Weeds in the Garden of Love (24 page)

One afternoon, their father came home early. Lorne’s older brother Dave, a senior in high school, was at the kitchen table, studying for an exam. The old man grabbed an extension cord out of a drawer and whipped Dave across his back. Dave had reached his limit. He went berserk. Lorne watched Dave pound their father to the floor. Dave wouldn’t stop. He couldn’t stop. His fists were full of rage from years of abuse. Later, Dave said he would have killed him if Lorne hadn’t pulled him away.

Lorne helped Dave haul their father out the front door. The old man struggled to free himself. He screamed and cursed as they dragged him down the front steps and across the lawn to the street. Dave and Lorne held him down and told him they never wanted to see him again. They threatened to kill him if he ever came back. He must have believed them. They never saw their father again.

Life was easier for Lorne and his brothers after that, even though they were dirt poor. Their father never paid a cent to their mother. She worked hard as a cleaning lady during the day and a cashier at a convenience store in the evening. She was a devoted mom and loved her boys. They loved her as well and let her know it.

Lorne had fond memories of those days after his father left. They lived in a two-bedroom ramshackle house on the outskirts of town. They had no car, no phone and the only money the boys had came from their after-school jobs. All the brothers wore hand-me-down clothes and used folded newspaper to cover the holes in the soles of their shoes on snowy winter days. They didn’t have much, but they had each other and they were safe. You can’t put a price on that. Sometimes being rich has nothing to do with money.

* * *

Lorne was beginning to cool down by the time he drove past Towercrest Realty.
Towercrest—hmm, Chrissie Andrews. She didn’t rat me out, and it’s been too long since I got lucky. That’s exactly what I need right now. A little horizontal distraction would take my mind off this.

Lorne was no fool, however. He had to find a job immediately. His child support payments were substantial, and he certainly didn’t want to fall into arrears. He knew the system and how easily it could be twisted to make a deadbeat’s life miserable. He had no doubt Talbot and the SOE would use his own tricks against him and show no mercy. Lorne was right.

* * *

Although it was a first date, Craig and Vikki talked like lifelong friends all the way to the restaurant. When he called to invite her out for dinner, Craig asked Vikki if she could suggest a place she liked. Vikki told him one of her favorite restaurants was Athens by Night, a charming authentic Greek place.

The savory smells of garlic, ouzo and saganaki greeted them when they arrived. The interior was decorated in traditional white and blue. The floor was mosaic tile and a mural of white cloud frescos adorned the stucco ceiling. Hanging ferns and plants served as privacy partitions, sectioning the restaurant into small comfortable areas. The hostess seated them at a cozy booth in a secluded corner. Craig was glad he had called earlier and requested a romantic table.

Glancing at the menu, Vikki told Craig she loved Greek food and usually ordered an assortment of mezes rather than a main course. Craig had never met anyone else who would order an entire dinner of appetizers. It was something he particularly enjoyed, especially in Greek restaurants.

They both ordered traditional Greek salad and decided to share appetizers of taramousalata, tzatziki and spanikopita accompanied by a basket of warm pita bread. A bottle of Assyrtiko, a crisp white from Santorini, cooled in a wine bucket on a stand beside the table. They ordered coffee and ouzo after supper. Vikki told him she always liked “a little something sweet” to end a meal, so they shared a piece of baklava for dessert.

Craig couldn’t believe how comfortable he felt and how much they had in common. As Vikki talked, Craig was mesmerized. He agreed with her opinions about every topic they discussed. He was amazed. He had found someone whose beliefs and philosophy mirrored his. Craig had yet to learn Vikki felt the same. She was as enthralled with him as he was with her.

The waiter came by and asked if they would like anything else. Craig looked around to discover the restaurant was empty. The tables had been stripped of their cloths and the chairs were overturned on top. When had that happened? Craig checked his watch. “We’ve talked the whole evening. It’s midnight.”

Vikki was surprised as well. “Wow. Time really does fly when you’re having a good time.”

Craig smiled at her. “I know other people were here when we arrived. I never saw them leave.”

“
Neither did I.”

“
What a super night this has been,” Craig said.

Vikki blushed. “I don’t want it to end.”

“
I feel the same—but I think they want to close.”

They talked and laughed on the way back to Vikki’s apartment. Craig already knew he wanted to ask her out again.

He walked her into the lobby. After Vikki opened the inside security door, Craig stepped back and told her how much he had enjoyed the evening. Then he left. This was how Craig planned to say good night on their first date. The last thing he wanted was to make Vikki feel uncomfortable. He didn’t want the night to end with first-date-kiss complications.

The next day was the Fourth of July. Craig called Vikki shortly before noon. He enjoyed their evening together so much, he had to talk and share with her again. Vikki was surprised he called so soon. She assumed he would wait a few days. She was glad he didn’t and accepted his invitation to go out that afternoon.

From that day on, Craig and Vikki would say: “Our journey together began with a surprise phone call in the morning, coffee in the afternoon and fireworks at twilight.”

* * *

A bartender for twenty years, Danny had heard this song and dance before. After all those years behind a bar, the stories begin to sound the same. Anyone listening would be bored stiff. Danny was usually an expert at paying attention to the customer while listening to the game on the television. It was a true art form. This time, however, the customer droned on for so long, Danny had tuned him out.

“
You listening to me, man? Danny? Hello? Earth calling Danny.”

“
Sorry. I wanted to hear the score from Chicago, to see how our boys are doin’.”

“
That’s okay,” Eric said. “It’s just you’re the only person I can confide in.” And Eric Millard had plenty to confide. Danny listened as Eric complained about his ex-wife Vikki dating Craig Andrews.

“
Isn’t that the guy who cold-cocked you in here?” Danny already knew the answer.

“
Sure is. He was here with that Hodges guy. Heard Hodges was the one who got Lorne Davis fired from the SOE—gave them pictures of Davis running around with women who were clients.”

“
What about Andrews?” Danny was trying to get Eric back on track.
Not an easy task
c
onsidering the amount he’s had to drink.
Eric didn’t respond. He stared into his drink like it was a crystal ball. “Eric. What about Andrews?”

“
Oh, yeah—sorry.” Eric slowly looked up at Danny. “Vikki moved in with him. Want to know what the kicker is?”

“
Might as well. We’ve come this far together.”

“
Someone told me they heard she was only going out with Andrews to get even with his ex-wife Chrissie. I know Chrissie. I know what she’s like. Well, I know— ‘what’ she likes. Anyway, Vikki is bent out of shape because Chrissie was screwing her boyfriend, that Lorne Davis guy.”

“
That’s pretty twisted logic, even for a jilted woman.”

“
That’s not the real twisted part,” Eric said. “Apparently, she thought she could also make Davis jealous. She wanted to get even with him for lying about two-timing her and jumping Chrissie.”

“
Two birds with one stone named Craig Andrews,” Danny said. “Gotta admire her efficiency, if nothing else.”

Eric didn’t laugh or even acknowledge Danny’s comment. He was catatonic and staring into his drink, once again. The mere mention of Chrissie stirred up old emotions. He was tortured by visions of what they could have accomplished together, in business—and in bed.
Damn that Davis
for stealing Vikki and Chrissie from me. I want him to pay.
Scenarios raced through his mind. Eric fantasized about what he would do to him.

Eric was exhibiting all the signs of someone in emotional distress. Danny wondered whether he was dangerous.
I think this guy’s cheese has slipped off his
cracker. Wish I could help him but that’s gonna take a pro.
“You okay, Eric? Maybe you should … you know … talk to a professional—”

“
I’m fine,” Eric said. “Just fine. A lot finer than some folks would be if I had my way.”

Danny changed the subject. “Heard they’re thinking about trading Glover. Say he’s getting old and slow and won’t be worth much if they wait too long. I’m not sure that—”

Eric ignored Danny. “You’re right. That is twisted logic. I think she’s trying to get even with me. You know, for screwing around on her. Pour me another one, will ya?”

Danny poured Eric another dark draft. He excused himself and began emptying the glass washer at the other end of the bar. He glanced at Eric. He was worried about this guy. He figured he was close to the edge. Danny had watched him slide. Not long ago, Millard had been a confident, smart professional with a promising future. Now, he was moody, uncertain and seemed headed for a breakdown or something worse.
That whole Roberts’s
mess didn’t help. Neither did the shot to the head he took from Andrews.

Danny decided to keep an eye on Eric. He had seen people nearing the breaking point before. He was well aware of the signs and didn’t want to see anyone hurt.

Too bad everyone didn’t feel that way.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Old Friends and Lovers

“
Who’s that at the grill? Captain Kingsford?” Craig said, as he and Vikki walked into the backyard. “Nobody uses charcoal anymore. Haven’t you heard they have gas grills now, Captain?” He winked at Loretta.

Garth intentionally ignored Craig. “Hi, Vikki. Who’s the new joker you’re with tonight?”

Craig gave Loretta a hug. “Dump the Captain, Loretta. He’s living back in the fifties.”

The four of them got together often. Garth and Craig were more than good friends. They were like brothers. And Vikki and Loretta were kindred spirits from the first time they met.

Loretta put Craig and Garth in charge of grilling the steaks and shrimp, while she and Vikki prepped salad, garlic bread and veggies. It gave them all a chance to catch up on the latest gossip.

Garth added mesquite wood chips to the coals. “Heard Lorne Davis can’t find a job. He was complaining to Danny at Malarkey’s.”

“
Poor baby,” Craig said. “Wouldn’t it be something if he gets behind in his support and gets a taste of his own medicine?”

“
Couldn’t happen to a bigger jerk. Danny also says Davis is doin’ some hard drinkin’. He offers to call a cab, but Lorne refuses.”

Craig began to sing in a childlike voice. “Lornie’s gonna get in trouble. Lornie’s gonna get in trouble.” He and Garth clinked their beer bottles.

After dinner, Craig tinkled his wine glass with a spoon. As he stood up, his head hit the patio table umbrella. He backed up and steadied himself. Then, he cleared his throat and raised his glass. “I’d like to suppose a toast,” he slurred. “Here’s to Lornie … hic … ‘scuse, me … Davis. May the creep get everysing he deserveses.”

Garth stumbled to his feet across the table, stooped to avoid the umbrella and picked up his glass of wine. “Here’s to ol’ Lorne whas-is-name.” He was doing his best to maintain his balance. “May he suffer jist as mush as those he pershecuted.”

Vikki and Loretta raised their eyebrows as they raised their glasses to join their drunken husbands in the toast. They were delighted Lorne was finally getting what he deserved. They were proud of the part they played.

Craig sat down beside Vikki. He reached under the table and gently squeezed her knee, slowly moving his hand up to caress the inside of her thigh. Vikki stopped him with a look of mock disdain and a saucy smile. Craig loved this lady with all his heart. He wanted to be with her forever and was sure she felt the same.

Craig looked across the table at his friend Garth. He was leaning close to Loretta and whispering in her ear. She was listening but caught Craig looking at them. She grinned and tilted her head at Garth. Craig knew this party was over.

He and Garth had planned to get blasted this evening. They had a lot to celebrate.

They were both employed once again; Garth selling heavy equipment and Craig building his office supply business. More importantly, they had women who loved them. Life was good, and the future looked wonderful. To top it off, Lorne Davis was miserable; his life was going down hill in a hurry. What could be better than savoring your own success while watching your nemesis go down in flames? Especially when you lit the fire.

The cab arrived, and the four of them shared a group hug. They made plans to get together again soon. Craig waved out the back window of the cab. Garth was all over Loretta. She was feigning resistance but clearly loving every minute of it.