Full Bloom (6 page)

“He’s not dangerous,” Annie interrupted, “and I don’t think he’s trying to hide anything. He told me stuff about himself that he didn’t have to tell me.”

“What stuff?” Destiny asked.

Annie gave a big sigh. “I wasn’t going to mention it, but, well, he admitted that he used to take pictures of women. I sort of got the impression they weren’t wearing much.”

Theenie looked shocked. “You mean they were nude?”

Annie nodded.

“That’s probably where they got that old saying: less is more,” Destiny said.

“Oh my,” Theenie said. “You know what that means.”

Both Destiny and Annie looked at her questioningly.

“It means he probably wonders what we all look like naked.”

Destiny chuckled. “Then he and I are even, because I’ve been wondering the same thing about him.”

Annie didn’t respond, but for some insane reason she wasn’t crazy about the idea of Destiny thinking about Wes in the buff.

“Especially after seeing him in his underwear,” Destiny added. She leaned closer to Theenie. “Why don’t you enlighten us?”

Annie looked at Theenie, almost ashamed that she was as eager as Destiny for information.

Theenie blushed profusely. “I most certainly will not discuss such private matters. I was acting as a professional when I, um, undressed him, so it’s not something I would have noticed.”

“Oh, give me a break,” Destiny said. “You may have a little age on you, but you’re not blind.”

“May we change the subject?” Theenie asked.

Annie nodded. “Good idea. I have more pressing matters. Has anyone seen Erdle? His car isn’t in the driveway.”

“I heard him go out last night,” Theenie said. “Probably passed out somewhere. But if you think you’re going to chase him with that rolling pin again, you’re wrong. I hid it.”

“I don’t need a rolling pin,” Annie said. “I’ve got my bare hands.”

Annie stormed into the kitchen shortly before lunch, almost bumping into Theenie, who was watering houseplants. “Erdle is still not home,” she said.

“That’s it! I’m throwing him out the minute he shows up.” Annie spied Danny Gilbert sitting at the kitchen table and blushed. “Oh, hi, Danny.”

“Bad day?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I’m just irritated with Erdle, but that’s nothing new.”

“I hear you got problems with the house.”

Annie glanced at Theenie.

“Well, Danny
is
a carpenter,” the woman said. “I showed him the damage in the ballroom.”

“You should have come to me sooner, Annie,” he said. “I can take care of the floor. I even have my own sander.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly impose—”

“Don’t be silly. Of course, this means you’re going to have to go see that new western with me.”

Annie moaned. “A western? I’d rather sit through
The Mummy
again than watch a western.”

He grinned. “That’s part of the deal, Anniekins. Take it or leave it.”

Annie hated to ask for help, hated to put people to any trouble, but she was desperate. “Oh, all right,” she said, pretending to be put out. “I suppose you’ll expect me to spring for the popcorn, too.”

The doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Theenie said. She hurried into the living room.

Danny was discussing what color stain he wanted to put on the floor when Theenie returned with Wes beside her. “Look who’s here,” she said, eyes darting about the room nervously. “He even brought his clothes.”

Annie did not miss the fact that Theenie had her arms crossed as though Wes might somehow be able to see through her prim white cotton blouse. She also didn’t miss Danny’s raised brows. Not that she blamed him. Wes looked like the worst kind of ruffian standing there in his faded jeans, a black T-shirt, and his denim jacket. He carried a large backpack.

“You were expecting me, right?” he said.

It took a few seconds for Annie to find her tongue. “Yes, of course.” She turned to Danny, who was still staring. “This is Wes Bridges,” she said. “He’s renting a room for a couple of weeks. Wes, this is my good friend Danny Gilbert.”

Neither man made a move to shake hands. Finally, Danny nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” Wes said. He turned for the stairs and, without another word, hurried up.

Annie felt Danny’s eyes on her even before she looked his way. His look was incredulous. “What?” she asked.

“You actually agreed to let that guy move in?” he whispered.

“I wasn’t crazy about the idea myself,” Theenie said. “Not that Annie bothered to ask my opinion, mind you, and I’m pretty sure he has a checkered past.”

“It’s only for two weeks,” Annie said, wishing Danny wouldn’t worry about her so much. Theenie said it was because he was sweet on her, even though Annie always insisted that Danny was only acting out of friendship. “Besides, he has excellent references.”

“He’s here to take pictures,” Theenie said, giving a massive eye roll. “But I’m not going to expand on that topic in mixed company.”

Danny’s eyes softened. “Annie, if this is about money . . .”

She didn’t miss the tender look, the genuine concern in his voice, and Annie was certain it didn’t go unnoticed by Theenie. It was times like this that she wondered if the woman might be right about his feelings toward her. “You’re beginning to fret as much as Theenie,” she said lightly.

The front door opened and closed, followed by the sound of light footsteps. Annie looked up to find her other tenant, Lovelle Hamilton, standing in the doorway.

“I’m baaack,” she announced with a flourish.

Annie smiled. “Welcome home.” Lovelle was an ex-ballerina who’d never made it big, although to hear her tell it, one would have thought otherwise. One of her claims to fame was having met Mikhail Baryshnikov at a cocktail party. She was string bean thin due to a daily dance regimen she practiced in Annie’s ballroom.

“How was your trip?” Theenie asked.

“Fabulous. You know how much I love New York, having lived there most of my life. My daughter and I shopped at all the best stores, of course. I bought everybody gifts.” She glanced about the room. “What’s wrong? Why does everyone look so tense?”

“We have a new guest,” Theenie said.

Lovelle smiled. Even at seventy-something, the woman was still striking, her makeup perfect and her platinum blond hair cut in the latest style. No blue rinse for Lovelle. “That’s nice. I hope she’s easy to get along with.”

“It’s a
he,
” Theenie replied.

“Oh, goody. Is he handsome?”

All eyes fell on Annie.

“I suppose some women would consider him handsome in a rugged sort of way. I prefer a more conservative look.” She punctuated her remark with what she hoped was a high-handed sniff, but the truth was she’d been thinking about Wes Bridges more than she should. Her thoughts had run amok the minute she caught sight of him in those boxer shorts.

The back door opened and Doc stepped inside. “I just stopped by to see if our patient fully recovered yesterday.”

“What patient?” Danny asked.

Annie waved off the remark. “It’s a long story.” She turned to Doc. “He’s fine. In fact, he just moved in.”

“You let him move in?” Doc asked, his brow furrowing. “What about the lawsuit?”

“What lawsuit?” Danny asked. “Wait; let me guess. Another long story.”

Annie nodded. “Something like that.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee or iced tea?” Theenie asked Doc.

“No, I can’t stay. I just learned my daughter in Tampa is having gallbladder surgery, so I’m flying down to help out with the grandkids, although they’re old enough to do for themselves. Don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

“I hope the surgery goes well,” Annie said. “Do you want me to grab your mail and newspapers while you’re away?”

“The Martins already offered. It’s less complicated for me to travel now that Leo is gone,” he added sadly.

Annie nodded. Leo had been a stray dog eating from bags at the garbage dump when Doc had found him. Doc had brought him home, cleaned him up, and the two had lived in harmony for fifteen years before Leo died in his sleep of old age some eight or nine months ago. Annie had looked after the animal when Doc traveled; in turn, he had taken care of Peaches the few times Annie went away. “Well, you have my number,” she said. “Call me if you think of something.”

“Thank you.” Doc started to leave and then turned. “Oh, I almost forgot. Do you need to borrow my gardener? I paid him for the whole day, but he finished up early. Man works hard and fast, unlike Erdle.”

“Is he good with a tiller?” Theenie asked. “Annie wants the ground tilled behind the carriage house so she can plant a vegetable garden.”

“He can do anything that pertains to yard work.” Doc looked at Annie. “You want me to send him over?”

“I would love to borrow him,” Annie said, delighted. Things were definitely beginning to look up. “Thank you, Doc, and have a safe trip.”

He nodded and disappeared out the door.

Danny stood. “I need to run home and get my sander. Maybe by the time I get back I won’t be so confused.” He shook his head as he let himself out.

“I think Danny is jealous of Wes,” Theenie said.

Annie arched one brow. “You’re not serious.”

“I’ve noticed the way he looks at you.”

“No way,” Annie said firmly. “Danny and I have known each other since we were kids. He’s like a brother to me.” They didn’t look convinced.

Lovelle said, “You have to admit he comes around a lot.”

Annie grabbed her jacket from a hook by the back door. “Have the two of you forgotten that I’m still legally married? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to talk to Doc’s gardener.”

Wes unpacked the few clothes he’d brought with him. He opened the closet door to hang his jacket and found several men’s suits pushed to one side. Annie obviously hadn’t gotten rid of all her husband’s clothes. He checked the pockets. Nothing. He moved to the window, pulled the curtain aside, and saw Annie talking to a man in denim overalls. Wes left his room and listened near the top of the stairs for a moment. The others seemed to be deep in conversation. Very quietly he made his way to the door next to his, opened it, and stepped inside.

The bedroom held Annie’s scent, clean and fresh but not flowery or overbearing like some perfumes. Wes closed the door, taking care not to make a sound. The simple four-poster bed was covered with a bright quilt. Beside it, a night table held a telephone and several books. He checked the window again; Annie was still talking to the man. Wes turned and began to search the room.

• • •

Annie finished her conversation with Doc’s gardener and started for the house. She heard the sound of Wes’s motorcycle engine as she climbed the back steps and entered the kitchen. He obviously wasn’t hanging around for lunch. She opened the refrigerator, pulled out several packages of luncheon meat and cheese and the potato and cheese soup she’d made two nights before that was popular with her tenants. She heard a noise in the dining room and decided to check it out. She pushed open the swinging door and found Theenie and Lovelle standing before an open drawer in the buffet. They jumped when they saw her.

“What are you two up to?” she asked.

Theenie looked flustered. “Oh, um, we thought we’d check the silver and see if it needs polishing.”

“You polished it three days ago,” Annie said.

“Yes, but we want to make sure it sparkles for the wedding.”

Annie looked from one to the other. Lovelle glanced away; Theenie began fidgeting. “You know I don’t use my grandmother’s silver for business functions. I have special flatware that I bought in bulk,” she added, although she knew Theenie was perfectly aware of that fact. Annie noted a cardboard box on the table and looked inside. Her grandmother’s serving pieces, each in its individual velvet pouch, had been placed inside. “Okay, what’s
really
going on?”

“It wasn’t my idea,” Lovelle said.

Theenie’s face reddened. “Now, Annie, I know you’re not going to like this—”

“You’re hiding the silver,” Annie said in disbelief.

“I thought it best under the circumstances,” Theenie whispered. “One can never be too careful.”

“She thinks the new guest might steal it,” Lovelle said.

Theenie shot her a dark look. “Traitor.”

Annie crossed her arms over her chest. “Put it back.”

Theenie hesitated. “If you say so, dear.”

Annie was still shaking her head when the doorbell rang. She found Jamie and Max standing on the other side. “Well, hello,” she said, delighted to see them.

“Hello to you, good-looking,” Max said, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “If you get any prettier I’m going to have to change brides.”

“See that?” Jamie said. “We’re not even married yet, and he’s already looking at other women.”

Annie grinned at Max. She had liked him the minute they met. “He can’t help himself. I’m hot stuff.” She stepped back. “Come in.”

“We just stopped by to drop off Destiny’s mail for her column,” Jamie said.

“You’re in time for lunch. I’m about to heat up a big pot of my famous potato and cheese soup.” She noted the sudden pained expression on Jamie’s face. “Ooops, I forgot about the diet.”

“I’m not on a diet,” Max said, “and I love potato soup. Jamie can wait in the car with Fleas.”

Jamie nudged him hard.

“You can’t leave poor Fleas in the car,” Annie protested.

Jamie chuckled. “He refused to get out and risk running into Peaches.”

“I can put her out.”

“Don’t worry,” Max said. “Muffin is singing Celine Dion songs to him.”

Annie shook her head. Muffin was Max’s talking computer, and she possessed the technology to do everything except bear children. In fact, she was more like a real-life assistant than a piece of machinery.

“I insist you stay for lunch,” Annie told Jamie. “I’ll make you a nice salad with fat-free dressing.”

Jamie sighed. “I was afraid of that.”

Destiny looked happy to see Jamie and Max. “Sit down,” she said, pulling out the chair beside her, unaware that Peaches had already claimed it. The cat snarled and hissed. “Uh-oh, the cat from hell is using that chair. Perhaps you should choose another.”

“I’ve never known Peaches to be in such a foul mood,” Theenie said.