Stealing Luca's Heart (2 page)

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. I’ve done all the shuffling and class covering that’s needed, but I appreciate your offer.” She’d been hearing similar offers from most of the teaching staff ever since she announced her travel plans.

“Right,” he said, slapping his knee and standing to leave. “It was worth a shot. Tell Cal I said hello and to call me when he’s ready for a real job.”

She pushed her chair back and stood. “I’ll be sure to pass that along. Thanks again for the time off. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

The Dean waved from the doorway and was gone.

Ally sat back down at her desk, stretching out her limbs, her thoughts drifting to her dad. He had a standing job offer at the Iowa Business School, not from being a college drinking buddy of the dean’s but because he was a leader in his field. He was an energy expert and a hired consultant for governments and corporations worldwide. Cal Edwards was a “green” prophet before former Vice President Al Gore had made it cool.

On this particular trip, all she knew was that he was in New Zealand to spend a week doing research as a favor for another fraternity brother, the governor of Iowa, Ian Jacobs. Her dad was then scheduled to meet up with her at the international conference in Auckland. She assumed they’d catch up next week.

She glanced at her watch. “Crap!” The computer started ringing as soon as Skype was up and running. Ally clicked the Answer Call button and smiled as Tara’s face appeared. Skype was awesome.

“Ally, you’re late,” her sister scolded. Raising an eyebrow, she added, “You look tired.” Tara’s face filled the screen. It looked like a beautiful portrait was suddenly placed on top of her desk, filling the gloomy office with New Zealand’s vibrant beauty. Tara was at home in Gulf Harbour looking relaxed at her patio table wearing a white strapless sundress and oversized black sunglasses. Tara’s long, wavy brown hair seemed more golden thanks to the summer sun.

Staring at her younger sister, she couldn’t help but marvel how they still looked like twins. Just a couple of obvious differences: her eyes were hazel and Tara’s blue, and she had her by three inches. She always boasted about being taller, but in truth she envied Tara’s petite five foot five frame.

“It’s been a crazy week,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ve killed myself getting organized so I can just relax when I’m there. I finally got a hold of the neighbor girl to look after the house for me.”

Tara took off her sunglasses and placed them on top her head. “Are you close to putting the house on the market? You’ve got to be about done with the kitchen remodel.”

She hesitated before answering. They had grown up in that Iowa City home, and their parents had paid off the loan years ago. It made perfect sense that she continue living there, especially after Tara left for a teaching position in New Zealand and her dad moved to Des Moines. Unfortunately, she’d come to realize that if she continued to live in the family home, it would always be a reminder that Mom was gone. She needed to move out and on.

“The remodel is done, and I’m happy with the results. I’m meeting with a real estate agent after I get back from my trip,” she explained. “I’m fairly certain I’ve increased the value by twenty percent.”

Tara lifted a glass to her mouth, taking a sip of ice water. “I’d expect nothing less from you. Make sure to jot down to relax while in New Zealand on that lengthy ‘To Do’ list of yours. Just look what you’re doing with your vacation time here. Going to a meeting.”

“It’s not just a meeting,” she protested. “It’s the annual conference for the Global Group for Clean Energy. It’s a big deal. There are going to be government leaders there.”

Tara gave her a blank stare. Ally thought her sister might yawn, but then asked, “Are you going out tonight?”

Naturally, Tara was more concerned about her social life. “Yes, to The Vine for beers with the usual suspects and then calling it a night.” She’d been meeting up with a few friends from high school every Friday for the past few years. She had lots of acquaintances, but these old friends had seen her through some very tough times.

Tara shook her head, bringing her pale blue eyes straight into the computer camera. “I’ll keep my nose out of it unless you start bringing home stray cats. Tell the girls hello for me and to get their asses down to visit me already.”

“Fine. Have you had a chance to catch up with Dad?” she asked, adjusting her watch. “He’s supposed to call anytime now.”

“I just chatted with him. He was busy fishing.”

“Fishing?”

“Yeah, I know, right? He couldn’t really talk, but I gathered you two would work out the details for next week.”

“Gotcha.” She couldn’t help but stare at the view behind her sister. “I see summer,” she whimpered.

Tara slid her sunglasses back on and looked over her shoulder toward the ocean. She was enjoying what looked like a cloudless day with the view of the Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island behind her. Behind Tara, she could see Rangitoto, the dormant volcano sitting quietly outside Auckland’s harbor.

“I know; it’s fabulous. I
feel
summer. There’s nothing like being here this time of year. Sorry to rub it in, but you know how much I love this place. Besides, you’ll be here shortly, digging your toes in Army Bay to find all those sand dollars you’re so obsessed with,” Tara teased.

“I can’t wait. Bags have been packed for weeks. Looking forward to getting back to Waiheke.”

Tara nodded. “Hard to believe it was three years ago already since you were here.”

She thought how great it had felt to act like they were teenagers again. One of their outings had been taking the ferry from Gulf Harbour to Waiheke Island and doing the vineyard tour. They spent the day eating fish and chips, drinking sauvignon blanc, hanging out on the beach, and wishing their mom was still around. The day had been perfect, and she knew that Waiheke Island would always be a special place for her.

The sisters had agreed to see each other at least once a year, a vow they’d made when Tara had first moved overseas. But that had become an unrealistic goal. When her dad asked her if she wanted to attend the energy conference, she jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t?

“When do you have to go back for the start of school?” she asked. Tara leaned back in her chair and looked up at the sun. “Three weeks. I’ve rented a camper van with some girlfriends from school. Actually, they should be here any minute to drive up to the Bay of Islands. One of them has a bach up there, and rumor has it that area is a singles hotspot, so who knows. Anyway, I’ll be out of contact for a few days. The cell coverage there is pretty spotty, but I’ll be back in time to pick you up from the airport. Just e-mail me the details.”

Tara was distracted by a noise from above. It was a sightseeing helicopter flying by.

“Before I forget,” Tara said, turning back to the computer, “While you and Dad talk the green talk at the conference, I’ll be over in Melbourne with the school’s netball team for a few days.”

She couldn’t help revealing a big pout.

“I know. But to be honest, the lady who was supposed to take the team has quit. My school has a small staff, and since I played basketball, they think I can manage the netball team. It’s just a quick trip over to Aussie for a small holiday tournament.”

She actually thought that was a great perk for her sister. “That’s fine. I guess this way you have a house sitter. I’ll just stay there and commute on the ferry to the conference. Where did you just say you’re going? A bach? What the hell’s a bach?”

“It’s the second home for kiwis, usually on the ocean. I think people take old tiny houses and move them to really expensive lots on the water. It’s funny if you think about it. People say things like, ‘Oh, I’m just going up to my bach,’ when that little beach bach could be worth a million bucks. Anyway, I think years ago, ‘bach’ became the shortened version for bachelor pad.” Tara waved to someone behind the camera. “They’re here, I should go.”

“Hey, real quick, where was Dad fishing?”

“He’s visiting friends in the South Island. He’s been quiet about this job. He only told me who he’s with, so you’ll have to get the rest out of him. When you two talk later, be sure to ask him when I’m supposed to meet him at the Auckland Airport since he forgot to text me. Strange that I haven’t heard from him, but you two just tell me what the plans are. I’m easy.”

She watched as a girlfriend of Tara’s came around and gave her a cheek kiss.

Almost as an afterthought, Tara stuck her face close to the computer camera. “Hey! If you’re really bored tonight, go look up the people Dad went to visit. Do a search for George Tetari.”

“Did you say
Tetari
?” She heard Tara’s friend ask with excitement.

Tara nodded to her friend. “I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s say I wanted to beg Dad to let me tag along. I’ll just leave it at that. Listen, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I’ve really gotta run. Everyone is waiting. Love ya!”

“Love ya too. Bye, T,” she responded, pressing the End Call button. Must be nice being a “bach babe” for the weekend, she told herself.

She glanced at the time. Luckily, no other students showed up to be rescued tonight.

Ally unplugged the computer and slid it into her bag. She mulled over what Tara said. She’d make sure to do a computer search later that night. She liked to keep current with her dad’s work, especially because they hoped to work together one day.

She lifted her long down coat off the file cabinet and swung it on, zipping it up to her chin. Digging in her bottom desk drawer, she produced her black and gold Hawkeye skullcap and leather gloves. Armed for winter weather war, she slung her bag over her shoulder and headed out to walk the two blocks to The Vine.

The wind howled around her as she braved the thick flakes that were assaulting her face. Barely visible was The Pentacrest across the street with the old Iowa Capitol Building in the center, with its gold dome illuminating through the thick snow. The four massive educational buildings flanking the capitol were dark, appearing more like shadows from a distance. For some reason, tonight the scene gave her a feeling of uneasiness while she trudged through the snow to the bar.

Chapter 2

Ally reached The Vine, peeking through the front window before opening the door. It was packed with the regulars: locals, faculty, and grad students. Their voices could be heard from the street, so she figured it would be easier to call her dad before she went in. She dug her phone out, took off her leather glove, and dialed. She was surprised when her call went straight to voice mail. She’d have to try again in a bit. A message appeared saying she missed a call from a private caller.

The warm air was a relief on her face when she opened the bar’s heavy wooden door. She unzipped her coat and slipped her hat off. She didn’t recognize the bouncer but was met with a nod and a smile when she walked past. She knew it was silly to feel surprised not to be carded. Maybe the guy figured no one under twenty-one would be wearing a beige pantsuit.

A guitarist was playing a James Taylor tune in the front corner. The bar was packed with people just hanging out after a long week. It was nice not to have to worry about running into any of her undergrad students here.

She finally found Lynn and Kim in a back booth and was glad they had already ordered a pitcher of beer. The three of them had been friends since they went to basketball camp together the summer before sixth grade. When her mom died, these two had been her glue. They were the ones who organized a scholarship fund in Nancy Edwards’ name to help worthy high school seniors. These two ladies were the best.

She slid into the booth next to Kim, placing her computer bag between them. She noticed Kim had straightened her usually long, curly red locks.

“Like your hair. Who’s the lucky guy?” She reached across the table and took the frosty mug Lynn had poured for her. Lynn was wearing an Italian soccer cap over her short black hair.

“Todd Klem,” Lynn blurted out.

Her mouth popped open. “Iowa’s quarterback?”

Kim turned her head around as if to make sure no one was listening. “Shh,” she hissed. “He came into the scheduling office to complain about his schedule like all the athletes do. He insisted on seeing the supervisor, namely me, when he couldn’t get one particular class. So I met with him and worked it out. But we just kept talking. There was energy between us, you know? We could have talked forever. Anyway, he said he might stop by tonight, that’s all,” Kim said, looking down at her glass.

She knew she should try to be happy for her friend. But it seemed suspect to say the least. “At least he’s not stupid. He doesn’t know how lucky he’d be to catch you. Please make sure this isn’t just about him having a girl in the scheduling office, Kim. I don’t care how hot he is.”

Lynn shook her head. “I told her you’d say something like that.”

She took a long cold sip. “Fine. Go enjoy. Rock his world. I certainly would. I’m just saying keep one eye open.”

“You’re such a romantic, Ally,” Lynn said, rolling her eyes. “So are you all set for next week?”

She nodded, leaning back against the vinyl seat. “I just talked to Tara, who reminded me to tell you once again to get your asses down there to visit her.”

“How are your dad and Tara doing?” Kim asked, reaching for the bowl of popcorn.

She took another long drink from her glass. “Same old Tara. Loves her New Zealand teaching job. Busy with friends. Dad is still traveling the world. Right now he’s in New Zealand’s South Island. Tara teased me before we hung up. Something about how I had to look up the people he’s visiting. She was very cryptic about how she all but begged Dad to take her with him.” As soon as the words came out, she realized she should have kept that to herself.

Lynn shot Kim a knowing look and clapped her hands. “C’mon, Ally. We have time before Todd shows up. Don’t give us that look. He’s going to show up.” Lynn scooted out of her booth and squeezed into the seat, sandwiching her in the middle.

“You know we’re just going to be looking at really pretty scenery. That’s what she’s probably talking about. Maybe you’ve seen the movie
Lord of the Rings
?”