
Abbott.” He gave her a nod.
Eva realized Luis knew very clearly what he was implying, and she blushed.
“No need to be embarrassed, little one.
Señor
Abbott has been looking for someone like you. He just didn’t know it until he found you.” With a pat of her hand, Luis vanished into the darkness.
Eva was headed back toward the kitchen to bring out another tray of frozen whoopee pies when Tom caught up with her. He threaded his arm though hers.
“So,” began Tom in a whisper, “you’ve looked like the cat who swallowed the canary all day, girl. Spill. Tell your Uncle Tommy all about it. Is Gabriel Abbott as good in bed as they say?”
“Oh my God, Tom!” Eva blurted out. “I can’t believe you just asked that!”
“Hey,” interjected Marcus, tiptoeing up behind them, “Inquiring minds want to know. I hear he’s the whole package. A very, very big package.”
Eva covered her face with her hands and her words came out muffled. “I…am…not…answering…any…questions…about…Gabriel…Abbott.”
“He is,” said Tom to Marcus over her head.
“I would guess she’s given him a thorough tasting,” replied Marcus, “and he passed with flying colors.”
“Arrgh! Go away!” Eva gave them both a shove.
“Are these two louts bothering you?” said a woman’s voice.
“Marsha,” said Tom. “How are you? I haven’t had a free moment to speak with you all day.”
“I’m good, Tom.” The woman shook his hand. She turned. “And you must be Marcus, his better half.”
“That would be me,” answered Marcus with a smile.
“You put on a fabulous barbecue,” said Marsha. “Eva, your food was incredible. It was to die for. I’ve never eaten ribs so tender. And those beans… oh my gosh, you are going to have to tell your mother how much I love her family recipe.”
“Thank you,” they all replied at the same time.
Marsha put a hand on Eva’s arm. “Would you gentlemen excuse us for a little girl talk?”
Tom and Marcus exchanged glances. “Of course,” said Tom, “as long as your intentions are honorable. We don’t want anyone stealing Eva away from us.”
Marsha chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But if there is anyone thinking of stealing Eva away, I believe your culprit would be standing by the fire licking burnt marshmallow from his fingers.”
Eva’s head automatically swiveled toward the fire, seeking Gabe. She saw his tall, strong profile outlined in the glowing light. She watched him stick a finger in his mouth and despite her best efforts, she grinned.
“I believe I’m guilty of sticking my foot in my mouth,” came Marsha’s voice. Eva turned back to the woman.
“You’re referring to our phone conversation,” Eva replied.
“Yes. I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what you must think of me. I had no idea Mr. Abbott was seeing you.”
Eva gave Marsha a warm smile. “Oh,” she laughed, “don’t apologize. He wasn’t seeing me…not exactly. I guess he is, now. I don’t know. Has he made it official?”
“He doesn’t have to. I’ve known the man for ten years. I was his mentor at his first job. I can read him like a book. Every time he looks at you, well, let’s just say he looks at you a lot. And you…you’re positively glowing.”
“You know, this is getting really embarrassing. Tom just said almost the same thing. I didn’t think I was so obvious.”
“Hey,” said Marsha, laying a gentle hand on Eva’s arm, “A woman in love.” she shrugged. “It’s your prerogative. Just be careful. My boss is, how do I put this, my boss has a big heart, but he’s always guarded it. If he gives it to you, do me a favor, don’t drop it.”
Eva felt tears sting her eyes. “I don’t… I don’t know what to say. I’ll do my best.” She stared at the other woman for a moment. “You love him, don’t you.”
“Always have, always will,” Marsha stated, her voice matter of fact. “But it’s not quite what you imagine. He’s like a younger brother to me. I watch out for him even though he thinks he’s old enough to watch out for himself. You know, all his life, he’s taken care of his mother and his sister. His foundation, Abbott Industries, sends hundreds of needy students to college or to a tech school. He wants to do for others what Father Green did for him. Gabe… Mr. Abbott is firmly convinced that without Father Green, he’d be in prison, or dead, and his mother and his sister would be on the streets. It would be nice if he’d let someone take care of him once in a great while. I’m thinking you may be just the one to do it. Let’s go for a walk and you can tell me a little about yourself.”
“Wait a moment, please” said Eva. She flagged down Ruth and asked her to grab another tray of desserts out of the kitchen. Ruth nodded and she trotted off toward the house. Eva rejoined Marsha and together they strolled into the darkness.
* * * *
At the end of the evening, before the guests said their goodbyes, Gabe called Eva to his side.
“You all know I’m not much for public speaking. But I would very much like to thank you all for coming to the first annual Abbott Industries barbecue.” cheers went up from the crowd. Gabe waited until they’d subsided before he continued, “And I’d like to thank the woman,” Gabe paused while he tugged Eva forward, “Who prepared the amazing feast you enjoyed today.”
Eva listened to Gabe’s employees applaud.
“Great food!” someone shouted out.
“Thank you,” mumbled Eva, embarrassed.
“I’d also like you to know her name, because you’re going to be seeing a lot of her,” Gabe’s voice boomed out over the crowd of people, “With me. This is Eva Raines, and she is a very, very special lady.”
Without any warning, Gabe flipped Eva over his arm, leaned her back, and kissed her in front of everyone. Caught off guard, Eva resisted for a moment, but then, her arms went around his neck and she was kissing him back, hoots and hollers ringing in her ears. When Gabe finally set her on her feet, she stumbled, dizzy from the quick movement and the unaccustomed attention. Gabe caught her and held her to his side as everyone approached to say their goodbyes. Marsha came last. She gave Eva a wink and asked Gabe if she’d see him in the morning. Gabe shot Eva a wicked grin and asked if she minded if he walked Marsha to her car.
“Go ahead,” said Eva, as she gave Marsha a quick hug. She’d discovered that she liked the woman very much.
Eva turned around to gaze at the fire for a moment. It had died down to embers and she watched as Luis, Byron and Jose walked off together to grab shovels. Luis’ sister had retired into the warmth of the house.
“I seem to have lost my cell phone.”
Clutching at her chest, Eva whirled around at the sound of a man’s voice right behind her. She forced herself to exhale. The man seemed harmless enough. She assumed he was one of the guests, but she didn’t recognize his face.
“I’m sorry, Miss Raines, I didn’t mean to startle you, but I seem to have lost my cell phone. Has anyone brought one to you, or to any of your co-workers?”
“Nobody has given me a cell phone,” replied Eva. She fished her own phone out of her pocket. “Do you want me to try calling yours? Maybe someone will hear it. What’s your number?”
“That would be great, thanks. It’s
Eva dialed the number. Both of them listened carefully but heard nothing other than the usual night noises. Eva listened as her phone connected to an automated voicemail and she hung up.
“Sorry,” she said, “I doubt you’re going to find it in the dark. I’ll keep an eye out while we’re cleaning up. Maybe I’ll run across it tomorrow. If we find it, is there another number where I can reach you?”
“No, don’t worry about it. Who knows? Maybe I left it in my car. If you do find it, you can give it to Mr. Abbott and he can bring it in to work. Just tell him it’s Sam’s phone.”
“All right, I’ll do that. Bye, Sam. I hope you find it.”
“Goodnight, Miss Raines, thanks. And thanks for the barbecue.”
Eva watched the man walk away. He exited around the side of the house, avoiding Tom and Marcus and Ruth, who were carrying trays in through the back door. Eva shrugged as she went to help them with the cleanup. Sam probably did leave the phone in his car. She’d done that a time or two herself.
* * * *
Eddie Jamison picked his way up the dark road until he reached his car. He’d parked beyond the property, knowing that everyone else had parked along the private lane leading to the house. It had been easy to walk right onto Gabriel Abbott’s estate in the dark and blend in with the crowd. He’d observed the group of people for quite a while, unnoticed in the shadows before he’d done a bit of cautious mingling, assuming the other guests would think he was someone’s date. He’d graciously accepted a frozen whoopee pie from a young woman carrying a tray and he’d listened to Abbott’s pretty little speech and watched him kiss Eva Raines. Eddie had bided his time in the shadows until he’d seen the Raines woman standing by herself near the fire pit. It was so easy to manipulate her into calling his cell phone, set on silence in his pants pocket. He didn’t even have to ask, the woman had helpfully volunteered. Now he had her cell phone number should his client want it for any reason.
He could give Miss Lindstrom the name of Gabriel Abbott’s new lady friend. He could tell her what she did for a living and for whom she worked. He’d even gotten a business card from her boss, Tom. The man was eager to pass out a business card to someone he assumed to be one of Gabriel Abbott’s associates. People were very trusting, especially when they were relaxed and happy. Eva Raines and Gabriel Abbott appeared to be very relaxed and very happy.
Miss Lindstrom wouldn’t care much for the fact that Eva Raines was an exceptionally pretty little thing. She looked damn good in those short shorts. She seemed quite genuine. Very nice. A little shy. Not like the women he usually encountered in his line of work. He was willing to bet anything she’d grown up on a farm. She had that wholesome, unpretentious look about her. He’d toyed with the idea of getting a photo of Eva, but he decided he didn’t want to rub Miss Lindstrom’s nose in it. He wasn’t certain what she planned to do with the information he’d gleaned, but he hoped she was merely curious. He wouldn’t want to see a decent person like Eva hurt in any way.
Eddie usually investigated scumbags and scammers, liars and cheats. Once he turned over information about them to his employers, he didn’t really care what happened, but Eva Raines was no scammer. Every instinct he had said she was exactly what she appeared to be. He could also see that she was a woman in love, and what was more surprising, Gabriel Abbott looked equally smitten. Eddie decided he’d better keep very good records of everything he’d been asked to do and everything he did, just in case Stephanie Lindstrom pulled some stupid woman-scorned stunt, something that got him into trouble. Eddie wouldn’t want to run afoul of a man like Gabriel Abbott.
* * * *
The White’s expected Eva the next morning at
sharp, but Gabe expected her to join him upstairs in his shower momentarily. She stowed the last of the perishable items in his fridge and locked the back door. She headed toward the stairs, switching off lights as she went, deciding that a few sleepless nights spent with Gabriel Abbott were well worth it. As her body began to tingle in anticipation of his touch, she concluded that a night with Gabe was worth anything. She knew he had to be out the door by six so she didn’t want to keep him waiting.