A Moment Like This (7 page)

After typing up the newest chapter of her book Selah pulled her hair back and secured it atop her head between her fingertips. Sighing she pondered about what to do next. She was impatient to talk to Haruko but lately he'd only been making her uncomfortable again. His borderline comments were starting to put toes lengths over the lines; when she hinted she was put at unease by it he shrugged it off. Pretty soon she was going to have to find another man to help her with playing house. This man didn't want to play house anymore he wanted to make a home.

She kept her discomforts to herself knowing Michael only would have told her so and unsure whether Dante would really care. When a tense email dropped into her inbox she replied with hesitation to his agitated tone:

Are you ignoring me? You promised me you would give me a chance and now you never speak to me. We need to talk. Meet me at the Lazy Daisy this Saturday at 12 noon. I won't take no for an answer.

A small sense of panic overtook her. She had promised Haruko a chance and he had thought she promised her finger. After the email she had sent him about her suspicion he had changed. He became crude, pushy and foul mouthed. This was the first email she had received that week free of expletives. She was scared.

But she couldn't confide in Michael and while Dante was a wonderful source of all things merry he'd just as soon remain in his world of unreality. Logging on to the match site she slipped in under her emails and typed a quick response to her secret paradise.

I need your help, Eden. I told that man I was speaking to you about I loved him and he transmogrified into that hideous creature my friend had warned me about! I should have known better. I don't know what to do! He's demanding I meet him at my café this Saturday at noon. I wish you were here. I just wish someone was here. I don't want to face him alone.

Her inbox pinged as she went to sign out of her account half an hour later. Opening his response she wanted to cry for relief.

Do as he says but whatever you do don't let him know that café is yours. If you have him in a public place he's less likely to try and hurt you. Invite a friend there and have him sit at a table nearby if that makes you more comfortable. Just don't let him know you're scared and don't let him get you alone. It'll be trying but you'll make it through. You're strong.

Selah gathered a little relief from Eden's reply and instead of dreading Saturday to come prayed it came with haste. The quicker she explained this to Haruko the quicker they could go their separate ways and move on. However no matter how many times she replayed the scene in her head the churning in her stomach wouldn't go away. Her gut felt rotten with bad feeling. The only being she found to confide in was Eden.

"So are you ready for your big weekend?" Colin questioned conversationally over the phone.

Promise licked her lips nervously before replying, "I wish you were coming with."

"If you're uncomfortable going alone with him call it off."

"But you're not going alone. He has friends meeting us there. He said he was bringing a girl named Cherry and another named Madeline with us, for your peace of mind."

"How many friends is he bringing?"

"It was a group of five last time I heard."

"Sounds safe enough," Colin relented reluctantly. If only one other girl was coming along at least he didn't have to worry too much about Aidan weaseling his way into having Promise alone. Girls stuck together like glue; just try to disagree with one of them. You ended up fighting the whole pack.

Aidan shoved her last bag in and swung the hatch shut turning to her he smiled and inhaled, "smell that?"

"Smell what?" she asked after whiffing the air about them.

"This," he said taking another deep breath that closed his eyes, "that's the smell of a perfect weekend brewing in the air."

The drive didn't seem so long because she slept a great deal of the way there. That was the effects of working nightshift for you. Work all night and sleep all day. She tried to apologize for not being more companionable but he refused to hear it. Taking her heaviest bag he slung it over his shoulder and ascended double stairs until he reached the porch of the magnificent chalet. Taking the key from his pocket he slipped it in the whole and turned; her luggage remained balanced on his shoulder.

If he tried to subdue her like Colin said… Shaking her head she hurried up the stairs after him carrying her overnighter. Aidan's actions so far had proven him nothing short of a gentleman. Colin was just paranoid from inhaling too many fumes of formaldehyde.

As they settled in for the night Promise ran her fingers through her hair thoughtfully. It was getting late and his friends still hadn't arrived. Dinner sat uneasily in her stomach. She approached Aidan who was watching dishes in the kitchen sink.

"Shouldn't they have at least called by now?" At her question he raised his eyes to glance at the clock. Returning nonchalantly to his task he shrugged.

"If it makes you more comfortable I'll call them to see what's going on once I've finished with the dishes."

"Yes that should help."

As she spoke the phone jangled on the wall. Looking up he motioned to it with his shoulder. "Bring it to me. It might be them."

"Are you sure you can handle it? I could just talk to them."

"No," he said with finality, "I'll talk to them. Now if you could. That was the second ring."

Plucking the phone from the wall she stretched it to reach his ear. Settling it on his shoulder with his newly dried hand he pressed his ear to the speaker. "Hello? Oh, Chip it's you. Yeah. No. No. Kind of. I understand. No need for that; Promise and I can make do. Thanks for calling." Pulling the plug from the drain he dried his hands and took the phone from his shoulder and returned it to its cradle in the wall. Turning back to face her he scratched the back of his head. "That was Chip. Madeline, his wife, twisted her ankle and Cherry can't get a ride without them. Sounds like we'll be here alone tonight."

"Alone?" Her heart skipped a beat then pattered a slightly quickened beat. "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm going to call Colin and see if he can't come after all."

"Colin? There's no need to call him. He'll ruin the whole weekend. Why can't you just give this a chance?" he asked, discreetly swaying so his body was between her and the phone. "You know I wouldn't hurt you, Hope."

"I still want to call Colin."

"Live a little, Promise. Can't you see what he's done to you? You never do anything without his approval."

"He's my best friend and wisest counsel. I'm not going to ditch him because you two can't get along. Perhaps I should have insisted he come along in the first place. You two are the ones that could use some time together."

"Do you realize we're three hours away form home? You're going to make him drive all that way because you're uncertain."

"Yes I am and he will happily come to ease my mind."

"Can't separate rooms and locks ease you mind?"

"Not unless we go there immediately and remain there for the rest of the trip. I don't trust you enough Aidan to be alone with you yet. I only agreed to this because you said your friends were coming."

"Unless you intend on driving me home I'm calling Colin." As she declared her intentions her cell rang and she made haste to open it. "Hello? Colin, I'm glad it's you!"

"Maybe we should just call the weekend off," Aidan moped in the background.

"Look Promise, I'm sorry I got all hot head about your night with Aidan. If he's who makes you happy then… who am I to stand between you?" He said with obvious pain in his voice. After his initial apology she hadn't heard a word.

"Colin, I need you to come after all. It turns out Aidan's friends couldn't make it and I'm not comfortable staying alone with him."

"You're alone with him right now aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"Stupid jock probably…" she heard muttered over the line.

"Are you coming or not, Colin?"

"I'll be there. Is the sleepover called off to?"

"By the pout on his face I'd say so."

"Pack up your stuff then. I'll be there in five."

"Five? If you think you're getting here in five anything I better give you directions."

"I don't know where you are, do I?"

"You haven't the foggiest."

"Better give me those directions then."

Nervously Selah slid her purse on her shoulder and pulled her hair out from the high bun she'd been working with it in. Fluffing her curls, she applied her lipstick with a shaky hand and stared at her reflection the mirror sure her fear was written plainly in the depths of her eyes. Taking a fortifying breath she slipped her apron over her head and smoothed her dress into place. Did she look modest enough? Was her appearance plain enough?

Poking her head out the restroom door she scanned the crowds for Michael. Spotting him at the counter she was able to smile faintly. However when she looked around for Dante his presence was missing. Selah bit her lip but comforted herself in the fact Michael's heart would be in whatever he did. He wasn't much to look at but he was bright. However with her hot headed Asian, brains may not be enough. Maybe his height would at least be intimidating. Where was Dante's brawn when you needed it? Probably playing football because he forgot, she groaned mentally.

Haruko stumbled in the door as she snuck out of the restroom and when he spotted her he called to her across the restaurant. "Selah!"

She hurried to meet him giving the patrons about the room that stared at her apologetic smiles. Reaching him she found herself dragged down into the unoccupied booth that they stood beside.

"
What did you want to talk about Haruko?"

"
This deal we had. You ain't holding up your end of it."

"
I never promised you anything but a chance," Selah informed him hoping her voice wasn't trembling too greatly, "and I gave you that."

"
Well I want more now."

"
This is a business deal, Haruko. You can't make me love you."

"
I can try." His hand lashed out and he grabbed her pulling her across the table and leaning towards her with purpose.

"
Hey Sey, sorry I'm late. Is he here yet?" Selah buried her face in her hands. With brain-mouth coordination like that it was a good thing Dante was mostly brawn.

"What was I thinking?" Promise questioned as she absentmindedly stroked Alex's head. "I had a bad feeling about it from the moment Aidan suggested it to and I went anyway. Why did I go against my gut feeling?"

Alex purred below her fingertips inclined her head to receive the maximum amount of affection per inch. "Am I that desperate to win his affections? Can I trust his affections? I want to give Aidan a chance but everything he does makes me uneasy."

Would she ever be comfortable around him? Could she ever learn to trust him after what he'd done to her? She wanted to but there was something about Aidan even now that put her on edge. That feeling her was hiding something from her; what hidden agenda did he operate on? Or was she just being paranoid?

"I'm running circles around myself. I keep trying to make this work but I'm not any closer to him now than I was six months ago or for that matter seven years ago. Am I getting anywhere?"

Alex mewed plaintively below her fingers. "What do you think, Alex? Is Mike right?"

Before Alex could reply the phone rang and Promise hurried to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hey Prick, how are you recovering? You seem kind of upset when I brought you home last night."

"I just wasn't sure what to think of the whole thing."

"If it was just coincidence what is there to think about?" After a moment Colin added, "if it's not why are you still going steady with him?"

"It's not steady anymore, Colin. I'm all mixed up about what to do about Aidan."

"You know my stand on the issue but sit down and let's talk."

"Talking to you won't do me any good," she admitted honestly, "don't take offense, Colin, but the person I really need to talk to is Aidan."

"He probably won't be in a very good mood after this weekend."

"I know but I've been putting this little powwow off too long already."

"I think this is a little more serious than a powwow, Promise."

"I know. It's just… I know," she surrendered, finally out of excuses after six months of debate.

"Talk it out with him, Promise. If it's meant to be things will work out."

"Why… what changed your mind about Aidan?"

"I haven't changed my mind just my approach. You need to see what Aidan really is with your own eyes. I'll be here to pick up the pieces as always."

"And if we work this out? If I marry him?"

"If he's what truly makes you happy who am I to stand in the way? I'll be in the crowd."

"I'd rather you by my side."

"You know Aidan would never allow it. When you take his hand things can never be the same. He'll be your husband and I'll have to step back."

But she didn't want anything to change between them. Colin had always been there for her. Could she trust Aidan for that? Promise was surprised at her hesitance to answer.

She didn't want security, she reminded herself. She wanted love, affection, passion like she'd never known before. Aidan offered her all those things freely. Colin had never offered her anything but friendship.

But when a drought of understanding came who would be willing to walk through it with her? Was her relationship with Aidan a dream come true or just a dream? Half the time Colin acted more like her ideal boyfriend than Aidan. Colin just knew her better, Promise told herself. He knew how to make her smile sure but he could light her temper just as easily.

"You still with me, Prick?"

"Huh?" She shook her head to clear her confusion and responded, "yeah."

"Do you even know what you just agreed to?"

"No," she answered with a sigh, "you going to tell me?"

"Nah," Colin's voice responded, "I should be getting to bed."

"Ok then I'll see you… but I won't. I have to set a time to meet with Aidan. There's no use putting this off." Promise became planning with herself, mumbling to arrange the words with more precision. If she did this then she could do that and then…

"Hey Promise?" when she made an attentive sound he continued in a subdued tone, "I want you to know what no matter how this turns out I'll still…"

"Still what, Colin?"

"Still be there for you," he responded with an awkward waver in his voice. "I need to go." She opened her mouth to tell him good night and whispered the words to a whining dial tone.

Colin shoved the phone in its cradle and stared at it, whispering a quiet oath under his breath. "What's the matter with you man?" Sean asked from where he reclined on the couch.

His uniform was scrunched and wrinkled but at least he was in one. If Colin ignored the fact it was for the McDonald's down the road and that the house smelled of fries he could almost be happy about it. But Sean's occupation wasn't his problem. Presently the only dilemma he wanted to be burdened with was far bigger than if he would like fries with that.

"You wouldn't understand, Sean."

"Try me," he challenged with intent to help.

"I have," Colin replied forcing his voice higher than a growl, "you always tell me the same thing. I'm not in the mood. If you'll excuse me I need to get some sleep. My shift starts early tomorrow."

"It's that chick isn't it?"

"You've been warned to drop it."

"And I'm ignoring the warming. You need to talk." Coming off of his couch Sean wrapped his arm about his shoulder and said with a finger to Colin's chest, "we'll just stand here until you feel like spilling."

"I do not need to talk I need to sleep," Colin announced with determination as he brushed Sean off and headed towards his room.

"I still say you should just tell her," Sean called after him over the slamming door, "what do you have to lose?"