Until the End of Time (25 page)
Read Until the End of Time Online
Authors: Melanie Schuster
Renee looked at Ceylon and saw she was quite serious. “That’s Clay’s brother Martin. And he’s not the most sociable person you are going to meet tonight. But no, he’s not married,” she confirmed.
Ceylon smiled sweetly and her index finger stroked a curl of her short, silky hair. “He’s not married now, but he will be soon. To me.”
She started to walk towards him and Renee stopped her. “Do you want me to introduce you?” she asked.
Ceylon just smiled again. “Thanks, but no. I can handle this all by myself,” she purred. Renee stared after her bemusedly. Ceylon was certainly not afraid to go after what she wanted. She just hoped that Martin’s bitterness didn’t make him lash out at Ceylon.
Then again, knowing Ceylon, Martin is the one that needs to look out
, she thought. The thought of the stern and unyielding Martin pursued by the passionate and effervescent Ceylon put a big smile on her face, which Andrew observed as he joined her at a secluded table.
Then again, knowing Ceylon, Martin is the one that needs to look out
, she thought. The thought of the stern and unyielding Martin pursued by the passionate and effervescent Ceylon put a big smile on her face, which Andrew observed as he joined her at a secluded table.
“
I hope that big, beautiful smile is for me,” he said softly as he reached for her hand under the tablecloth.
I hope that big, beautiful smile is for me,” he said softly as he reached for her hand under the tablecloth.
“
This smile and everything else I have. It’s all for you, Andy,” she said in an equally soft voice as their fingers entwined under the table. She loved the look of raw passion that came over his face as she spoke. She just loved him, period. And she wanted to be with him so badly that she felt as though she was on fire.
This smile and everything else I have. It’s all for you, Andy,” she said in an equally soft voice as their fingers entwined under the table. She loved the look of raw passion that came over his face as she spoke. She just loved him, period. And she wanted to be with him so badly that she felt as though she was on fire.
As if he could read her thoughts, Andrew responded. “I have a surprise for you, Renee. Come with me,” he said, rising from the table and taking her hand. Before they could make their escape, however, it was time for Bennie to throw her bouquet and Clay to throw the garter. Of all the silly things to have to put up with now, this was the silliest. Renee was so intent on sneaking out of the ballroom unnoticed by her mother or sisters that when the bouquet left Bennie’s hands she was paying it no attention whatsoever. When it landed in her arms Renee was as thrilled as if someone had handed her a live chicken.
Andrew had whipped out his ever-handy cell phone to check on a patient and was trying to keep an eye on Renee at the same time. So when the champagne-colored garter with the tiny cerise rose landed on his phone he was understandably startled. He immediately tossed it away from him like it was a large insect while everyone laughed. Finally, the hubbub died down long enough for him to grab Renee’s hand and make tracks.
They were seated in his Bentley heading for Birmingham, Michigan and the Townsend Hotel, a lovely establishment that looked as though its only purpose was to serve as a trysting place for lovers. Before Renee could utter a word of protest, Andrew assured her that everything was under control.
“
Your mom is going to have quite the hangover tomorrow, but your sister LeeAnn, who likes me a lot, thank you very much, is going to keep her fine and mellow and out of your hair for the next 12 hours or so. And she’s more than happy to play hostess in your absence so we don’t have to go home until tomorrow morning. And someone is taking all my calls so we’re totally on our own,” he finished happily.
Your mom is going to have quite the hangover tomorrow, but your sister LeeAnn, who likes me a lot, thank you very much, is going to keep her fine and mellow and out of your hair for the next 12 hours or so. And she’s more than happy to play hostess in your absence so we don’t have to go home until tomorrow morning. And someone is taking all my calls so we’re totally on our own,” he finished happily.
Renee just stared at him. “You mean to tell me that you and my sister conspired to get my mother drunk so that you and I could have an evening of hot, unbridled sex under her very nose?” she said in a voice of indignation and righteousness. Then she smiled mischievously. “I wish I’d thought of that. You’re good. Very, very good,” she praised.
As they pulled to a stop at a traffic light, Andrew leaned over and planted a big, noisy kiss on Renee. “That’s not the only thing I’m good at. I have a few more talents that I can’t wait to place at your disposal,” he said with a wicked grin. Renee returned the kiss with one of her own and slid her hand up his thigh to a crucial juncture. As he moaned with pleasure, Renee informed him that the light was now green. “Let’s go, Andy. I wouldn’t want any of your talent to go to waste,” she murmured as she stroked him harder. They were at the hotel and checked in five minutes later.
Chapter Thirteen
Days after the wedding took place Renee was still glowing. It had been such a wonderful celebration of love and happiness for Bennie and Clay that her heart was completely warmed. Besides, it had proven to be quite a turning point in her relationship with Andrew. The cat was well and truly out of the bag now; everyone knew that they were in love. Andrew had always said that they would know when the right time came to let everyone know, and he was right. The timing couldn’t have been better. As it turned out, Andrew was right about a lot of things concerning Bennie’s wedding. For one thing, Renee’s mother did indeed have a tiny hangover the next day. But Pearlie Mae didn’t mind that minor inconvenience. She’d seen what everyone else at the wedding had seen, that Renee and Andrew were truly a couple. And she decided that she was okay with that development, much to Renee’s surprise.
Renee had quite honestly been holding her breath when her mother had come face to face with Andrew because one never knew what gems the lovely Pearlie Mae would retrieve from the ‘archives’, as Renee and her sisters referred to Pearlie’s store of witticisms. One thing that was in Andrew’s favor was the fact that he wasn’t a stranger. He had met all of Renee’s family on many occasions over the years and had always left a favorable impression. At the reception, Pearlie Mae was, for her, effusively glad to see Andrew.
“
Well, young man, I see that you are looking no worse for the wear,” she intoned while looking him up and down. “In point of fact, you are looking quite well. Well enough to dance, one might hope,” she added, with a steely glint in her eye. Andrew got the rather broad hint immediately and escorted her out onto the dance floor where they danced a few numbers together. Pearlie Mae’s expression changed from distant to warm to downright bubbly, right in front of Renee’s amazed eyes.
Well, young man, I see that you are looking no worse for the wear,” she intoned while looking him up and down. “In point of fact, you are looking quite well. Well enough to dance, one might hope,” she added, with a steely glint in her eye. Andrew got the rather broad hint immediately and escorted her out onto the dance floor where they danced a few numbers together. Pearlie Mae’s expression changed from distant to warm to downright bubbly, right in front of Renee’s amazed eyes.
Gloria and LeeAnn couldn’t resist needling her in the time-honored tradition of older sisters. They sat together at one of the big round tables and watched their mother flirt outrageously with Andrew while Renee grew more and more apprehensive.
What is she saying to him? And, more importantly, what is he saying to her?
What is she saying to him? And, more importantly, what is he saying to her?
“
You’re just dying to know what they’re talking about, aren’t you?’ Gloria teased. “Well, just remember the hoops of fire that she had our boyfriends jumping through. It’s your turn, little sister. She’s probably asking him how much he makes per annum right now,” Gloria laughed. Renee moaned and pressed her fingers to her temples. LeeAnn saw no reason to alleviate her suffering; she chimed right in after Gloria.
You’re just dying to know what they’re talking about, aren’t you?’ Gloria teased. “Well, just remember the hoops of fire that she had our boyfriends jumping through. It’s your turn, little sister. She’s probably asking him how much he makes per annum right now,” Gloria laughed. Renee moaned and pressed her fingers to her temples. LeeAnn saw no reason to alleviate her suffering; she chimed right in after Gloria.
“
Oh, no, girl, she’s probably asking him for his last AIDS test and his TRW rating. Then she’ll ask what his intentions are concerning her
spinster
daughter. She might even ask for a motility count to see if he can still father children,” LeeAnn pointed out. Stifling a shriek, Renee reached for a glass of champagne on the tray of a passing waiter. After watching her down it in one swallow, her sisters relented. It was plain that Andrew and Renee meant a great deal to one another and they hastened to assure Renee that even the original Mrs. Queen wouldn’t say or do anything untoward, at least not today.
Oh, no, girl, she’s probably asking him for his last AIDS test and his TRW rating. Then she’ll ask what his intentions are concerning her
spinster
daughter. She might even ask for a motility count to see if he can still father children,” LeeAnn pointed out. Stifling a shriek, Renee reached for a glass of champagne on the tray of a passing waiter. After watching her down it in one swallow, her sisters relented. It was plain that Andrew and Renee meant a great deal to one another and they hastened to assure Renee that even the original Mrs. Queen wouldn’t say or do anything untoward, at least not today.
“
She likes to bide her time,” LeeAnn reminded her. “She has the rest of your lives to meddle so she’ll pace herself. Now, after you and Andrew get hitched? It’s
on
, sister, so watch your back.” The three women looked at each other and burst out laughing.
She likes to bide her time,” LeeAnn reminded her. “She has the rest of your lives to meddle so she’ll pace herself. Now, after you and Andrew get hitched? It’s
on
, sister, so watch your back.” The three women looked at each other and burst out laughing.
It was such a relief to be able to be open and honest about their relationship that Renee was almost giddy. And it wasn’t like it was such a big surprise, anyway. Even Andrew’s father had some inkling that Andrew had more than a passing interest in his sister’s best friend. Big Benny was happy to inform her of that while they were dancing.
“
So. You and Andrew finally decided to act like adults, did you? It’s about time. I was wondering if you two were ever going to get over that foolishness and see that you were meant for each other,” he said affectionately.
So. You and Andrew finally decided to act like adults, did you? It’s about time. I was wondering if you two were ever going to get over that foolishness and see that you were meant for each other,” he said affectionately.
Renee blushed deeply. She and Big Benny had always gotten along like a house afire and he was known to refer to her as his other daughter from time to time. Still, it was rather touching to have his obvious approval. She smiled up at him sweetly and was about to speak when he added a bit of wisdom. “All I can tell you is to take care of each other and love each other. And for God’s sake,
elope
. Damned weddings cost too much,” he grumbled.
elope
. Damned weddings cost too much,” he grumbled.
After the wedding, Renee took a lot of pleasure in telling Andrew some of the milder things that had been said regarding their new status as a couple. Andrew had taken it all in stride, acting as though he had known all along that their liaison would be greeted with cheers.
“
Renee, sweetheart, when are you going to realize that I’m the smartest man in the world, especially when he comes to us?” he asked rhetorically. At the moment he made his pronouncement, they were sitting before the fireplace in the living room of the Indian Village house. It wasn’t really cold enough for a fire, but the evening was cool and rainy and autumnal and they both felt the need for a cozy backdrop. Renee took her time in answering because she was too comfortable. She was curled in his lap with her cheek resting against his chest and she was perfectly content, except for one thing. Finally she spoke.
Renee, sweetheart, when are you going to realize that I’m the smartest man in the world, especially when he comes to us?” he asked rhetorically. At the moment he made his pronouncement, they were sitting before the fireplace in the living room of the Indian Village house. It wasn’t really cold enough for a fire, but the evening was cool and rainy and autumnal and they both felt the need for a cozy backdrop. Renee took her time in answering because she was too comfortable. She was curled in his lap with her cheek resting against his chest and she was perfectly content, except for one thing. Finally she spoke.
“
I know you’re the smartest man in the world, darling. That’s why you were chosen to be on that surgical team. I’m still in awe over that,” she confessed.
I know you’re the smartest man in the world, darling. That’s why you were chosen to be on that surgical team. I’m still in awe over that,” she confessed.
Andrew sighed briefly. He’d been selected to be a part of a groundbreaking surgery that was going to be extremely complicated and had never been attempted before. A set of twins was born conjoined in such a way that if they were not separated, death was certain for both of the babies. They were joined at the head and shared parts of their skull as well as brain matter. Until very recently, no one would have attempted this kind of surgery, but a world renown neurosurgeon who had done amazing things with intercranial surgeries was going to make the attempt. Andrew was his first choice for the facial maxillary surgery that would also take place. Both babies would lose an eye, but there was a very good chance that both would live.
Renee turned her face to Andrew when she heard his sigh. “What’s the matter, honey? Is all the press around the case getting to you already?” she asked in a voice of concern. As much as they tried to keep the procedure under wraps, the media was already hounding the family of the children as well as the doctors for interviews, thus turning the case into a tabloid feeding frenzy.
Andrew assured her that wasn’t it. “I’m not crazy about all the attention, that’s for sure. I want to do this Renee, for a lot of reasons. There are a lot of people that can be helped if this works. And this is the perfect case for the new polymer replacement material I’ve been developing. I’m really looking forward to getting started on this and doing our best to save both of those babies. I just wish the timing were better, that’s all,” he said glumly.
Before Renee could ask him what he was talking about, he reminded her that he wanted to go to Atlanta with her to take Bennie her car and her cat. “It’s just not going to be possible, Renee. I’m sorry, but I just can’t leave town right now,” he said ruefully. Renee kissed him sweetly and passionately then, forestalling any further conversation.
Andrew brightened up immediately. “I don’t know what that was for, but I’ll take as many of those as you have on hand,” he quipped.
Renee stroked his face and smiled. “It’s because every time I think I can’t love you anymore, I fall in love with you all over again. Here you are on the brink of one of the biggest cases of your career and you’re concerned about taking me on some little trip. You’re the sweetest man in the world, you know that?”
Andrew was considerably more cheerful by now. “Yes, I am,” he agreed without shame. “Let’s see,” he said thoughtfully, “I’m the smartest, and the sweetest. If you tell me I’m the best-looking I’ll run for office. Ouch!” He winced in fake pain as Renee punched him lightly in the arm.
“
You’re a hot mess, I hope you know that.” Renee tried to look stern but failed miserably. Andrew was happy to agree with her, though. “Damned right I am. And I’m your hot mess,” he growled before pulled her down on top of him and showing her just how delightful a mess could be.
You’re a hot mess, I hope you know that.” Renee tried to look stern but failed miserably. Andrew was happy to agree with her, though. “Damned right I am. And I’m your hot mess,” he growled before pulled her down on top of him and showing her just how delightful a mess could be.
***
Despite Andrew’s absence, Donnie and Renee had a great old time on the way to Atlanta, Aretha less so. She was not fond of riding in cars, particularly when she was confined to her despised carrier. But left to her own devices she liked to drape herself across the steering wheel or ferret her way between the driver’s legs and climb up to sit on the headrest and other dangerous activities. So she was tidily caged up on the backseat where she made her displeasure known with periodic snarls. Renee tried talking to her for a while but was snubbed.
“
Well, just remember, it was this or drugs. I was trying to do you a favor, and this is how you act. Suit yourself, cat.”
Well, just remember, it was this or drugs. I was trying to do you a favor, and this is how you act. Suit yourself, cat.”
Donnie looked at Renee out of the corner of his eye. “Uh, Renee? Are you under the impression that she can understand you?”
“
Of course she can. And I’ve heard you talking to those ruffian retrievers of yours just like they’re children, so don’t you even go there,” she reminded him.
Of course she can. And I’ve heard you talking to those ruffian retrievers of yours just like they’re children, so don’t you even go there,” she reminded him.
“
Yeah,” Donnie agreed, “but they’re
dogs
.”
Yeah,” Donnie agreed, “but they’re
dogs
.”
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