Fixer-Upper (Spinning Hills Romance 3) (21 page)

“You’re committed to the
kids
, but you’re so afraid they’ll become dependent on you and that you’ll let them down, that you think you need to keep your personal life and your work life at odds. It’s okay to want to keep them separate, but you want them at odds, Marissa!”

“I don’t want them at odds, I just don’t want one to affect the other.” She shook her head and looked out onto the field. “Four kids. I want four kids of my own. And so do you. Because we both want to love and nurture every kid who passes through our school, too. What do you think would happen if there were
four kids
waiting for us at home, needing us just as much as these kids need us, Johnny? Who would lose out? Would we go home late every day like we do now, or would we slack off here?”

Johnny pushed to his feet. “We’d figure it out because we both want the same things! You won’t even get the chance for four kids if you marry Brian.”

“That’s my point! I probably
shouldn’t
have four kids. But if I did, with Brian at least I’d have a house where they all fit, and they wouldn’t have to share a room with five dogs! You don’t
figure out
how to accommodate people’s lives into your busy schedule after the fact.”

They stared at each other then. Johnny didn’t even know what they were arguing about anymore, or what had started the argument in the first place. Marissa looked just as lost and confused. “I don’t even know what we’re arguing about, Marissa. You’ve got it all figured out, while I’m just the screwup you come to when you need to share your hopes, your fears, and your plans for the kids. Go marry your perfect guy and have your perfect life and your perfect house that’ll fit the four kids you’ll never have.”

Tears sprang into Marissa’s eyes, and he left before he was tempted to do anything about it—after all, everyone kept telling him that wasn’t his job. He had puppies to feed, a house to insulate, a bachelor party to finish planning, and a wedding to attend.
That
was his job.

 

Melinda was waiting for Marissa when she got home that evening, looking tired but cheerful. Marissa was relieved. She needed a distraction. “Hey, you look happy,” she greeted her sister, but she instantly regretted the words. It was like implying that seeing her sister happy was rare. She needed a distraction, not another argument.

Their entire family had been walking on pins and needles around Melinda, even though they knew it was wrong. It was easier dealing with a sullen, moody teen than a sullen, moody adult. But Melinda simply shrugged. “I started a new job today. It wasn’t bad.”

Marissa schooled her features to hide her surprise. When had her sister started looking for a job? They spoke often, though Melinda communicated little. So many questions came to mind, but all seemed likely to offend. “That’s great! What are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m working as a makeup artist at an upscale counter, and I’m pretty good at it. I got a referral right away.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

Melinda shrugged. “I thought it would be gross to touch other people’s faces, but it wasn’t. It’s funny, but when you get up close, everyone has an interesting face. Lines and wrinkles kind of go with personalities. Like, the lady who sent me the referral had lines around her mouth and eyes, and she laughed a lot. But this other lady, who stiffed me on a tip, she had a big ol’ furrow right here.” Melinda smiled and pointed to the space between her own eyebrows.

Marissa smiled, too. It was interesting. “What else?” she asked, sitting down.

“Lots of little things that tell a story. This one lady’s left arm was much darker and freckled than her right arm, and it turns out she’s a delivery truck driver. A teenager had a lot of freckles, and she’s always tried to hide them, but they were really cute, so I showed her pictures of actresses with freckles, and she left feeling happy. And I used to think eyes were just different shades of blue, green, or brown, but up close, they have rings around them and flecks and speckles . . .”

“I’m glad you like it. How’d you find out about it?” It was the only way she could think of to get her sister talking about whatever was going on in her mind about her life. Marissa loved her so much, and the chasm between them—and the fact that she had no idea how it had happened or what she could do to repair it—had kept her up more than a few nights.

Melinda looked down and sighed. “Johnny was here last Friday.”

“Johnny was here last Friday?” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. “Was he here to tell you about the job?” she asked, trying to see the connection and hide her curiosity and surprise.

“No. He came to apologize to Mom over what happened at my party. He brought flowers and everything, but she kept hitting him with them. And you know Mom, she talks so loud. I was in my room with the window open and I heard
everything
.”

“Her voice does carry. Her entire personality carries,” Marissa agreed with a grin, but inside, she was wondering why neither her mom nor Johnny had mentioned the visit.

Melinda smiled again, but there was a tear on her cheek. Melinda
never
cried. Marissa instantly moved to where her sister was sitting and draped an arm around her shoulder. “What happened? What did Mom say?”

Melinda wiped at her tear. “It wasn’t what she said, it was more the way she said it. Like, she felt all sorry for me and was worried about me. I guess I already knew it, but before it had only made me madder at her and Dad. But when I heard her talking to someone else about it, I suddenly felt like this big, stupid spoiled baby.” She sniffled and gulped. “I still hate it here and I want to go back to LA, but I can’t keep sitting around just hoping for it to happen. It’s pathetic. And I think maybe I’m really mad at feeling pathetic and not at Mom and Dad so much.”

Melinda breathed in and out. “I took the job ’cause it was the only thing I thought I could enjoy doing out of everything that was out there, but then it gave me ideas. Like, I can take some courses on how to do makeup while I work, so I can have a certificate of some kind and experience, and maybe I can get my foot in the door that way. At the very least I could be working at a job I like.”

Marissa’s heart expanded. “I think that’s a really great idea, Mel!”

Melinda looked into her eyes. “You mean it, don’t you?” she asked, smiling a little. “I’ve been so mad at how everyone acts so fake around me. Even my friends.”

They talked a little more about plans and schools, and they even went to the computer to do some research. “Do you think I could help out with your musical?” Melinda asked, her eyes bright, after spotting a course on stage makeup. “I could teach the kids how to do stage makeup. It might be fun and it’s something else I could put on my résumé.”

“That would be so great! We’ve never worked together before. It’ll be so fun and the kids will love it.” But then Marissa frowned. “You’ll, uh, you’ll have to see Johnny, though. But I think he’ll be helping out at Amy’s more than in my classroom next week. Would you be okay with that?”

Melinda shot Marissa an aggravated look. “Look, when I got back, the whole thing with Johnny took my mind off, well,
coming back
. And it was a way for me to take other people’s mind off the fact that I had nothing to show after all that time in LA. I mean, put yourself in my position. But I knew it was you he was talking about, Marissa. And I wasn’t mad that it wasn’t me. I was mad ’cause of the whole fuss. What a stupid night, I swear.” She rolled her eyes. “Johnny’s a total doofus, but I’m not mad at him.”

Marissa nodded, but she didn’t know what to say. Melinda knew she was the girl Johnny had been talking about. Half the town seemed to know. It was the worst-kept secret ever.

Melinda hesitated before reaching out to touch Marissa’s hand. “And I can see why he likes you, you know. You two always made sense to me. I know you liked Brian when you were in high school, but Brian was only after a good grade.” Her eyes flickered away before meeting hers again. “You and Johnny used to talk a lot when he’d come over.
Really
talk, I mean. And he always made you smile.
Really
smile. Back then, at least.”

Marissa stiffened. Of course Brian had only been after a grade. She’d always known that. So what? But the thought brought up all the unpleasant feelings surrounding the disagreements they’d been having lately. “Well, things change . . . and what do you mean by
really
talk and
really
smile?” she snapped.

Melinda’s eyes widened. “Never mind. Jeez. And everyone thinks I’m the pissy one.”

Marissa closed her eyes. “I’m sorry. Forget it. Um, when would you like to come visit the school?” she asked, as if nothing else had been said between them. “It’ll have to be next week. It’s the last one for the class. After that, I don’t know how often we’ll be able to get together to rehearse.”

“I’ll have to check my calendar and get back to you. I’m a career woman now, you know,” Melinda teased. It was the surest sign Marissa had seen that her old sister was on her way back. “And would you mind French-braiding my hair for the wedding this Sunday? It brings out my eyes, but I don’t have money to go to a hairdresser and I don’t want to ask Mom for it. And what heroine or princess will you dress up as for Holly’s bachelorette tea party? It’s so cute she’s doing that for her daughter.”

Marissa agreed and continued to listen to her sister chatter on, but the unpleasantness never fully left her, especially when she realized she’d have to wear the same thing she’d worn to the masquerade ball to the tea party tomorrow. She’d forgotten it was a dress-up event, and she didn’t have time to go shopping.

At least Johnny wouldn’t be there. She’d had enough of him. They’d probably had enough of each other.

J
ohnny looked into the cracked bathroom mirror. War paint? Check. Sack and handcuffs? Check. Black satin boxers and ties? Check. Twenty-eight cans of whipped cream? Check.

A car honked outside. Johnny peered through the window. Marty was in the driver’s seat of a windowless, navy blue van, and he was grinning from ear to ear. Sam was beside him. Leo, Johnny knew, was in the back. It was time for Part 2 of Dan’s bachelor party.

They’d rounded up fourteen of Dan’s closest friends from high school, college, and law school for Part 1. They’d spent the day together at a VIP box at the Great American Ball Park watching the Reds play against the Phillies. Dan had been surprised and elated.

But that was nothing.

The first part of Holly’s bachelorette party, the part she and her guests knew about, was a formal princess tea party at the Victorian Tea Room, an exclusive women’s club in the area’s wealthiest suburb. Ella, Holly’s daughter and maid of honor, was obsessed with fairy tales and it had been her idea. Their guests were to dress up like their favorite princess or heroine. The younger guests would get picked up early so Holly could unwrap the naughty presents and have some adult time with her girlfriends.

Little did they know that Part 2 of both Dan’s and Holly’s parties were about to begin. Only Sherry was in on their surprise.

Leo and Sam got out of the van and helped Johnny load the props into the back. The four of them drove to the basement apartment where Dan was living until tomorrow. Holly’s ex-husband, Ben, and Dan’s soon-to-be father-in-law, Doug, were waiting inside. Johnny still couldn’t believe that Doug had not only agreed to the prank, but had been eager to participate. The rest of the gang was waiting for them at the rendezvous point.

They knocked on the door, Ben opened it, and all six men erupted into a war cry as they tackled a stunned Dan, handcuffed him, and placed the sack over his head.

Dan swore as the sack went over his head and he began to make it difficult for them, refusing to get to his feet. The struggle had them all doubled over in laughter and gasping for air. Dan was laughing hardest of all, but he put up a better fight than they’d anticipated. They had to carry him, kicking and shouting, out to the van. “Somebody gag him with Johnny’s socks,” Sam yelled, “before one of the neighbors calls the police.”

Dan stopped shouting. “You put one of Johnny’s socks into my mouth, and I swear I’ll stuff his underwear into yours at your bachelor party.”

“No gagging!” Sam laughed. “We’re good.”

“Where’s Doug?” Dan asked, once he was in the back of the van with Johnny, Leo, Ben, and Sam. “You guys can’t have anything too bad in mind if he’s in on it.”

“I’m up here, son,” Doug called from the front seat.

Dan sat up straight. “That’s the first time you’ve called me son,” he said, sounding more alarmed than gratified.

“That’s because after tonight, I guarantee you won’t want to call me dad.”

The six kidnappers guffawed as the van accelerated down the road toward their destination. “What happens next?” Dan asked.

“You strip down to your black boxers or we do it for you,” Johnny answered.

“How the hell do you know I’m wearing black boxers?” Dan asked, struggling again.

“You’ve always worn black boxers.” Sam rolled his eyes, even though Dan couldn’t see him.

“But we have an extra pair of black satin boxers for you, if you prefer,” Leo said.

“An
extra
pair?” Dan blew out a long breath, leaned back, and stopped moving. “You know what? I don’t want to know. I’m just going to relax, take this one step at a time, and plot my revenge.”

“You do that . . .
son
.” Doug laughed again. Sam and Johnny exchanged a look. The ex-military man was enjoying himself a little too much.

They arrived at the Victorian Tea Room, where one of Dan’s friends was waiting by the back door. He ushered them in, led them to the men’s bathroom, and they all changed into the black ties and boxers. Dan agreed to change into the black satin boxers and tie if they stopped trying to undress him. “Where are we?” he asked.

“The Victorian Tea Room.” Johnny grinned.

Dan’s eyes widened. “What are you going to do?”

“You’ll see.” Sam snickered as they handcuffed and covered Dan’s head once again. But the snicker was cut short. One moment the brothers were standing together in front of Dan; the next they were being tackled, too.

This had not been part of the plan. A new war cry went out.

“It’s time you guys all get as good as you give!” Marty’s voice sounded above the rest. Everyone except the brothers whooped.

“What’s going on? Johnny, was this you?” Sam was yelling.

“No!” Johnny yelled back as he was dragged to his feet.

“What now?” Dan asked.

“We don’t know,” Sam shouted.

“You ready for us?” Doug’s raspy voice asked someone.

“I’m ready.” Sherry’s voice came over the walkie-talkie Johnny had provided for her. He laughed nervously.

“March them out!” Doug ordered.

Johnny was marched out the door and up the steps he knew led to the stage that had been meant for Dan. The Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” came on over the loudspeakers. That had not been part of the plan.

The plan had been for “Kiss on My List” by Hall & Oates, one of Holly’s favorite songs, to play as the curtains were swept aside, and they all doused a half-naked Dan with whipped cream. Afterward, he would be released while the men all danced, also half-naked, to Ozzy Ozbourne’s “Crazy Train,” one of Dan’s favorite songs. Sherry had even choreographed and recorded a few standard moves and sent it out to the men so they could be somewhat coordinated.

He could hear the women wondering what was going on and laughing nervously, presumably behind the curtains. Soon, though, they began to whoop and shout and laugh in earnest. He could only assume the curtains had just parted.

Marissa put her hand to her mouth and gasped. They’d all been having a good time, laughing over a leather whip Sherry had gotten for Holly, when the lights were cut and the song “Y.M.C.A.” came on over the loudspeakers. Next, the curtains parted, and three very buff, half-naked male bodies were standing, handcuffed and with sacks over their heads, in the middle of the stage. The man in the middle looked familiar.

“Strippers!” Ruby yelled. A few women whooped.

But then the sacks were pulled off, and Dan, Johnny, and Sam were revealed. Marissa’s eyes widened when she saw her own half-naked brother had done the revealing. He and two other half-naked men were now shoving a policeman’s hat onto Dan’s head, a construction hat onto Sam’s, and a sailor’s hat onto Johnny’s.

“Oh my,” someone said.

Oh my,
indeed.

“Dad!” Holly cried before turning to her stepmom. “Make him put some clothes on, please!”

“Doug?” her stepmom squealed.

The music was turned up, and the three men were doused with whipped cream by a bunch of other half-naked men. “Dance, dance, dance,” they began to chant. And Dan, Sam, and Johnny looked at each other, shrugged, grinned, then began to mime the age-old moves to the well-known song.

The women started clapping, cheering them on, and laughing as the three brothers hammed it up. Dan got off the stage, hugged Holly, who was dressed as Florence Nightingale, then spun her ’round and ’round. “Were you in on this?” he asked.

“No!” She laughed. He took his policeman’s hat off and stuck it on her head.

“Kiss, kiss, kiss!” everyone began to shout, and the two kissed.

Sam leaped off the stage next and went to Cassie, who was dressed as Joan of Arc, and hugged her to him. And from the stage, Johnny’s eyes locked on hers.

She was wearing her Dulcinea costume again. It was all she’d been able to scare up, even though Dulcinea wasn’t technically a heroine or a princess. Memories of the night of the masquerade party had flooded her the moment she’d put it on, and she’d been fighting them back, mostly successfully, all night. But the last thing she’d expected was to run into Johnny.

He disconnected his gaze and left the stage.

Melinda, who was standing next to Marissa, shook her head. “That’s our half-naked brother.” She was pretending to cry. “We can never unsee that.”

“Imagine seeing your father like that!” Holly said. “I’m scarred for life.”

Both Melinda and Marissa shuddered.

The music then screeched to a stop, and Marty went up to the microphone. “It’s ‘Crazy Train’ time!” Ozzy Ozbourne’s rock anthem came on, the men went back up onto the stage, and then they began to dance. Their movements were clunky and uncoordinated, and the disparity in body mass between the men made the spectacle all the more fascinating. Marissa could not have torn her eyes away if she’d wanted to.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand and she was pulled behind the nearest curtain. A half-naked, whipped-creamed Johnny stood before her. Her heart stopped. She’d seen him naked, but not up close. Up close, she could smell his musky male cologne, combined with his own, unique scent, and see his sweat-glistened, whipped-creamed muscles. Up close, his presence consumed the air around her. He took a crown of flowers from behind his back and placed them on top of her head. “This was meant for Dan, but it suits you better. Dulcinea is neither heroine nor princess—she’s the object of someone else’s dreams. I crown thee Marissa Medina, heroine to those who are trying to find their voice in a new language.” He grinned that doofus grin that had broken so many hearts. “I’m sorry we argued, Marissa. All I want for you is a happy life.”

Marissa touched the crown of flowers on her head. Those were the sweetest words anyone had ever said to her. Before she could think of anything to say in return, or even know how to feel, she and Johnny were yanked into a human party train.

The men came down from the stage to join them, but before they could get their full choo-choo on, the music screeched to a stop, and a shocked and angry voice demanded, “What is this? What’s going on in here?”

Everyone turned to see two matronly looking, expensively dressed women standing at the door. They looked at the men. “Strippers!” the second woman’s shrill voice rang out as she pointed to the men.

“The contract you signed specifically forbids this—this—” The first woman looked like she was about to have a conniption. She rounded on Holly, who still holding the whip. The women flanking her had conspicuous bits of whipped cream clinging to their bodies from head to toe.

Abuela Rosa, who was dressed as a queen, stepped forward. “We knew nothing about this. These men interrupted our decorous tea party.”

“Call the police!” the first woman said.

 

Johnny met Dan’s eyes. The policemen in this small suburb were always close at hand. Dan was getting married tomorrow. Johnny was a school psychologist.
They could not get arrested.
“To the van!” Doug cried. The men all made a mad dash up to the stage, out the back, and to the van.

“Wait!” Johnny yelled. “A bunch of you left your clothes with your wallets in the restroom.”

Johnny made a move to run to the restroom to get the clothes, but Sam grabbed his arm and stopped him. “No. I doubt a prank will come to an arrest, but you work for a school, and you can’t afford to get arrested if it does. I’ll go.”

Johnny hesitated. It wasn’t like him to let someone else take a fall, least of all his own brother. But part of growing up was knowing when to use his head, and Sam was right. Johnny had to think of the kids, and Sam had less to lose.

Minutes later, everyone but Sam had made it to the van. Johnny looked out the back doors, nervous, until he saw Sam running like he hadn’t run since his college baseball days. He dove into the back of the van, which was already peeling away from the parking lot. Relieved, Johnny blew a kiss to one of the older ladies, who was pumping a fist at them from a window, and swung the doors shut. “I thought you’d left me,” Sam called to Doug.

“I never leave a good soldier behind,” Doug replied.

 

If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, Marissa would be hard-pressed to believe the two formal-looking, tuxedoed groomsmen who were escorting Holly’s six-year-old daughter down the aisle had been wearing nothing more than boxers, a tie, and whipped cream, while dancing on a stage, less than twenty-four hours before. Sam and Johnny were smiling down at Ella as they led her up the steps of a white gazebo.

Doug walked Holly down the aisle next, and Marissa trained her eyes on the bride. She couldn’t look at Doug because Melinda was right. Some things could never be unseen.

It was Holly’s second marriage, and she looked gorgeous in a breezy, mint green strapless gown, her ebony curls held back with combs, her green eyes shining.

She and Dan didn’t take their eyes off of each other during the entire ceremony. Dan promised to love, cherish, be loyal, and listen to all of Holly’s ideas—and to give her a good reason every time he rejected one of them—for all of eternity. Sam and Johnny laughed and Marissa smiled, too, because it was cute, even though she had no clue what it was all about.