Dreams of Perfection (Dreams Come True) (14 page)

Chapter 26

Josh downed his third cup of coffee and it wasn’t yet ten a.m. Sleep had refused to put him out of his misery last night. First, he couldn’t fall asleep knowing Darcy was only two doors down from him. He’d replayed the scene where he carried her into the house, the one where she buried her face in his neck and told him he smelled good.

Then he’d moved on to the scene where she told him she loved him, certain she’d meant it in a platonic way, but his heart sure didn’t take it that way.

When he’d finally fallen asleep she’d haunted his dreams. In one dream, she’d wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering her love for him, as she kissed her way along his throat. The next, she was walking toward Blake, his arms outstretched for her, but she couldn’t see the deep crevasse separating Blake from her.

Josh tried to run after her, to stop her before she fell, but his feet felt as if they were encased in concrete. He woke in a cold sweat, just moments after she plunged over the edge.

He didn’t need dream analysis to understand what it meant. If he didn’t man-up, and soon, she’d be lost to him forever.

That afterno
on, Josh stood at Kelly’s front door, papers in hand. He’d finally gathered all the documents the bank needed to refinance Kelly’s house. After she signed them, he’d hand-carry them to the mortgage loan officer that very day. With any luck, Kelly and Daniel’s long nightmare would be resolved by Labor Day. Delivering the good news would be a welcome distraction from the Darcy dilemma.

The door swung open and Kelly greeted Josh warmly. “Come in.” Madonna blared from speakers in the living room. “Sorry, housecleaning day,” she said, a look of chagrin on her face. “It doesn’t suck as much when you’re dusting to “Vogue”.” Kelly walked over and picked up a remote to turn the volume down.

“I know what you mean.”

“Really?” Kelly laughed, surprised.

“No.” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Just trying to make you feel better.”

“Gee, thanks. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Sure.” He followed Kelly into the kitchen. “As promised, I have the papers, and just need your signature in about a million places and your initials in about a million more.”

He settled at the kitchen table where they’d conducted all of their previous business, while Kelly poured lemonade over ice. “If it means saving my home and providing Daniel some stability, I’d sign those papers in blood.”

“How is Daniel?”

“The same.” She sighed. “But now he’s having some problems in school.” Kelly sat in the chair next to Josh and handed him a glass of lemonade.

“Behavior?”

“No, his geometry class. I may be an accountant, but geometry doesn’t fall into my realm of expertise.” She smiled sadly. “That was always Dan’s job.”

“It just so happens I was geometry champ at my middle school.”

Kelly drew back. “Really?”

“No, that would have earned me a well-deserved butt-kicking, but I could help Daniel with his homework. I did ace my geometry class.”

Kelly contemplated her lemonade a minute before looking up into Josh’s eyes. “Josh, I don’t want you to feel that you have to take care of Daniel or become some sort of father figure to him. You’re already doing so much for us . . .” She trailed off.

“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to help,” Josh said quietly, his gaze locked with hers.  

“Okay. If you’re sure.” She nodded and then picked up her pen. “So, where do I sign?”

An hour later, Josh had everyt
hing in order. Glancing at his watch, he realized he had plenty of time to get the papers to the bank before it closed.

“I’ll call you to set up a time to work with Daniel.” As he walked past the living room, he noticed a book lying on the sofa. He’d recognize that cover anywhere—
The Boss’ Daughter—
Darcy’s fifth novel.

“You like Darcy Butler?”

Kelly looked a little embarrassed. “Yes. Don’t tell me you read romance novels?”

“As a matter of fact, I do, and I’m man enough to admit it.” He laughed at the dubious expression on her face. “The author happens to be my best friend.”
At least for now.

“Get out!” Kelly shouted. “Seriously? You know Darcy Butler?”

“Yeah. Her new book comes out in a few months. I’ll get you an autographed copy.” He tried not to think of the living, breathing hero of that novel.

“That would be fantastic—if you think she wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course not. Hey, what are you and Daniel doing for the Fourth of July?”

“Probably just cooking out with my parents.”

“Do you think your parents would mind if you and Daniel did something else?”

“I don’t think so. They get so little time to just relax. Why?”

“Why don’t you two come with me to Darcy’s parents’ house for their annual Independence Day cookout?”

“What? Oh, no. I couldn’t.” Kelly shook her head.

“Of course you could. The Butlers know how to throw a party and their philosophy is the more the merrier. And it would be great to get Daniel out of the city, even if only for a little while.”

“I don’t know. Are you sure?”

“Definitely.”

“Well, I insist on bringing some steaks from the shop. I’ll have my dad hand-cut some nice filets.”

“If you’d like, but it’s really not necessary.”

“I’m not showing up empty-handed.” Kelly’s fist went to her stomach, then she glanced up at Josh. “Oh God. I’m going to meet Darcy Butler.”

“Yes, you are. And you’re going to love one another.”

Chapter 27

Josh pulled up a seat next to Daniel at the kitchen table and reached into his messenger bag for a ruler, two rubber bands, and a measuring tape. Laughing at the look of confusion on Daniel’s sullen face, he took a gulp of the iced tea Kelly placed at his elbow.

“Dude, I thought you were helping me with my geometry homework.”

“I am. We’re going to do a little experiment. Your mom told me you were working on angles in class.”

“Yes,” Daniel said, clearly still confused.

“Well, we’re going to determine the best angle to throw a baseball to get the greatest distance.”

“I don’t see a baseball.”

“Don’t need one.”

“Huh?”

Josh smiled. “Where’s your protractor?”

Daniel rummaged around in his backpack before finding it.

Kelly walked past, her purse on her arm, and tousled Daniel’s hair.

“Really, Mom?” Daniel whined.

A smile on her face, she said, “I’ll be back later. You boys have fun.”

“Whatever.” Daniel rolled his eyes and smoothed out his hair.

“Let’s get to work.” Josh grabbed the ruler, the protractor, and a rubber band.

Josh wre
stled the rubber band from Daniel’s hand, eliciting protests, followed by laughter from Daniel, who turned his back to Josh. He bent over and curled himself into a ball just as Josh launched the rubber band, popping Daniel on the back.

“Ow! Dude, that’s harsh!”

“Ha! No harsher than the one you zinged at my arm!” Josh took up a defensive stance as Daniel retrieved the rubber band.

“Boys! I thought you two were studying.” Kelly dropped her keys and grocery bags onto the kitchen counter, a smile lighting her features. “Am I going to have to separate the two of you?”

“Mom, we just figured out the best angle to throw a baseball! Next week we’re going to put what we learned into action at the park.” Daniel’s face beamed with excitement.

Kelly cut a quick glance at Josh before returning her gaze to Daniel. “That’s great, honey.”

“And Josh is going to show me how to throw a curve ball.”

“Is he now?” She pulled a gallon of milk and a pack of deli meat from the grocery bags. As Josh gathered his things and placed them back in his bag, Kelly asked, “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Thanks, but I’m meeting some friends. Rain check?”

“Sure.”

Slinging the bag over his shoulder he looked at Daniel, who stood chugging Gatorade straight from the bottle. “You ever play chess?”

“Chess? Isn’t that for geeks?” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then released a thunderous burp.

“Daniel,” Kelly admonished.

“Well, I guess if the shoe fits,” Josh shrugged.

“Whose shoe you talking about?”

“Yours, big shot. Anyway, it’s time you learned. Chess is a game of skill and strategy. It develops logical thinking and spatial reasoning, and improves concentration and memory. It’s the game of kings . . . and athletes.”

Daniel’s face still wore a look of skepticism.

“Kobe Bryant plays chess.”

“Okay, all right. I get it.” Daniel rolled his eyes. “Chess.”

“Daniel, put your things away and get ready for dinner.”

Daniel grabbed his backpack and, throwing it over his shoulder, headed to his room. “Thanks, Josh.”

“Sure thing.”

Kelly touched Josh on the arm, her eyes bright with tears. “I don’t know what you did or how you did it, but I haven’t heard Daniel laugh like that since before his father died.” A tear rolled down her face.

“Hey . . . hey.” Josh brushed away the tear with his thumb. If there was anything that broke his heart, it was seeing a woman cry. He’d seen his mother cry so many times growing up he’d lost count. “Don’t cry.”

“I’m fine. They’re tears of joy.” She swiped her face then, grabbing his shoulders, stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you. For everything.”

Josh felt the heat color his cheeks. Embarrassed to find himself blushing like a schoolboy, he smiled and took his leave.

Whistling as he strode down the sidewalk to the subway station, he touched his cheek. Despite the Darcy Dilemma, his heart felt light. He’d made Daniel laugh and his mother cry. Right now, that was more than enough. That was everything.

Darcy had an epiphany. If
The Doctor’s Dilemma
was still in copyediting, maybe, just maybe, she could change Blake’s name, thus, eliminating the most obvious connection between her latest hero and her boyfriend. Of course, she might still have to explain their similarity of backgrounds, current professions, and appearance, but she’d deal with that later.

Interviewer: “Tell us, Ms. Butler, how is it your hero and your boyfriend are practically identical twins.”

Darcy: “Oh, Blake served as my greatest inspiration for Garrick Blaine! Who wouldn’t be inspired by the adventurous, philanthropic, and humanitarian life Blake has led?”

She dialed Gloria’s cell number practicing her arguments while she waited.

“Gloria Madison.”

After exchanging the usual pleasantries, which with Gloria were usually brief, Darcy took a deep breath and spun out her tale.

“I need to change Blake’s name.”

“What on earth for?”

“Well, it’s kind of funny, really.” Darcy’s stomach started doing backflips. “You remember when Laura was injured and I had to go to the emergency room? The doctor who treated her was named Blake Garrett, and well, now Blake and I are dating.”

“You mean to tell me a doctor, who happened to be named Blake Garrett treated Laura in the ER? And now you’re dating him?”

“Yes. And Josh said it could be a real issue for the publisher, so I think we should change Blake’s name.”

“And what do you want to change his name to?”

“I was thinking Garrick Blaine.” Darcy heard the clicking of a keyboard on the other end, followed by a rusty sigh.

“And I’m guessing you want me to make this happen?”

“Oh, could you?”

“If the manuscript is still in copyediting, I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you!” Darcy took a deep breath for the first time since Gloria’s greeting. She hadn’t expected it to be that easy to convince her. Maybe she’d fallen off the nicotine wagon.

“If you weren’t my goddaughter . . .” Her voice trailed off, then she shouted for her assistant to get Elise Duncan, Darcy’s editor, on the phone. “Now, when do I meet this Blake Garrett?”

Chapter 28

Darcy had been both dreading and anticipating this day—the day that Blake would meet her parents. She thanked her lucky stars
The Doctor’s Dilemma
was still in copyediting, so they could change her hero’s name.

She glanced over at Blake, looking competent and relaxed as he pulled his car into her parents’ driveway. Of course he wouldn’t be nervous. The cool, calm, and collected Blake Garrett would never get nervous.

He looked handsome and patriotic in his navy polo with its little red polo player and white twill shorts, an expensive TAG Heuer diver’s watch strapped to his wrist, while the sunglasses he wore gave him a rakish appearance.  

Taking a deep breath to calm her jitters, she opened her door and waited for him to join her. Walking hand-in-hand, she led him through the house and out into the bright sunlit backyard. She’d wanted to arrive a little early to make the introductions before the rest of the guests arrived.

Her dad stood at his station, cleaning the grill with a scrub brush, a holiday-appropriate Sousa march blaring from the outdoor speakers. Her mom stepped out of the summer kitchen, her arms loaded with paper plates.

“Oh. Darcy. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Just.”

Blake quickly stepped forward, relieving her mom of her burden.

“Thank you. You must be Blake.” She tilted her head, giving him a careful appraisal.

“Mom, this is Blake Garrett. Blake, this is my mother, Vanessa.”
Who knew they made gypsy skirts in red, white, and blue
, Darcy thought, as she made the introductions.

“Blake Garrett. Why does the name sound familiar?” She looked over at Darcy’s father. “Jeff. Come meet Blake. Do we know the Garretts?”

Darcy’s stomach knotted. Why would his name be familiar? She’d changed his name in the book. Had she mentioned her hero’s name to her mother before?

Her father turned from his task and approached her. “Garretts? No, I don’t think so.”

“Um, Blake’s family isn’t from around here,” Darcy muttered.

“Blake. Welcome. I’d shake your hand, but I can see Vanessa has already put you to work.” Her dad wore a big grin as he wrapped his arm around her mother’s waist.

“Blake was kind enough to help me with the plates,” her mother explained. “Now, why don’t you put those on the table over there? What can I get you to drink? I just made a fresh batch of lemonade.”

“Lemonade sounds perfect. Thank you.” Blake went to place the plates on the table as directed.

Her mother gave her a knowing look, then tossed her long silver tresses over her shoulder and headed into the house. “Darcy, want to give me a hand?”

Here comes the third degree disguised as idle chat.
While her mother filled cups with ice from the icemaker, Darcy reached into the fridge to grab the pitcher of lemonade.

“Blake’s a real looker. Where’d you two meet?”

Tiptoeing around the truth, Darcy told her mother about Laura’s visit to the ER, explaining that Blake had been her doctor, of course leaving out the part about where she fainted because her hero had come to life.

“A doctor?”

Darcy cleared her throat before continuing. “A trauma surgeon, actually.”

“Well, my, my. That’s different.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Darcy frowned as she poured the lemonade into the cups.

“Well, my little Lizzie”—she patted her on the cheek—“you must admit your past dalliances have been with men more akin to Wickham than Darcy.”

“Mom, don’t call me Lizzie. Please.” Her mother wasn’t far off the mark comparing some of her past boyfriends, not to mention her ex-fiancé, to the unscrupulous George Wickham. Not that she’d had that many boyfriends since Doug. But most of the ones she did have had all been . . . what was the word she was looking for? Oh yeah, losers. Except for Steve. Then she remembered Steve as he pulled Miss November up the stairs. Okay. They all were.

She picked up two cups and strode out of the kitchen, effectively ending the conversation.

Josh checked Daniel’s face
in the rearview mirror of the Zipcar he’d picked up for the day. Normally he took the train to the Tarrytown station, but with the cooler of steaks Kelly brought and the other outdoor paraphernalia, the car was a better option.

When Josh turned into Darcy’s parents’ neighborhood, with its broad, tree-lined streets, multi-million dollar mansions tucked away behind gated entrances, and well-manicured lawns, he thought Daniel’s eyes would pop out of his head. If nothing else, he thought Daniel might suffer whiplash, as fast as his head swung from side-to-side, taking it all in.

Josh could relate. The first time he’d been to Darcy’s parents’ house, he’d thought he’d just stepped into an episode of
MTV Cribs
.

Kelly played it cool. As if she drove past America’s castles every day.

“Nice, huh?” Josh asked, catching Daniel’s eye in the mirror.

“Your friend a rockstar or something?”

“Close enough,” Kelly murmured.

“It’s not her house. It’s her parents’,” Josh clarified. “And no, she’s not a rockstar. Neither are her parents.”

Kelly leaned forward for a better look as Josh pulled into the long circular driveway. “It’s lovely. Nothing at all like I expected given the rest of the houses.”

“Yeah, the house is one of the few originals remaining. All the other beautiful old Colonial style homes were bulldozed to build the McMansions you see now.”

He popped the trunk of the car and gathered Kelly’s cooler, his baseball gear, and a couple of bottles of Vanessa’s favorite wine that served as his contribution to the party.

“I’m nervous,” Kelly whispered as she and Josh followed an excited Daniel up the walk.

“Don’t be.” Josh laughed and pointed to Daniel. “Clearly, he’s not.”

“Come on,” Daniel urged.

Laughter floated through the house as Josh guided them to the backyard.

“Are there other kids?” Daniel asked.

“Yeah, but they’re all younger than you.” Josh replied.

“Oh.” Daniel’s disappointment fled as he looked out at the big lawn and the river beyond. “Whoa!”

Josh felt his own sense of disappointment when he spied Blake talking with Darcy’s father. Of course Blake would be here. What did he expect?

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to Darcy.” Finding her playing in the sandbox with little Olivia, he caught Kelly’s hand and crossed the lawn.

Darcy glanced up and saw Josh and a woman she knew mus
t be Kelly approach. Her eyes flashed to their clasped hands, and she pressed her hand to the sudden pain in her chest. Must be her dad’s famous jalapeno poppers she’d eaten.   

Josh introduced the two women. “Kelly is a huge fan.”

“Thanks.”

“And this is her son, Daniel.”

Darcy recognized the boy from the big screen video at the Yankees game. “Hi, Daniel.”

“Hi,” he replied, a little shy now that he had to interact with strangers.

Josh bent over to pick up Olivia and give her neck a little nuzzle. “Come on, Daniel.” He slapped the boy on his shoulder. “Let’s go find something to drink. How about you, Olivia, want some juice?”

Olivia nodded, sending her blond curls bouncing.

Darcy watched as Josh walked toward the summer kitchen, rubbing noses with her niece. Something about seeing a guy holding a child made Darcy’s heart go all gooey. She gave herself a mental shake. That’s Josh holding Olivia, something she’d seen him do hundreds of times. Of course, if Blake had been carrying Olivia in his arms, she’d have had the same reaction, she assured herself.

“He’s the best,” Kelly said, interrupting Darcy’s internal argument.

“Yeah, he’s a nice guy.”

“He’s more than a nice guy. He’s a hero. He’s my hero, anyway.”

Darcy didn’t like the dreamy look that glowed in Kelly’s eyes.

“And he’s fast becoming Daniel’s.” Kelly tucked an errant red lock behind her ear. “Don’t get me wrong, no one can ever replace my late husband, Dan, but Josh has made me, and Daniel, believe in the goodness of people again.”

Darcy could feel Kelly’s eyes on her.

“But, you already knew that,” Kelly said.

“Knew what?”

“That Josh is a hero.”

Darcy looked at Kelly as if seeing her for the first time. “A hero?” She’d never considered Josh a hero. A really nice guy, of course. But a hero? Heroes were larger than life. Like Blake.

“Yeah. It’s amazing that he’s still single. A girl would be crazy not to go after a man like Josh.”

The pain in her chest returned. Some antacids were definitely in order. “How long have you two been dating?” Strange that Josh hadn’t mentioned anything about it. Only that he’d met Kelly through the legal aid program.

Kelly drew back in surprise. “What?” Then she laughed. “Oh, no.” She shook her head. “We’re not dating. He’s helping me with a legal problem, that’s all.”

Darcy exhaled in relief and smiled. “Oh.”