Christmas Choices (9 page)

“What have you been doing other than painting? I thought you might call me because you were bored.”

“Bored? Oh no, I’ve enjoyed the quiet of the villa. It's relaxing and gives me an opportunity to think about my life.” She found herself speaking freely to him. “I’ve taken walks and even pulled some weeds from your planters. Something I have never done before.”

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, she felt ready for almost anything. They pulled up in front and left the car with the valet. Dante’s hand on her back sent a shiver down her spine as he escorted her through the front door.

“Welcome back, Mr. Barone. The table is ready.” He shook Dante’s hand as he motioned the headwaiter to come and escort them to their table. “Let me know if something is not to your liking, sir.”

“I’m sure everything will be perfect as usual.” He took Rhian’s hand and they followed the man to a lovely table on the covered patio.

“This is beautiful, Dante. I gather you eat here often.” She tried to take in everything at once. “Oh, look at that view.” Again, Rhian admired the beauty of the small mountains in the distance. “I love how everyone has planters of flowers everywhere. When I go home, I’m going to get some for my balcony.”

“I’m glad you are pleased. I thought we could have a light lunch and then I could show you around town. There are some quaint shops you might find interesting.”

“That is very thoughtful of you. I’m glad I put on my walking boots.” She lifted her foot up and showed him her dress boots. “You didn’t say anything about actually walking, though.”

“We won’t walk fast, I promise. Would you like me to order for us?”

“Sure. Surprise me.”

“S
he didn’t call you back, Denny?” Kellen asked. “You should have heard by now.” He paced back and forth, looking at his watch.
Why am I so worried?

“Mr. Kellen, she will call soon. She might be busy at the moment.”

“I’m just so damned upset she left and never tried to call. Don’t know why I give a shit, it’s not like we’re dating or anything. She doesn’t owe me anything, right?”

“Mr. Kellen, can I ask you something without you gettin’ mad at me?” He backed up a few steps, putting some distance between them.

Kellen ran his hand through his hair. “Christ, I’m not going to hurt you. Ask me anything you want.”

“If you liked Ms. Rhian, how come you didn’t tell her? Why’d you go out with those other women?”

“Denny, who says I went out with other women? Where did you hear that?” He walked towards the man slowly.

“You did sir. And people talk around me. Some folks think I’m stupid, so they talk in front of me like I won’t understand. I’m not stupid, I just think a little slower since the accident. I heard two women talk about how good sex is with you. Just like you told me, they fall for you and you take them home, have sex with them, and leave. Remember?”

Kellen nodded his head. “Yeah, I remember. You must think I’m a real dick. I can’t explain why I do it, you wouldn’t understand.” He saw the hurt in Denny’s eyes. “Not because I don’t think you’re smart. It’s because I can’t even explain it to myself. I don’t know why I do it. I’m a waste of space. That’s all I’ve ever been, and it’s all I’ll ever be.”

“I don’t believe that, Mr. Kellen. I think you’re a good man. Maybe you just don’t know it yet. You ain’t no dick, no sir. Not at all.” He laughed and slapped his leg.

“What’s so funny?”

“Just picturing a big dick in your clothes.”

Kellen’s jaw dropped, and he burst out laughing. “Holy shit. That’s some picture.”

Denny snorted and clamped a hand over his mouth. Every time they looked at each other, they chuckled harder.

Finally, Kellen fell to the ground and rolled onto his back. “Stop, my damn sides are killing me.”

Denny lay down next to him and looked at the sky. “What you looking at, Mr. Kellen?”

“I’m trying to see the world the way you do. I wish I could make everything so simple. How do you do it?” He glanced over at Denny.

“It’s easy. I take everything as it comes and look for the good in people. That’s what my ma always told me to do. It ain’t hard if you try.”

“Good advice. Your mother sounds like a genius. Give me your phone. I’ll go put my number in it. You can call me whenever you want.” He took the phone and punched in his name and number. “Let’s call it quits for the day, okay? I’m going to eat and see what’s happening at the club.”

Denny’s face dropped and he turned away. “Okay, Mr. Kellen. You goin’ to go get one of those women again?”

Kellen hung his head, embarrassment spreading through him. “I don’t know, I really don’t know.” He stood and put away his tools. Denny was silent as he helped.

He went home and showered and dressed then found himself checking his phone for about the hundredth time. He grabbed his keys and helmet and headed out the door.

When he pulled into the parking lot of the blues club, he was ready to forget Rhian St. Claire. He sauntered to the bar as he surveyed the room for his next conquest. Julie sat next to her friend, Linda, so he walked to the far end and hoped they wouldn’t notice him. He spotted a lovely redhead at a table near the stage, and his eyes slowly wandered down her body. Her breasts were in danger of escaping the extremely tight black dress that ended at the top of her thighs. His eyes continued downward.
Holy crap, she’s wearing come-fuck-me shoes.

She locked eyes with him; he nodded but turned away as if he was not interested. He glanced into the mirror over the bar and saw a confused look cross her face. He knew she wondered how a man could see a woman like her and not be interested. He smirked as the Kellen he had groomed himself into now returned. He pushed Rhian out of his mind, ordered a shot of whiskey, and downed it.

She’s the one that left and hasn’t called, so she’s made the choice.
He ordered another shot and slammed it as well just as the redhead walked slowly toward him, swaying her hips.
Okay, it’s on honey. Hold onto your hat because you are in for the ride of your life.

“Hello, Kellen,” she whispered into his ear. “My name is Cassie. I heard you’re someone really special. Is that true?”

He cocked his head, looking her up and down. “Could be.” He lifted his hand and nodded to the bartender for another round.

“Well, I’ve been told I can do things to you that will knock your socks off. Why don’t we go to your place and see if those compliments are true?” She purred, brushing against him seductively.

Oh shit, she’s a prostitute.
“Knock it off, Cassie. I don’t sleep with whores.” He downed the shot and brushed past her.

“Who are you calling a whore? You think you’re better than me because you don’t take money for it?” She laughed. “You can only fool yourself for so long, Kellen. You really don’t know what you’re missing.”

“Yeah, I do know,” he snarled. As he headed for the door, he saw Julie smile at him. He cocked his finger at her and she jumped down off her stool and hurried through the crowd of people.

“Hey Kellen,” she said, looking up at him. “What’s up?”

“Want to go back to your place?”

“Sure. Let me grab my purse and I’ll meet you outside.”

Kellen followed her back to her place, hoping he hadn’t just made a mistake. He didn't want her to think taking her home again meant he liked her. They usually did. He just wanted some distraction from his thoughts of Rhian.
Why the hell can’t I get her out of my mind?

Julie climbed out of her car and headed for her front door. “I’m so glad you wanted to come back here tonight, Kellen. I’m sorry about the other night.”

“No problem. Just so you know, I won’t be staying tonight either.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s just not something I do.”

Frowning, she replied, “It’s okay. I didn’t think you would. I’m just happy to have another time with you. That sounds crass, doesn’t it?”

He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him. “No, you’re a woman who knows what she wants. That’s a turn on.” He leaned in and kissed her hard, leaving her breathless when he finally pulled back.

“Come on, let’s go upstairs.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her. “You are a mystery, Mr. Slade. A nice mystery, but a mystery just the same.”

After they finished, Kellen felt empty and alone. He had gone through the motions but hadn’t enjoyed himself. He truly felt like a complete dick. He heard Johnnie’s questions over and over in his head.

He showered, dressed, and went out into the bedroom to find Julie gone. As he walked down the steps, he heard her in the living room.

“Would you like a drink? I just made myself a vodka on the rocks.”

“No, I need to go.” He opened the door, stopped, and without turning around said, “Thanks, Julie.”

“No need to thank me, Kellen. We used each other. My husband left me a couple of weeks ago and I needed an ego boost. No hard feelings?”

“Sure, no hard feelings. Take care of yourself.” He walked out her door, closing it softly behind him.

When he climbed on his bike, he took his phone out of his pocket and checked for messages.
Nothing. Damn it, Rhian, where are you?

R
hian called out to Kellen. When he turned, the sadness she saw in his eyes tore through her heart. “Come back to me, Kellen. Don’t go, please.” He turned and walked away. She ran after him, but the distance between them grew. She woke, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding. She looked at the clock.
Four o’clock, great.
She threw the covers back and slid out of bed.

In the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her face then brushed her teeth and combed her hair. She made some coffee since she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep after the dream. While it brewed, she checked her phone for messages.
Nothing. Why does that surprise me? He doesn’t give a shit I left.

The painting of Kellen stared at her from the living room.
What secrets do you have?
A single tear slid down her cheek.

She decided after breakfast that she would start a new painting of her mother and grandmother. The day they waved goodbye and never returned. They had both looked so lovely as they headed to the market for fresh meat and produce for the café. Rhian’s decision to stay back and help her grandfather still haunted her. There were days when the guilt would rush to the surface.

Her grandfather had always told her it hadn’t been her time. She was meant to stay with him, his one saving grace from the pain of losing his wife and daughter. But being alive sometimes saddened her as well.
Grandfather.
She picked up her phone and sent him another message to see how he was doing. Even though they had been texting back and forth, she needed to call him later in the day just to say she loved him. She knew she would have to explain why she left without going by to see him. Neither of them had mentioned it in their texts. Her father would be checking in soon also; he checked in every few weeks.

She thought back to her outing last night with Dante. He had been so sweet to let her talk about Kellen and her father. He never judged, and she respected him for that. They promised to meet next week at his shop so she could see his work, and he had seemed very pleased.

Pouring a cup of coffee, she grabbed her coat and walked outside to sit on the veranda. The sun rose slowly over the hills, casting shadows on the valley below.
I could really get used to this. I have to call Denny today, too. He’ll be upset I haven’t returned his call.
She had no idea what she would say to him or what he wanted. It surprised her Kellen had let him use his phone, so she knew to call while they would be working.

She wondered for the hundredth time what Kellen was doing and tried to shove the thought away. She knew in her heart that she would never forget him; he would remain a part of her forever. Once he finished with the café, he would stay away and they wouldn’t run into each other very often.
What a fool I am. Why do I find myself thinking of him every single day? How could someone I’ve known for such a short time mean so much?

Later that afternoon, she braced herself and placed the call to her grandfather. He answered, his voice excited. “Rhian? Is it you, baby doll?”

“Yes it is. How are you feeling?”

“I’m doing much better. Why’d you leave without coming to say goodbye to me?”

Rhian closed her eyes. “I’m really sorry. I left you the note because I didn’t want you to try to stop me or to tell Daddy. Is he really mad? What did you say to him?”

“I haven’t told him yet. He’s still out of town on business. I just keep telling him everything is going great with the café and you’ve been very busy. So he thinks you are right where he left you. He won’t be happy with either of us when he comes back, you know. Has he called or texted you?”

“No, I haven’t heard from him, so I guess he’s checking up on me through you. Thanks for covering for me, I had to do this. I’ve been saving my allowance and I kept the money from Mom to come here so I could figure some things out about myself.”

“I know, baby doll. We can both be a bit overbearing with you, but we mean well. It’s hard since I lost your mother and grandmother. You and your father are all I have left now.”

She could hear the hurt in his voice and it tore at her heart. “I know, but if I told you before I left, I would have lost my nerve. You know that, right? You don’t mean to, but you both make me feel like I have to do what you ask. I almost stopped painting and I needed to do it again.” A sob escaped her as tears slowly slid down her face.

He sighed. “It’s okay. Please don’t cry, honey. You know I love you. If you need anything, let me know.”

“Of course!”

“Look honey, the nurse just came. I have to go so she can take my blood pressure. Can you call me again?”

“The nurse? I thought you got out of the hospital?”

“I did but the home health nurse comes every couple of days to check on me. Doctor’s orders. Now don’t you worry about me, just call soon. I’ll keep in touch with your dad. If he texts or calls you, just tell him things are going good with me and the café.”