It All Started With a Lima Bean (11 page)

“That’s not my personality Leah, it’s yours.”

“Just humor me, please. I won’t make you look like a tramp just a little sultrier.”

“I don’t have anything like that.”

“I bet I can find something. Let me see your closet.” Leah walked into the closet then turned and peered at Abby. “Where did this dress come from? I’ve never seen you wear it.”

“It was just one of those buy on a whim kind of things. It was on clearance at the mall, but I should have gotten rid of it a long time ago. It’s not my style.”

“Abby, put the damn thing on. I brought a couple pairs of shoes, and I think I have the perfect ones; let me go get them.”

“Of course you do. Fine.” She grumbled while taking off her jeans, sweater, and trendy cloth shoes, and then she pulled the thin material over her head and let it flow down her body to hit her right at her knee. She glanced at her image in the mirror. “Not bad but I need a different bra for sure.” She noted that the back was open, and the only thing connecting it was a couple of diagonal straps. She remembered buying a bra to wear with this dress when she got it the year before and went to put it on. A Perfect fit.

Leah entered the room once more. “Abby that is gorgeous on you. Why haven’t you ever worn that before?”

“I haven’t really had a reason to.” She shrugged her shoulders

“Here try these shoes on.” She handed Abby a pair of green-heeled sandals that had jewels across the top resembling large anklets.

“Is there a color you don’t have in shoes?” Abby struggled to get the strappy contraptions on while standing on one foot.

“Probably not. Those granny panties have to go though because you can see those big ass panty lines.” Abby had already changed the bra but wasn’t sure what underwear she was supposed to put on. Leah went through her drawer, “Seriously Abby, even your underwear look like an old lady’s. Where are your sexy panties? You’ve got to have a least one pair.” Leah dug though the drawer. “Jackpot. Here put these on.”

“No way. I won those as a gag gift at a bridal shower. They are not real underwear.”

“Mujer, let loose. These are very sexy panties, and you won’t have lines on your dress, at least not granny lines.”

Abby took the thin strip of material from her and eyeballed them, trying to figure out how to put the thing on.

Leah snatched them back and held them up with her fingers spread. “Like this.” She handed them back.

Abby hesitantly changed into the tiny strings, and she felt somewhat naked under the dress now. “They aren’t very comfortable.”

“They aren’t supposed to be; now let’s get out of here. We have reservations in twenty minutes, and I don’t want to be late.” She grabbed Abby’s hand pulling her through the house. The Santa Ana winds had already started blowing that week, and Abby just prayed they wouldn’t get a hold of her dress and give everyone a show of her not really there undies.

Caleb didn’t know why he’d been so nervous going to dinner with his agent, Chris. He’d told Caleb there was big news but didn’t want to talk about it over the phone. He figured that it was probably good news because Chris didn’t travel from San Francisco for just anything. Chris hated leaving his wife and kids behind for business trips.

“So, I’ve been talking to Lucky Star pictures this week, and they want a meeting to discuss making your Unlawful Encounters series into a movie trilogy.”

“What? Are you serious man?” This was not what Caleb expected to hear tonight.

“Yep and the best part is that they approached me, so it’s pretty much in the bag. You just have to hear them out and agree to their terms. We could be filming the first movie by this time next year.”

“I can’t believe it. I didn’t write those to become movies. I never imagined they would be.” He was shocked. This was amazing.

“So are you saying this is a bad thing?” Chris looked confused.

“No, not at all. It’s just not something I’ve ever expected. Wow. You threw me for a loop.”

“So are you interested in me setting up a meeting then?”

“Absolutely. I’d love to hear what their ideas are. I would insist on creative control though.”

“Of course and they expect that.”

“I’m seriously blown away. This is not what I anticipated tonight.”

“What did you expect?”

“I didn’t have a clue but a movie trilogy. That is just...” Caleb trailed off, and his eyes caught the auburn haired beauty in the green dress that had just walked in and been seated not too far from them. “WOW!”

“I know, amazing, huh?” Chris looked so excited that this had such an impacting effect on Caleb, and then realized his eyes were elsewhere.

“Uh huh.” That was all Caleb could muster.

Turning in the direction so he could see what had mesmerized Caleb, Chris spoke, “Wow, I see what has caught your attention. Those women are gorgeous.”

“Uh huh.” Again was all he could say until he snapped out of it. “Uh, what were you saying?”

“Dude, you look as if you’ve never witnessed an attractive woman enter a room before.”

“I know her. She’s Madison’s teacher, but I’ve never seen her dressed like that before.” He felt the goofy smile as it appeared on his face.

“Which one? Green or red dress?”

“Green.”

“Well, why don’t you go over and say hi?”

“I will…” A high pitch squeak came out. Clearing his throat then deepening his voice, he continued. “On the way out.”

“Are you...nervous?” Chris was far too amused with this situation.

“NO!” Caleb answered with a little too much enthusiasm.

“Oh, I see.” He appeared to be entertained. “You like her. No, you actually like her.” He amended.

“No, I don’t.” He protested like a junior high school boy being teased by his friends about having a crush on a girl.

“Oh Dude, you so do. This is awesome. You haven’t given any woman a chance since...”

“I know. I’m not ready.” Caleb cut his friend off.

“My friend, I think you might just be ready. I can see it in your eyes. We’ve known each other for an awful long time, and I’ve only once seen you look at a woman like that.”

“Can we move on?” He took a long sip of his drink. “When do you think they would be willing to meet?”

“When are you going to realize that life must go on, and Rene would want that for you?”

“Again, move on please.” Caleb gave his agent and longtime friend a warning look.

“Okay I feel you.”

“What a coincidence Abby. Look who is seated over there.” Leah smirked.

Abby turned and met Caleb’s eyes. She smiled, gave a slow small wave, and then turned back to her best friend. “Damn, he looks handsome in a suit.”

“He sure does. Now aren’t you glad you got all dolled up?” Leah pulled her napkin from the ring and placed it on her lap.

“Why would I be glad?” Abby looked at her suspiciously as she also put her napkin on her lap.

“Because he is eating you alive with his eyes right now.” She leaned in with excitement.

Abby turned back again.
Oh my.
That look in his eyes. She’d never seen a look like that before.

“Wait a minute. Did you know he was going to be here tonight?”

“Now how on earth could I ever know where Caleb Hunter was going to be tonight?” She gave her a knowing smile. How could she know though? Unless she got his phone number the other day. “Stop being so suspicious and let’s order some food.”

“You know what I like, so you do the honors.” Abby didn’t even bother opening her menu. This was one of their favorite fancy dinner places. They normally only came here on festive occasions. Today was not memorable; it was crappy. This would be their pick-me-up dinner.

The waiter approached, and Leah spoke to him in Spanish. ¨Buenas noches. Me das por favor una orden de aceitunas en vinagreta, una paella vegetariana, y un en pollo en limón. Por favor trae el pollo separado por que mi amiga es vegetariana. También, necesito que me hagas un favor enorme. Cuando veas a un caballero acercarse a nuestra mas, ¿Le podes traer una silla? Pedro si, no se la traigas antes. Traela cuando el llegue. ¡Oh!, y por supuesto danos un vaso de sangría a cada una. Gracias.”

“Si, Senorita, Gracias.” He stepped away.

“So I got that you ordered our usual olives, paella, sangria and your chicken, but what was with all of the instructions?” Abby wondered.

“I just wanted to make sure he knew to keep all the vegetarian things separate.”

“But I heard you say caballero and silla. Doesn’t that mean gentleman and chair? What are you up to Leah?” Abby gave her a suspicious look.

“What? I’m not up to anything.” Leah was a terrible liar.

Caleb got up from the table and said his goodbye to Chris. “I’ll call you this week and let you know when they are available. I’m really excited about this, man. You are going to be huge.”

“You know that’s not important to me.”

“I know, but you will have to get used to the idea if you go through with this. Okay, I’ll call you later. I have a flight to catch.” He gave Caleb a firm handshake then pulled him in for a quick man hug, clapping his back.

“Talk to you later.” The check was already taken care of when Caleb strolled over to greet the beautiful women on his way out. He ran his palms down his suit jacket before approaching their table. He noticed that Leah was trying to get someone’s attention.

“Hi ladies.” Leah stood first, gave him a hug then kiss on his cheek. That was unexpected. He turned just as Abby slowly stood and gave him an awkward subtle hug. No kiss on the cheek though. Leah must have kissed him because it was part of her Latin culture and she gave Abby a disapproving look when she hadn’t done the same.

“Nice running in to you here. Would you like to join us?” Leah asked enthusiastically as the waiter approached with a chair for him.

“Maybe for a minute. I have to pick Madison up soon.”

“She’s fine. Grace will keep her as long as you like.” Apparently, Leah didn’t mean to let that slip. Trying to back track but then giving up, she excused herself instead, leaving Abby and him to wonder how she knew where Madison was.

Smiling, Caleb said, “That wasn’t fishy or anything.” This earned him a flushed face on Abby. Oh well, he knew what was up and decided to go with it. “You look really lovely tonight Abby.”

“Thank you. You look very businesslike. Did you have a meeting?”

“Yes, hopefully something really remarkable will come from tonight’s meeting.” He realized what that sounded like. “I mean with my agent.”

Their food arrived at the table, and Leah was still gone. Abby kept looking at the dishes. Caleb suggested she go ahead and eat. “No, I can’t do that. It’s rude.” She was a girl with manners. He liked that.

Sauntering to the table with a smirk planted on her lips, Leah addressed Abby. “Dig in. I know how hungry you are, and this is all your favorite stuff.” She motioned to the food. Abby just sat there looking around the table.

“Okay I have to get going anyway. You two enjoy your dinner, and I will see you another time.” He pushed his chair away from the table as he stood up. They both started to stand, “No. Stay seated. I’ll see you ladies later.” He insisted. He didn’t need any more awkward hugs clouding his judgment. It was bad enough that he was staring at Abby as if he had never seen a beautiful woman before. He didn’t need her touching him again. Waving as he headed out of the room, he forced himself not to look back at her.