Celia's Knight (California Love Trilogy Book 3) Read online

  “That sounds personal. Are you and Dad having troubles?”

  “No, but Roger is. And, there are others. They can’t find a good job that’s going to help them put a roof over their heads.”

  “Maybe we should all pool our resources and buy the mansion. It’s big enough for all of us.”

  “It is but do I want to live here? I would miss the snow.”

  “Yuck. If I never see snow again I wouldn’t care. I love it here. I just need to find a way to afford to live here.”

  “You’re smart. You’ll figure it out. You’re good at lots of things, photography, fashion design and you’re a great cook. You have to figure out the talent that only you have, how to harness it and make money from it.”

  “Good idea, but I don’t see cooking as a talent.”

  “Sure it is. You eat in up-scale restaurants. You pay good money for someone to cook for you. With all this cooking and/or catering, there has to be a spot for you.”

  “I don’t like to cook, but I would enjoy catering. I’ll do some research if I can ever get out of here and get a new phone. I don’t know how you and Dad make it without smart phones.”

  “The only thing I need a phone to do is accept calls and make calls – local and long distance. That’s all I need.”

  “Not me. I lost mine in the wreck. I can’t wait to get it back.”

  “Your generation spends too much time on those devices, but I would say, having one while you’re in this bed would be useful. Don’t you have a computer you could use?”

  “Yes, and as soon as I can get someone over there to look around, I’ll have it. But, the phone is more compact.”

  “Maybe you could borrow Mike’s phone.”

  “He might need it for business.”

  “He’s a mechanic. Would he need a smart phone?”

  Celia smiled. “Mom, if you have to ask, then you would never understand.”

  *****

  It was close to five when Randi finished cleaning and she was tired. The building had a lot of windows and she had been up and down on a stepping stool all day. She stifled a yawn while riding in the elevator, signed out at the desk and walked out the glass doors. Her dad had called earlier and said his friend had been taken in for emergency surgery. He also said he’d be staying a while, if that wasn’t a problem. She told him that would be fine; she could ride the city bus home.

  The moment she walked out the door and started down the steps, she smiled. A white pickup sat in front of the building. Sitting behind the wheel was Martin, with his nose in a script.

  Randi turned, using the door as a mirror, and checked her hair. She brushed back a few strands, dug into her pocket for a stick of gum and walked to the truck. She pecked on the glass and Martin rolled down the window. “Can I help you, miss?”

  “I don’t know. I sure could use a ride.”

  “Sorry, I don’t give rides to strangers.” The window started back up and he broke into a smile as she heard the click of the lock. She opened the door, sat her bag in the floor and climbed in.

  “Not that I’m unhappy to see you, but how in the world did you know where I was? I don’t recall telling you.”

  “You didn’t but I ran into an old friend at the hospital. We had lunch and I took a few pictures.”

  “An old friend?”

  “I think you’ll recognize him.”

  Randi watched as Martin took out his phone, flipped to the correct app and waited. He looked like the cat that ate the canary. When she saw the picture of him and her dad smiling, sitting at a table eating lunch, she knew why.

  “When did this happen? And how?”

  “Buckle up. I’m in a ‘No Parking’ zone. I’ll explain on the way.”

  Randi did as he asked. Martin pulled out as she finished looking at the pictures. She laughed as he told her the story of how they met and how, in a way, her dad had saved Martin’s bacon.

  “So you don’t think anyone found out Celia is in the hospital? Is that a good thing?”

  “I think so. I don’t want any Celia drama. If they know we’re dating, that’s fine. They’ll know in a few weeks anyway when we go to that event I told you about. It’s in the works. We’ll need to go shopping and figure out what we’re wearing.”

  “You’re serious? I’ve never been to anything like that. What if I spill something on this rented dress? Or fall down in the spiky heels I’m sure you’ll want me to wear?”

  “I’ll buy the dress and get you a Band-Aid. It’s something you’ll get used to even though it may take some time. We can do a few practice runs so you don’t feel so awkward. The heels I don’t mind, but I don’t want you taller than me.”

  “There’s so much to all of this isn’t there?”

  “Yes, there is. It’s all about the image. Looking like the perfect couple - which we are,” he said, making a kissy face.

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence. And now, backing up a bit, how did you and Dad hit it off? What was it like, having lunch with my dad?”

  Martin smiled but didn’t turn to look at her. “You’re worried, aren’t you? You’re afraid he gave away all of your dirty little secrets, afraid he told me about all your old boyfriends and, worst of all, that you’re really just after my money.”

  “That’s it. So, now that the secret’s out, let’s get down to business. Give me all your money in small, unmarked bills.”

  “He said you would be like this.”

  “Like what?” Randi asked, waiting for his answer.

  Martin smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. “I’m kidding. He didn’t say much. Well, he didn’t say anything I didn’t already know. He said you were a sweetheart, kind natured, and in general, a goodie two shoes.”

  “That’s my dad. I talked to him today and he didn’t say a word about any of this.”

  “I asked him not to. I wanted to tease you and surprise you.” Martin pulled the truck up to the back of the house where he’d parked his bike the first day he had asked her out.”

  She unbuckled, and would have moved closer, but she was self-conscious. Her clothes and hair would be carrying the odor of various cleaning products. She did smile and turned in the seat. “Parking here reminds me your bike is still in San Pedro.”

  “It is. I may rent a car and go down for a few days as I won’t have anywhere to stay soon,” he said, reaching to turn off the truck. “I have something to say and you’re not going to like it.”

  “Why do I have a feeling this has to do with Celia?”

  “Because it does,” Martin answered, looking worried. She didn’t like that look and pushed the thoughts of cleaners and feather dusters out of her mind and moved closer taking his hand.

  “What is it?”

  “Well, as they say, I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?”

  “The bad.”

  “Good choice,” Martin said, squeezing her hand. “Get the worst over first.”

  Randi nodded, and after a moment, he spoke, “I’m going to let Celia move back into the house. She has no job, no way to pay rent and is going to need time to get back on her feet.”

  Randi tried not to tense as she asked her next question, “Will you be staying there?”

  “Nope. Not even for a day. I’ll be there until she checks out of the hospital then I’ll go to the apartment or a motel. I promise I won’t stay one night in that house while she’s there.”

  Randi smiled and Martin kissed her. She could tell he was glad she wasn’t angry. It wasn’t an ideal situation but she trusted him. She didn’t doubt Celia was broke. She guessed Martin had given her cash or the use of a credit card. Randi pulled back from Martin’s kisses. “What’s the good news?”

  “For me, that you’re not ready to kill me after the bad news.” He tried to kiss her again but she giggled and leaned back.

  “Is there really any good news?”

  “Yes, faking or not, Celia’s let me off the hook. She’s gotten her memory back. I don�
��t know if she was faking nor do I care. I’m just glad it’s over.”

  Randi hoped it was over, and felt some relief. She leaned in and kissed him, felt his hand on her waist and heard the moan of pleasure as he pulled her close. Celia might not be out of the picture, but for now, things were moving in the right direction and that was all she could ask for.

  Chapter 21

  Unemployed

  It was late Saturday evening when Celia was ready for her pizza so Mike brought supper to the hospital. As they ate, he and Vicky sat beside Celia’s bed talking with her. They talked about the house, the weather and Celia’s recovery.

  Mike was going to take Vicky back to her hotel. She excused herself to grab a cup of coffee from the lounge while Mike gathered the trash. The pizza was good but there were several slices left.

  When Celia spoke, he looked up, “I know you could have eaten that whole pizza. Who were you trying to impress?”

  “I could not eat a whole pizza,” he said.

  Celia smiled. “Maybe not but you could eat more. You better take that home. I don’t want you passing out while working.”

  “I’ll eat it later but I think you’re more worried about the house than you are me. I know how important your share is.”

  “Yes, very. Did Martin tell you I’d be staying at his house?”

  “Yes. He gave me the security codes so I could come and go.”

  “Well, I guess that means he’s finished babysitting me. I doubt we’ll see him around anymore. He’s probably off with that trashy maid.”

  “She’s not trashy, and though I doubt you’ll want to hear it, she was concerned about you. She’s a nice, young lady.”

  “You’re right,” Celia said, with a smirk.

  “How so?”

  “I don’t want to hear it.”

  Mike laughed, sat the pizza down and pushed the table out of her way. He spoke, in a forthright manner, “Either way, I like her.”

  “You would. You’re a man.”

  “Now what does that mean? I’ll bet if it was under any other circumstances, you two would get along.”

  “I don’t think so. The only thing we have in common is we’ve both slept with Martin.”

  Mike knew this was possibly true but hearing her say it like that, well, he didn’t like the reminder. He turned, tossing his cup into the trash, and found it hard to look her in the eye.

  “I didn’t mean for that to sound so crass,” Celia said. “She’s not a good topic, but maybe some day, I’ll look back and laugh.”

  Mike knew he’d crossed the line talking about Randi so he took the olive branch. “I hope you can. I hope we all can,” he said with a smile. There was a bit of silence before Celia spoke.

  “Thanks for doing all this - taking Mom back and forth and bringing me food. She’s not much of a driver. I know Martin would do if he had to but it’s nice that you’re helping.”

  “You’re welcome. I like your mother. She’s nice. It’s easy to see how much she cares about you.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad Martin offered the house. I love that place and it will make it easier. My apartment is so small there wouldn’t be enough room for Mom. It only has one bed and the couch isn’t anything to brag about.”

  “Will you be keeping the apartment or will your things need to be moved into storage?”

  “To be honest, almost everything is in storage. I was hoping something would happen to patch things up with Martin or that I could get a better place.”

  “It’s hard starting out on your own after being so dependent.” Mike sometimes said what was on his mind without thinking. “I didn’t mean for that to sound like it did.”

  Celia laughed. “It sounded like the truth. I was dependent on Martin. I have two credit cards in my name but the limits are low, and as you know, I sold some pieces of jewelry to help with the house. I don’t have much. I had that old junker but kept it parked at Sue’s because I was ashamed to let Martin see it.”

  “I was wondering about that car. I’m just thankful you were not driving it when this happened.”

  “Me too, but I hate that I ruined your car.”

  Mike shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault; it was an accident. That is why one carries substantial insurance coverage.”

  “Still I hate it. I wish I could pay you for something but I don’t have any money. To be honest, I can’t afford the apartment. I got a late notice today. I’m not going to be able to get a job until my leg’s better so I’ll just have to cut my losses.”

  Mike nodded. “You’ll get on your feet. Lots of businesses are very willing to hire a pretty face.”

  “Thanks, but I want a real job. One that pays good money.”

  Mike crossed his arms and replied in a very matter-of-fact tone, “I know a place that’s hiring. Have you ever sold cars?”

  “No. I don’t know anything about cars.”

  “That’s the secret. You don’t have to know anything. You just have to know why people want a car and then use that against them.”

  Celia laughed. “You’re kidding?”

  “Not really. Of course, the more you know the better you can sell, but the main thing is to get their attention.”

  “So that’s where the pretty face comes in handy?”

  “Yes, and women would be drawn to you. They would think, ‘She’s a woman; she’ll understand I can’t afford much’.”

  “It sounds good but I don’t know anything about cars.”

  “Maybe not, but you could start out with a couple of popular models. You would need to learn everything you can about the engine and transmission, tire and wheel sizes, city versus highway mileage, safety features, trunk size, etc., etc. Some of our shops also rent or lease cars.”

  “I see what you’re saying but they’re not going to want to hire me while I’m sitting in a wheelchair.”

  “I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea. That might even play to your advantage. The company might think you would attract a customer no one else could. Certain customers might select you over someone with two good legs. It’s hard to understand why a customer chooses the salesperson they do or the car that they drive home.”

  “I’ll think about it. Could I earn a lot of money fast?”

  “If you can sell a lot of cars.” Mike knew this was what Celia wanted to hear. He didn’t doubt that once she set her mind to it, she could do well. What he didn’t know was how she would react when she found out he was her new boss!

  *****

  Randi’s patience was amazing when it came to Celia. Martin wondered if she was really that kind or she was worried he would leave her as he had Celia. The thought was so jarring that he pulled back from kissing her.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I was thinking. I know we haven’t been dating long but I want you to know, if you ever want to yell or curse me out, do it. Don’t hold back. You’ve been amazing about this Celia stuff. I want you to know you can be angry, if you want to be.”

  “Sure, but what brought this on?”

  “I thought maybe you wanted to tell me how you really felt but are afraid to. I so want this to work between us. I guess I’m thinking too much.”

  “I understand, I think. I don’t like that Celia’s moving into your house. I don’t like it one bit but I do understand. Celia needs somewhere to stay that is wheelchair accessible, and right now, she has no one else to turn to. You’re a kind man and what you’re doing is sweet, but, no, I don’t like it. I’d really like to push her into the swimming pool, but I get it.”

  Martin laughed, kissed Randi and then pulled back. “You wouldn’t do that,” he said, before kissing her again, “and if you did, you would go in after her and pull her out.”

  “I might let her paddle around a while.”

  They kissed again. It was nice, too nice. Martin pushed his boundaries as he slid his hand down her waist to her leg. He cupped his hand behind her knee pulling her closer. He could feel her reaction to his
touch. She moved closer and pressed her hand to his chest.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” he whispered between kisses, “and I can’t wait either.”

  “How do you know what’s on my mind? Maybe I just realized I should go in, feed my dogs then go to bed. I have a hot date tomorrow.”

  Martin loved it when she teased him. He moved his hand to her ponytail and tugged on it, making her look at him. “Liar. I don’t think you were thinking about dogs.”

  “I didn’t say I was, I said maybe I was.” She smiled, and this time when she leaned in, he stopped her.

  “I think about it a lot when we’re like this. About how good it will be to hold you, kiss you, make you mine.” The light was growing dimmer, and it was hard to read her expression, but he felt her push him back playfully.

  “You’re pretty sure of yourself. I plan on waiting until my wedding night to have sex. I hope you’re a patient man.”

  “I am, but I go after what I want.” He tried to kiss her but she pulled back.

  “Are you used to hearing the word ‘no’, often?”

  “No, but good things are worth the wait.” Again he leaned in but she reached up, turning on the dome light. He guessed she wanted to read his expression, see if he was serious or joking.

  Was he serious? Was he tossing out hints? He’d never felt like this - not with anyone. He wanted Randi to be ‘the one’, but he was afraid. Afraid, that once again, he would be wrong.

  Randi sighed, gave him the kiss he’d been trying to steal and leaned back. She was going to tell him exactly what was on her mind. “I love you, Martin, and sometimes I want to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Not because you’re famous or rich. To me, you’re just a hot limo driver I fell for. But the part that amazes me is how much I feel for you already. It’s scary.”

  “I know. I want to take this slow. I want to do everything right. I’m so tired of not having the one I love by my side. I want what my parents have! I want to still be fooling around when I’m sixty. I want to be sure I have it all. I’ve tried and failed several times and I just don’t want to fail again.”