Authors: Samantha Lovern
“That’s harsh. Why didn’t you say something before?”
“It’s none of my business. But . . . since you came all the way up here, I can assume you wanted my honest opinion.”
“I do. I just didn’t think you disliked her so much.” Martin opened up his own cola and looked up at Mike with a smile. “I guess I’m not the only one around here that can act.”
Chapter 8
Angry Mistress
Randi almost toppled off her stepping stool. Celia’s tirade could be heard all over the house. She was angry about something, but Randi had no clue what. There was one last curtain to put back, so, before sticking her head out into the hallway to see if she could tell what was amiss, she went on with her work.
Minutes later she eased out the door and tilted her head, listening. Nothing but silence. She shrugged, pushed the cleaning cart into the hall, and moved to the next room. Randi took out her bottle of water and took a long drink. She put the lid back and glanced at her watch. It was close to six, but she wanted to keep working.
The others would be leaving soon, and she would get ahead of them by working until eight. It wasn’t strenuous work. She was replacing curtains and rugs that had been washed or dry-cleaned, cleaning mirrors, and replacing bed sheets and linens.
For now she was working on the guest rooms and Maria, Juanita, and Ann were working in the great room, library, and dining room. In two days Emma would go around and check their work. Randi felt like she was back in school again, worrying if she would pass or fail.
Around eight, Randi grabbed a sandwich and a cola and went to her room. Things had been moved around and instead of one large bed there were two. She recalled the words of Emma, that she and Ann would be sharing a room.
She sat on her bed. It was big enough and she didn’t mind the company. Ann’s things lay in a pile on the bed next to the bathroom, so Randi had taken the other. Randi wondered what time Ann would retire. She’d have to ask. She didn’t want to wake anyone by going to the refrigerator for a cup of pudding or for a chance to run into the handsome limo driver.
When she was done eating she took her glass and plate to the kitchen. The house was quiet so she decided to see what the girls had accomplished in the great room. She walked through the house, peeping around corners as if she were a burglar instead of a temporary houseguest.
You had to take three steps down to get into the great room. Randi was in awe as she stepped down to ground level. The hardwood floors shone like new money. The room was long, the chairs were white, and it would look beautiful draped in red, green and gold.
A piano sat near the entryway and a fireplace in the middle of the room. A large window seat would make a perfect place for a tree. Randi walked the full length, seeing in her mind how beautiful it would be.
The tree would be real, and you’d need a ladder to decorate it. She couldn’t wait. She just loved Christmas. She walked on back and found an entryway that led off to another room. There was a long bar that would more than likely be used for a buffet, several small dining tables, and a refrigerator. It reminded her of a small restaurant.
There was a bar at the back, and along the wall was a beautiful painting. She walked back to take a look. It was stunning, showing a large field of flowers, a small house in the background, and a girl and her dog playing in the field. She smiled and tried to read the signature on the painting.
As she turned to leave, she heard the sound of heels on the floor, and a voice. It was Celia. Randi bit her bottom lip and stepped back, hoping the lady of the house didn’t catch her snooping. She pulled out a rag from her back pocket and began to shine up the bar.
Moments later Celia spoke. “I don’t have a clue where he is. He slipped out this morning. He left a note saying he had some thinking to do.” This had Randi’s attention and she wondered if she should let Celia know she was there or just go on cleaning.
“I know this has something to do with that agent. He’s never liked me. No, mother, I don’t care what happens. I’m not changing for any man. He can take me like I am, or leave.”
You’ll be the one leaving, Randi thought, a smile on her lips. Martin must have run off. That wasn’t a good sign. Randi stopped cleaning and ducked down behind the bar, praying that the woman didn’t want a drink.
The sound of heels kept coming. Randi closed her eyes tightly as if this would help her disappear. “I’m not going to ask him to forgive me. All actors are the same. They’re self-absorbed and they need someone around to keep them grounded. It’ll work out. Hey, I have a call coming in. I’ll call you later.
“Hey, Martin, where are you? I’ve been trying to call you all day.” Randi noticed Celia’s tone had changed. And thankfully her heels were going in the other direction. Randi sighed and straightened, being careful not to bump into anything.
“Why didn’t you come home last night? I waited for you for hours. It’s been days since we’ve made— What? No. You have to come home. We have guests coming. Listen, we can work this out. We don’t need to have this discussion until the party’s over.”
Trouble in paradise. Randi strained to hear as Celia walked farther away. She moved along the wall, moving closer so she could hear what happened next.
“I know I’m not always supportive, but you have to understand. I can’t help it if I don’t like your occupation. The people you work with are all fake. They’re just out to see what they can get – No, that’s not acceptable. I want you home tonight. Your family will be here Friday, and there are things we need to discuss.”
As Celia started to pace again Randi stepped back. There was silence on the phone and she heard a sigh escape as Celia’s heels clicked across the floor. Randi didn’t pray much these days, but her mother had instilled it in her, that in times of need you bowed your heart and lifted your head, so she did so. Please get me out of this one. I need this job.
When Celia spoke it was easy for Randi to see that her tone had changed. It was so obvious she was trying to appeal to Martin’s softer side. Randi hoped the conversation was coming to an end and she prayed to that effect as Celia spoke.
“I know I can be harsh. Take a few days off. I know this party is getting on our nerves. I can handle things. Enjoy your time with Mike, and be sure and invite him to the party. I know he’s in and out of your life, but he seems to put you at ease, so be sure he comes.”
With this, Celia shut the phone and cursed a blue streak as she clip-clopped her way up the steps and out of the great room. Randi’s brow furrowed. Could the Mike Celia was talking about be the same Mike that was working on the Harley and driving the limo? If the Limo driver and Celia were sleeping around, she wouldn’t invite him to the party. Would she?
Randi shook her head and slipped around the corner. Celia was right about one thing. This party was driving everyone nuts. And on the subject of men, it didn’t really matter if Mike was the limo driver or if Martin did come home tonight. Randi had a feeling she’d be a lot better off if she could avoid both of them, and she resolved to do just that.
Chapter 9
Emma
Emma pressed her fingers to her forehead. It was going to be a long two weeks until Christmas. She shook off the irritations of the day and gathered her papers to go home. It would be good to get her hair out of this bun and soak her feet.
She’d wanted to go home when she heard Celia ranting. From what she had overheard it seemed that Martin had left and wasn’t coming back tonight. That woman had finally driven that kind man from his own home, and Emma didn’t like it one bit.
Taking a deep breath, she rose from the table and carried her empty glass to the sink. She was about to turn on the water when someone spoke.
“I’ll wash that for you.”
Emma turned to find Randi stepping into the kitchen. “No use in you getting your hands wet, when you’re about to leave. I was going to clean out the fridge. There'll be more to go with that mug in a bit. By the way, is there a dog that will eat scraps?”
“My dear, if there was one, he wouldn’t be allowed to eat scraps. It would be beneath him, or at least it would be beneath the lady of the house.” Emma said, keeping her voice low.
Randi lowered her gaze and pursed her lips, showing her distaste for fancy dogs and irritable mistresses. “Too bad. There’s meatloaf, and steak that looks like it needs to be tossed.” Randi moved to the sink and began to run some dishwater, and then went back to the refrigerator.
“You’re serious? You’re going to clean it out?” Emma made a mental note that this girl was either bored or a hard worker.
“I can’t stand a messy icebox.” Randi opened the door and gestured. “Look at this mess. Bowls all over the place, little bits of this and that. Do these people ever eat leftovers, and if not, why keep them?”
“They eat out a lot and bring it home. Like you said, I’m not sure why. I think they just forget there’s food in there. Celia doesn’t spend time in the kitchen. I used to cook all the time when it was just Martin, but not now. I hate to admit it, but I haven’t even looked in there in ages. It’s good you caught that mess, and not Celia.”
“Glad I could help, but it’s a shame to toss this food out.”
Emma peeped out toward the living room. She didn’t want Celia to hear. “A person could slip outside and around to the garage and find a small hole at the bottom of the fence. It might be that a stray will come and eat it, but you didn’t hear that from me.” Emma gave the girl a wink and moved to pick up her files.
“That secret’s safe with me.” Randi began to push the leftovers onto a plate and dropped the dirty dishes into hot water.
Emma tucked the file under her arm, started to go, and then turned back. “I know this trial period is like a competition, but just know that Ann is not part of the contest. For her this is just temporary. She goes back to college after Christmas break.”
Randi tossed another dish into the water and spoke over her shoulder. “That’s good. I should have gone to college. I’ll be sure and wish her well.”
“She’s my brother's daughter, and she knows this place like the back of her hand. If you need anything, just ask her.”
Randi turned this time and smiled. “Thanks, I’ll do that.”
“Get some rest, too. When we start sweeping and washing down the walls, the days will seem very long and tiring. Don’t overdo it, and go to bed at a decent hour. Tomorrow you’ll wish you had.”
*****
Martin closed the phone and pushed it into his pocket. Celia had changed her tune, but he doubted her sincerity. Was she sensing that she might be losing him, or was she just trying to calm him? Either way, some time away from each other might help.
He walked over to Mike, who was just reeling in a fish. He tugged and pulled and after a fight with what looked to be a fifteen-pound catfish, he pulled it up and held it out proudly. “Now, this is a nice one.”
“Sure is. Are you keeping it?” Martin crossed his arms, looking at the wriggling fish.
“No, I catch and release most of the time. I like eating fish, and I can clean one, but it’s a lot of work." Mike unhooked the fish and leaned down, putting him back into the water. He washed his hands off, rose, and started packing up the fishing gear. “How did the call go?”
“Not great. Toward the end she started coming around, but I’m not sure if she’s sincere, or if she was playing me. The truth will come out when this party nonsense is over and things get back to normal.”
“So you’re hanging in until after the party?”
“I think I should. It’s not fair to dump her now, and besides her family and mine are both coming to the house. I’d rather see where things are going, and then decide.”
“It could be the craziness of this party that’s adding to the stress, but I don’t think so. I’ve met the woman and I don’t know how you’ve lasted this long.”
“Why don’t you really tell me what you think?” Martin laughed as he picked up his pole and chair and the two men walked back to the house.
“To be honest, man, I don’t normally get into this kind of conversation. It makes me feel like I’ve checked my testosterone at the door. That said, I think you need to be careful. Don’t let this holiday and all of your families coming together cause you to do something dumb.”
Martin stood outside a small storage shed and handed Mike his chair and rod. When he was done and they were walking up to the house, he spoke. “What do you mean, something dumb?”
“Don’t ask her to marry you. I did that once. I broke up with this girl, we had this huge fight, and the next thing I know, I’m down on one knee. Thankfully, I came to my senses.”
“I don’t plan on doing that. I’m going to wait until the party’s over to make up my mind. If I feel the urge to run out and buy an engagement ring, you’ll be the first one I call.”
Mike pulled the sliding glass door open and waved Martin in. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against marriage, and I hope to meet the right woman some day.”
“You want to get married? You seem like the loner type.”
“Sure. I want it all. I’m just waiting on the perfect woman. I know it will be a hard adjustment since I’ve lived alone for ten years. But I think I can handle it when the time comes.”