Sweet but Sexy Boxed Set (90 page)

Being here with Geoff was good.

“Hey.” Janie stood at the door in the same clothes she’d worn for three days.

“
Hi.” Cheris sat up and leaned against the bedframe. “How’s your wall coming along?”

“
Pretty well. Geoff installed canvas covers over the actual walls in there so if I ever want to take the pieces, I could.” Janie entered the room and sat on the bed’s edge. “You and he are doing okay, it seems.”

Cheris nodded.
“I think so, but you and I need to get back soon. I worry about leaving Timmy alone this long.”

“
I’ll be done tomorrow at the very latest.”

****

Because Geoff had no afternoon classes, he and Cheris came back to the house after lunch. When they pulled into the driveway, Janie’s car was missing.

“
We should have taken her to lunch with us,” Cheris commented. “She said she was getting close to finishing.”

“
I doubt she would have agreed to go.” Geoff guided the vehicle into the garage. They left the SUV and walked into the kitchen.

“
Wonder where she is.”

“
Maybe she’d done, and she went to grab a bite to eat.”

Cheris excused herself to use the restroom.

“She’s gone!” Cheris exclaimed, a piece of paper clutched in her hand. She marched out of the bathroom and held up the note up to Geoff.

Gone back to Cullsbaeir. I
’ll take care of Timmy ‘til you get back. Janie.

“
She left me here on purpose.” Cheris snatched her phone out of her purse and punched Janie’s number on her keypad. Of course, the jerk didn’t pick up. Pushing the end button, she huffed. “I talked to her this morning. She didn’t say a thing about going.”

“
Yeah. When she gets in that artist mode, she has little regard for anyone else.” Geoff opened the guest bedroom door and walked inside.

Cheris followed him.

Before them a colorful depiction of the Garden of Eden covered the wall with a beautiful crouching dragon dominating the scene. His wings stretched up behind him and his face seemed more playful than sinister. Eve stood naked before him, gazing longingly at the beast as her arm stretched up for an apple hanging from a shimmering tree. Behind her, Adam glowered at Eve, his dirty claw-like hand reaching for her.

“
I can’t believe she did this in two days. It’s incredible.” Cheris pointed to the woman. “She’s painted herself as Eve.”

“
Yes, and this,” Geoff indicated Adam, “is Bobby. See his tattoo? The dragon, though. That’s an interesting addition to the Garden of Eden story.”

Realization dawned on Cheris.
“Oh, my gosh. David Denton said something to her about what the serpent would look like before God’s curse.”

“
Who?”

“
Her new boyfriend. He’s a minister.”

Geoff burst into laughter.

“He is. That’s why she’s so upset.”

“
Hmm. Look.” Geoff stepped to the wall. Without touching the painting, he traced the lines on the animal’s scales. A capitalized D hung from the corner of another one in a monogram near the dragon’s breast. “He’s the dragon.”

“
Wow. That’s different.”

“
That’s my sister.”

****

Things were moving fast.

But it was okay.

Cheris and Geoff had met with Larry Preston when they’d come back to Cullsbaeir over the weekend, and Larry had disclosed he and her boss had negotiated using the dream house as a backdrop for the wedding line on Hip Granny’s website.

When Cheris had called Bill Connors to verify the story, he
’d confirmed it.

With an offer of a six month lease, Cheris waited until she met with Bill before deciding. Geoff had gone back to Georgia, and Cheris had gone back to work on Monday to discuss her career options.

On Monday she sat before Bill in his office wearing her best business woman suit and her hair in a neat chignon. “What are your terms?”

He opened a drawer, pulled out a stapled document and pushed it across his desk toward her.
“Double your salary. You come public as Cheris the newlywed. Daily blogs and ad ops. Weekly webcasts on wedding planning and domestic topics, including spots at businesses.”

“
Weekly?”

“
It doesn’t have to focus on you. And none of Geoff. Weddings are women’s realm. I’d like to have him as completely absent. It lends to the mystery and the everyman aspect of the groom.”

“
And also you wouldn’t have to pay him if he doesn’t have an active role on the site.”

Bill chewed on his cigar.
“There is that.”

Like he hadn
’t already thought of it.

Bill
’s chair squeaked as he straightened and spoke. “I want your matter-of-fact approach here like you’ve done for the computer tech stuff. You’re smart and practical. The market will respect your opinion. And you’re pretty, so that makes you attractive to the wanna-be brides on the net. It’s a brilliant move for us. We’ll progressively transition from Hip Granny to a more general advice and market online shop with a host team approach. That way if in two years you decide you don’t want to do it anymore, we’re not in a lurch.”

“
Two years?”

“
For you on the wedding site.”

“
What about the house? If you want it for Net Enterprises, why not lease it yourself? Why try to manipulate me and Geoff into it?”

“
Babe…”

Cheris stood up to leave.

“Sorry. Sorry.” Bill stood and hurried around the desk raising his arms in a placating gesture. “Cheris, Larry and I are old friends. We happened to be on the golf course the other day, and you and the house came up. But I’m not into real estate. If Net Enterprises gets into property rental and purchase, it’ll create all kinds of headaches I don’t want to fool with. But Larry sees it as an opportunity. That’s why he’s willing to rent it to you so cheap. We’ll contract with him through you for on location webcasts to do with setting up housekeeping. It’s ingenious.”

“
Why weren’t you and he just upfront with me about it?”

“
Because you were on your honeymoon. Milt said leave you alone, but Larry?” Bill shook his head and laughed. “He’s on a scent. He’s overzealous, but that’s why he’s the best realtor in the state.” Going over to the chair she had vacated, he patted the back of it. “Come. Sit back down.” He crossed the office and settled back in his chair as Cheris sat down. “Don’t move in the house if you don’t want to. Don’t sign the contract, but I’m telling you, I think the setting is perfect. You can live in one part of the house, and we can do the spots in the other. It’s convenient without being intrusive. And with your name on the lease, you have more control. Do you see that?”

“
Yes, I do.”

“
Okay. Well, those are the terms.” Bill eyed her for a few moments. “I’ll give you a couple of days to read it over and think about it. Milton is coming back into town Thursday. We’ll meet with him if you decide you want to do this.”

It didn
’t take long.

Bill had wisely created a position for her so that she could host the wedding site without infringing on her private life. No matter what she and Geoff decided personally, she
’d have a raise and control over much of the content.

By Thursday she
’d moved into the role of the online newlywed and brought two advertising contracts along with a timeline for the upcoming month to her meeting with Bill and Milton.

With Monnie
’s after-the-fact wedding shower coming up, Cheris had already made three webcasts at area stores as she picked out china patterns and registered for gifts while Rhoderman worked the camera. His awkward countenance and her accompanying banter had Milton over the moon and Bill scrambling to negotiate a new contract with Rhoderman as the geeky sidekick cameraman on Cheris’ wedding adventures.

Chapter Fourteen

“Don’t have a mother”, he said. Not only had he no mother, but he had not the slightest

desire to have one. He thought them very over-rated persons.

—
Peter Pan
by J.M. Barrie

Cheris smiled as she unwrapped a silver rimmed glass salad bowl. The name on the card was unfamiliar. She handed it to Geoff who sat next to her. He read the script and nodded. “They are Mom and Dad’s next door neighbors.” Glancing around the room, he searched for them. “Very nice. Thank you.”

“
Yes, Thank you,” Cheris added.

“
Such nice manners,” a raspy voiced declared. “Hard to believe you’re my kid.” Sarah McDowell stood in the doorway, her flinty gaze piercing her daughter’s.

Cheris heart stopped.

Mama.

How had she gotten here, and why?

“Guess you wasn’t going to tell me about your party or gettin’ married.”

Oh, no. Please.

The last thing Cheris wanted was her mother making a scene in front of Geoff’s family and their friends.

She glanced at Rhoderman who held a small camera in front of his face.

Or the world wide web.

Rhoderman lowered the camera.

The room was completely silent, and Gerald, Mom’s boss, appeared and stood behind her. He waved to Cheris, his mouth crooked in a half grin.

Monnie stood and approached Sarah and Gerald, a welcoming smile on her face.
“Bless your hearts for coming all this way. How wonderful to have you.” She reached over and hugged Sarah, startling her though the woman accepted the embrace. “I’m Monnie, the groom’s mother. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’m glad you got the invitation.”

Sarah studied Monnie.
“Did you know about me? ‘Cause I sure as hell didn’t know about you.”

Monnie chuckled.
“Young people.” She shook her head. “Too busy living their lives to stop and tell us about it.” She offered her hand to Gerald. “Hello. You must be…”

“
Gerald Smithson.” He shook the hand she offered before pulling her to him in a bear hug. “I’m Sarah’s boss, and today I’m her driver since she lost her license for that DUI back in aught eight.”

The affectionate pose elicited a surprised yelp from Monnie, but she recovered quickly.

“It was oh-seven, Gerald, and I’ll thank you not to air my dirty laundry in front of Cheris’ new family.”

“
Mama—”

“
You finally got you a family you don’t have to be ashamed of.”

“
Oh, Sarah. I’m thrilled to pieces you’re here,” Monnie said, “May I get you and Gerald something to drink? We’ve got punch and just about anything else you’d like.”

Sarah turned back to Monnie, and Cheris held her breath hoping Sarah wouldn
’t cuss her out. For ten seconds they stared at each other.

“
I’ll take some punch. I’m a recovering alcoholic,” she stated in her no nonsense way. “So if it’s got liquor in it, you better just give me water.”

“
I’ll take whatever’s handy,” Gerald added.

“
Please have a seat if you like.” Monnie called for her husband. “Chip? Would you get Sarah and Gerald settled?”

At her bidding, Chip moved to help the newcomers find a place to sit. Geoff wrapped his arm around Cheris
’ waist and leaned in to her.

“
Want me to open the next one?” he murmured to her.

She nodded blinking quickly so that the tears in her eyes wouldn
’t fall.

Monnie had invited her mom? Why? Why was her mom even here? Cheris hadn
’t even talked to the woman since Mother’s Day last year when she’d called her an ungrateful daughter and hung up on her.

Geoff pulled a gaily wrapped box from the mound of gifts on the table next to them. He opened it, made the appropriate responses, and opened the next several before calling for a break. Monnie stepped in and invited everyone to refresh their plates. Grasping Cheris
’ hand, Geoff led her out of the room, and down the hall to the den under the stairs where they had kissed when she’d had Sunday lunch here several weeks ago.

Geoff shut the door and locked it before pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly to him. The gesture was to offer comfort and strength. For a moment they stayed in that position until Geoff kissed the top of her head and stepped back.

“I’m so sorry, Geoff. If I had any idea your mom was planning on inviting her, I would have—”

“
No, I’m sorry. Mom should have okayed it with you.”

“
I can’t go back out there. Not with her here,” Cheris said brokenly.

“
Okay.” He nodded.

“
What do you mean ‘okay’? I have to go back out there.”

“
No, you don’t. Not if you don’t want to.”

“
What about the party?”

Geoff shrugged.
“What about it?”

“
We have to finish opening the presents.”

“
I can do that. You can stay in here, or go up to my room. I’ll send Janie up to stay with you.”

“
I have to go out there,” Cheris said tearfully.

Geoff pressed his hands on either side of her face.
“No, you don’t.”

“
But my mom. She’ll…she’s—”

“
My mom can handle her. She’s had lots of practice with Janie. It will be fine. I promise.”

“
You don’t know my mom.”

“
I know her daughter, and that’s good enough.”

“
I’m nothing like her.”

“
I know.” He grinned down at her. “You were insistent I drive the night you knew you were intoxicated. You lectured me about safety on the road, and made me walk a straight line and touch my fingers to my nose with my eyes closed to make sure I was sober before you’d hand your keys over to me.”

“
Really?”

He nodded.

Cheris became aware of how close they stood, their bodies touching from knees to chests. Her gaze dropped to his lips. “Kiss me,” she whispered. “Kiss me like you mean it.”

Geoff lowered his head, his lips just touching hers.
“We’re in this together. Remember that.” He molded his mouth to hers then, touching and tasting her, gentle, unhurried, deepening their connection, emotionally, physically until the tension drained away from her.

Pressing her head to his shoulder, he stroked her hair.
“Feel better?”

“
Yes.”

“
Okay. I’ll send Janie in here.”

“
No. I can do this. With you.”

“
Sure?”

Cheris nodded.

“Okay.”

With hands held, they walked to the door.
“Man, I hope we get the robotic vacuum cleaner. We’re halfway through the presents, and we still haven’t gotten one.”

Cheris grinned and determined if they didn
’t have one by the end of the party, she’d go out and buy one for Geoff.

Sarah McDowell said nothing more during the rest of the shower. Cheris noticed her absence as people congregated in groups preparing to leave.

Had she and Gerald left too?

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Annie Hill’s cane hit the floor with her progress toward Cheris. The older woman’s knowing gaze settled on her, making Cheris’ stomach churn.

“
My dear.” Annie stood in front of her. “You made me very proud how you handled yourself today. The potential for a scene was rather high, but you practiced graceful restraint.”

Cheris
’ throat stung with emotion.

“
Did you know she was no longer drinking?”

No. She
’d had no idea. Cheris shook her head.

“
She’s probably in AA. This trip is an opportunity for her to make amends. Be gracious, but cautious. Do you understand?”

Cheris nodded. Annie reached forward and kissed her forehead as Good Witch Glenda had done to Dorothy in protection against the Wicked Witch of the West.

Oh, please. I need those ruby slippers.

“
You call me if you need to.”

“
Thank you, Annie.”

Annie smiled in response and walked to the door as Geoff appeared beside Cheris and settled his arm around her shoulders.
“Still doing okay?”

Cheris took a shuttering breath. The uneasiness in her stomach continued.
“I think so.”

Monnie approached, all smiles.
“Wasn’t it a nice party? The weather couldn’t have been better for it, and how exciting to know you might use it on the wedding site.”

“
Monnie, did my mom leave?”

“
No, dear. I think I saw her headed to the kitchen.”

Cheris glanced at Geoff.
“I think I need to check on her.” If there was going to be a fight, it’d be better to do it privately while Monnie was seeing the rest of the guests off.

Cheris found her mother washing dishes in the sink.

“Hi.”

Sarah didn
’t look up.

“
You shouldn’t do that.”

“
Why? Afraid I’ll break your mother’s pretty dishes?”

Cheris came to stand next to her, attempting to ignore the tension of the years of bad feelings and resentment.
“
You’re
my mother.”

Sarah snorted.
“Nice of you to remember.”

Cheris swallowed hard when a wave of nausea rose up in her throat.
“Mom, I don’t want to fight.”

“
That why I have to find out from the U.S. Mail that my only daughter got married? Inviting me along with all of Margaret Arrowood’s uppity friends?” She rinsed a serving platter and set it on the counter.

“
I probably should have told you, but—”

“
But, I know. You’ve always considered yourself better than your raisings. And now all of you get to rub it in my face. Why don’t you go out there with them, and I’ll stay in here and clean up. It’s where I belong in this house. Tell Mrs. Margaret Arrowood she won’t have to dirty her manicured hands with the dishes, and she can count the silver after I leave.”

“
She’s been perfectly gracious to you ever since you walked in the door. It’s not fair to insult her.” Cheris held her stomach trying to quell its uneasy rumbling.

“
Fair.” Sarah shook her head. “Is it fair to live in a house like this without lifting a finger while I’m on my feet forty hours a week at the diner?”

“
Stop it, Mama.” Cheris’ voice rose in anger. “Why do you have to make everything seem like it’s a personal insult to you? These are
nice
people.”

A sound from behind her caught her attention. Geoff and Monnie stood in the doorway.

Stomach acid burned her throat.
Oh, no.

I
’m going to….

I can
’t….

Cheris clapped her fingers over her mouth and ran to the garbage can before throwing up.

Hands—but not her mother’s hands, Geoff’s hands—pulled her hair away from her face while she lost everything she’d eaten. She dropped to her knees and closed her eyes in misery and humiliation, tears streaming down her face.

When she
’d finished, she sat down and tried to catch her breath. Geoff knelt beside her his hand still holding her hair.

Sarah stood with arms crossed as she studied her daughter.
“Well, I guess this explains a lot. You went and got yourself knocked up. I guess the apple really don’t fall too far from the tree, do it? Except for
your
daddy never stuck around long enough to do the right thing by me.”

Geoff glanced at Monnie.
“Mom, help.” He lifted Cheris in his arms.

“
Now, Sarah, aren’t you sweet to wash up,” Monnie commented as Geoff and Cheris left the kitchen. “Here, I’ll dry. We’ll have this done in no time.”

Geoff carried Cheris upstairs and set her on a bed in one of the rooms. He walked out as fear and realization paralyzed Cheris. Could she be…?

She counted up days in her head.

Late. Three days.

No!
She didn’t want to be pregnant.

Geoff came back in with a warm wet bathcloth and wiped her face and neck.

She couldn’t have a baby. The wicked witch downstairs in the kitchen attested to the fact that Cheris had no business bringing up a child and screwing it up like her mother had screwed her up.