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

“She told me that. How you gave her this song and dance about a farm and dogs. None of that changes what you did.”

  Martin inhaled breathing through his nose trying to calm down his urge to strike out at Mike verbally. “I know you’re upset. I know you have feelings for Celia, but what happened between us, is just that - between us. It has nothing to do with you. I’ll deal with Celia. I know I didn’t do right by her but us fighting over the facts is not going to help anyone.”

  Mike paused, took a sip of his coffee and nodded. “Just tell me one thing. Why are you here? What do you want? Are you here because you feel guilty? If not, you should. It embarrassed her having her family know what was going on. She kept saying over and over that you left her for the help.”

  Martin knew he should leave but his temper wouldn’t let him. “Sure I feel guilty. I’m human. I know I hurt her. I also know Celia and she’s been laying the groundwork, making this look like I’m the only one at fault. My actions were inexcusable but she was in the relationship, too.”

  “Sure. Blame her.”

  “I will, for some of it. She did nothing to make our relationship work. She loved my money but hated my career and belittled it every chance she got. She did nothing around the house, never cooked a meal. She didn’t want kids and she doesn’t like my mother. She would never go with me to a cast party or social event. I changed my world to try to fit into hers but it didn’t work.”

  Martin turned to walk out the door but whirled around for one last comment. “I’m sorry I hurt her but I will never back down from ending the relationship. The only thing I regret is the way it happened. You’re right. It shouldn’t have happened when Randi came along, it should have happened long before that.”

  Chapter 3

  Indecision

  Mike turned and walked back to the window. He knew deep down that Martin was right, but he didn’t have to like it. Was he really going to let Celia ruin a good friendship? Mike walked over, poured another cup of coffee and sat down hoping to clear his mind.

  He knew most of what he felt was jealousy. He didn’t blame Martin for ending the relationship with Celia but he could see things from her point of view, too. Martin should have been a man about it and ignored Randi until their families were gone. What man couldn’t wait a few days to start fooling around?

  Mike raised his cup to his lips and there was a tap on the door. “Come in.” The door opened and a pretty nurse appeared. “Sorry to bother you,” she said, stepping in with a box in her hands. She looked around and Mike could see disappointment on her face. “I was asked to bring this up. It’s some sandwiches. Someone will bring some drinks in a while.”

  Mike knew her disappointment was because she was not going to get to meet Martin Taylor but there was no need for him to be rude. As he took the box from her hand, he smiled and said, “I’m sure Martin would want me to thank you.”

  This, he thought, brightened her day. She smiled handing over the box. “Do you know him? The girls told me that he’s been ever so polite.”

  Mike nodded. “He’s polite but it seems in bad taste to have his new girlfriend here.” Mike knew that he might regret this but his anger allowed him to speak his mind.

  The girl stepped in, closed the door and moved closer. “So, it’s true? The girl who was here, she’s the maid?”

  Mike nodded, glancing at the girl’s nametag. “Yes, Judy, that’s her.”

  Judy smiled. “I read the tabloids but I never thought I’d come face to face with someone in their paper. Well, I haven’t actually met him, but you know what I mean. I never thought I’d really find out that any of it was true.”

  “This time it’s true. They’re dating. I must say that I don’t think Celia would want Martin here. I know she wouldn’t want the new girlfriend around. When she wakes up, she’ll more than likely have both of them thrown out.”

  Judy nodded. “She might, if she remembers anything. She took a good hit. I heard the neurologist talking about her case.” The young girl shook her head in pity.

  Mike cleared his throat and spoke, “Miss? Judy.”

  “Yes, sir. Can I get you something?”

  “Maybe. Have you heard something about Celia’s memory? I’m not family but I care about her. I feel guilty. She was driving my vehicle at the time of the accident.”

  Judy looked to make sure the door was closed and then considered what she was going to say. “I assume this information will stay here?”

  “Of course. I only want to know how serious it is.”

  “I understand so please don’t tell where you got your information.”

  “I won’t. You have my word.” Mike reached out and rested his hand on Judy’s shoulder. “I only want to know because I care about Celia.”

  Judy started back-pedaling a little. “It’s not on her chart but I did hear the doctor discussing her injuries. He said it was possible for short term memory loss but they wouldn’t know until later… that the memory loss could depend on how long she’s unconscious.”

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “No, it doesn’t. I was changing her IV. They were talking about what could happen with this kind of an injury. I’m not an RN or an LPN. Actually, I’m only a CNA so at times it’s like they’ve forgotten I’m in the room.”

  “Your title, CNA, sounds impressive.”

  Judy smiled. “It’s only a Certified Nurses Assistant. Nothing to brag about, but I’m considering going on to be an RN.”

  “I’m sure all positions are needed. And, at any rate, you have to have a giving nature to consider becoming a nurse.”

  “I think it’s a calling. Not everyone can work at a hospital.”

  “I sure couldn’t. I don’t like seeing people in pain. I wanted to be a veterinarian but instead I went to mechanics school. The only pain I see is when people pay their bills.”

  Judy laughed. “Maybe I should have gone that direction. It’s not easy, and at times, I’d like to quit but I keep pressing on.” Judy hesitated, glanced at her watch, but then spoke, “Are you dating Ms. Carson? I’m sure if you are, you can speak to her family. I get the feeling you’re not too happy with Mr. Taylor and the fact that he’s the one everyone is turning to.”

  “He’s my friend, but she is, too. I just feel that he didn’t do right. I also don’t see that it’s his place to be here. They are not dating and they didn’t part on good terms.”

  “I’d say not, if anything I read in the papers is true.”

  “Most of it is because some of it came from Celia. She was hurt by the whole sordid mess, and that’s why I know she would not want Martin here.”

  Judy crossed her arms. “He seems concerned.”

  “He is. Don’t get me wrong, Martin is not heartless but he just doesn’t think things through. A man should not live with a woman and have a fling with the maid!”

  Judy shook her head, uncrossed her arms and took two steps toward the door then looked back. “I had no idea that so much of this story was true. You read these kinds of things so many times and learn later that story after story has no basis.”

  “Well, this one is true. Martin can deny it all he wants but it won’t help. He made this bed, and whether he likes it or not, he’s going to have to lie in it.”

  *****

  It took Randi two hours to get a room at a nearby hotel and stock it with supplies. She then dropped by to see her mother and visit the pups. She tapped on the door and Julie answered.

  “Hey, what are you doing? I thought you were out of town.”

  “I was but I’m back. Did you have fun with the dogs?”

  “Sure. I came over after school and helped. I’ll sit anytime you need for free.”

  “Thanks. If I can ever afford to pay you, I will.”

  “That’s okay. I love playing with them.”

  “Good, and thanks. Is Mom here?”

  Julie nodded and stepped back as Randi came in. “She’s in the kitchen. Tell me, have you seen Martin?”
/>   “Yes, but let’s not tell Mom.”

  “Don’t tell Mom what?” came a tired sounding voice from the kitchen. Randi smiled, went to her mom and hugged her. She seemed too tired to care what the secret was but gave Randi a smile. “Why don’t you go into the backyard and speak to those babies? They’ve been pouting for days.”

  “Thanks. I think I’ll do just that.” Julie stayed inside while she went out to spend some time with the pups. About twenty minutes later, she was back in. It seemed the pups had grown, and from the looks of them, they were not missing any meals.

  When she returned, Julie was gone. Her mother sat at the table sipping on a glass of iced tea. She looked tired. “There’s a glass for you in the top shelf of the refrigerator.”

  Randi walked over, opened the door and noticed the light didn’t come on. She shrugged and sat down reaching her hand out. “What’s wrong? You look tired.”

  “I am, but it’s just mental stress. We got the news yesterday of some possible layoffs at the plant. The car started smoking, and as you can see, the refrigerator is on its’ last legs.”

  “I noticed the light was out. Is it just the bulb?”

  “It’s more than that. It’s starting to make this strange sound and the icemaker isn’t working. It just seems that everything is falling apart all at once.”

  “It will get better. I can start paying rent, and if need be, you could start a dog sitting service. You’ve done great with the pups. I think they’ve gained a few pounds.”

  Her mom finally smiled. “It’s your dad. He’s spoiled them. I would have never thought he wanted a pet in the house. He’s had those dogs everywhere. Why he even lets them nap with him.”

  “Really? That’s good; it will help him with the stress.”

  “He’s not worried and he keeps telling me that we’ll get by.”

  “And, you will. He’s lost jobs before and landed on his feet.” Randi reached out and placed her hand over her mom’s hand. “Are you sure that’s all there is?”

  “Not completely. He’s been telling me to stop picking at you for dating that guy. He’s been watching Martin’s movies and looking him up online. I hate to say it but I think he’s seeing dollar signs and I don’t like that.”

  Randi laughed. “Martin does have a few dollar signs after his name. I’m sure Dad’s just looking at this from the non-emotional side of life. He’s thinking that Martin can provide well and he’s not worried that he’ll break my heart like you are.”

  Her mother looked up. “Did the two of you break up?”

  “No, we’re fine. But I understand your reservations. I didn’t set out to date a movie star. I care for Martin, but I’m not sure it’ll work.”

  “You need to take it slow. I would rather have you poor and living above our garage than to have you marry someone like him, or any actor, and end up with your heart broken.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give you a hard time and I want you to know I’m going into this with a clear thought process. I’m going to have a lot of heart to heart talks with Martin.”

  “I guess that’s all I can ask. I can just see how wrapped up in all of this you are. I’m sure his money, as well as him being very handsome, makes it all very appealing.”

  “He is a cutie, but it’s more. I haven’t ever told you how we met. It’s not something I’m proud of but then I didn’t really know what was going on for a while. You might as well know the whole story.”

  “I’m not sure I want to know.” Her mother leaned back taking a long sip of her tea.

  “It wasn’t Martin’s money that attracted me. Do you remember the story you told me about how you met Dad? How he was the carryout boy who helped your mother to the car? That there was just something about him that you liked?”

  “Of course. I remember those days like it was yesterday.”

  “Well . . . it was that way with Martin. The day he came to pick me up, he was driving this old sorta beat up pick-up truck. I thought he was Martin’s driver who was there to pick me up. He was so cute and we hit it off. I didn’t know he had a dime to his name.”

  “Why was he picking you up if he’s a millionaire?”

  “First, I doubt if he’s that rich but I assume he has a nice bank account. We’ve only joked about it. The reason he came is a long story and before you start yelling, hear me out. It’s not as bad as it sounds.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  Randi nodded, took a drink of tea and began to tell her story. She wasn’t sure if some day she would be telling this same story to her own children but, for now, she was going to enjoy sharing it, even if her mother thought she was crazy. . .

  Chapter 4

  Old Friend

  Martin wasn’t looking forward to going to the hospital so he went to the hotel. Celia’s parents wouldn’t be there until the next morning so he saw no use in hanging around sparring with Mike.

  He fixed a sandwich and kicked back missing Randi. He knew she might not be back until morning but he hoped to hear from her later. This ordeal had to be bizarre for her. He wondered if Addison was right. Should he have just pushed this off on Mike?

  That wasn’t exactly what she said, but he was sure it was what she meant. He ate his sandwich, drank most of his soda and glanced at the clock. Addison was supposed to talk to his parents and ask them to pray. She had at least spared him that task.

  He knew she should be off the phone by now so he put in his wireless ear bud and dialed. It was just after six in the evening, Rafa might still be at work. The phone rang twice and she picked up.

  “Hello, brother dear. How’s Celia?” Addison asked. It sounded like she was in the kitchen as he could hear the movement of pots and pans.

  “Did I catch you at a busy time? I suppose she’s holding her own.”

  “No. I’m fine. I’ve just got you on speaker while I work on supper.”

  “What are you having? I just ate cold cuts and bread.”

  “The woes of a rich actor. I’m broiling chicken and going to make brown rice pilaf, spinach and garlic toast.”

  “Sounds yummy.”

  “It will be. Why cold cuts? Wouldn’t Randi cook for you?”

  “She went home. I’m staying in a hotel close to the hospital. She picked up a few things earlier in the day.”

  “Martin! When are you going to stop treating that beautiful woman like your maid? The crack about her cooking was a joke. Are you dating her or not? Men! Do you only have half a brain?”

  “I hope it didn’t come off like that. She didn’t seem to mind.” Martin rose and walked to the window looking out.

  “She’s in love with you. She’s not going to say no, but that doesn’t make it right. I know you can’t do all of these things because you’d make a scene, but I do suggest you find a lackey. Maybe a young guy, you don’t want to get a pretty young thing either.”

  “I’ll think about it but I really don’t think she minds.”

  “She may not, but don’t push it. You need to treat her like you did Celia. You would have never asked her to do that.”

  “You’re right. Then again, Randi is not Celia.” Martin sighed and ran his fingers across his face. He needed to shave. He walked to the bathroom and looked at his reflection. “I will apologize. I really didn’t know what to do when Emma called with the news about Celia.”

  “I’m sure it was a tough call and I’m also sure Randi is being nice, just don’t push her. Don’t try to get her to hang around the hospital. And you don’t need to be there around the clock. You are not dating Celia.”

  Martin knew she was right but he felt some kind of obligation since the Carson family was not in town. “I plan on bowing out as soon as her mom and dad get there. I think that Mike is capable of taking over.”

  Addison paused, the phone made a clicking noise and she sounded closer. “Okay, everything’s on the stove now. Did I hear a tone there? What’s going on with Mike? Are he and Celia dating?”

&nbs
p; “I don’t know but he’s not happy with me. He’s taken up where Celia left off . . . complaining about everything, reminding me what a heel I was for dumping her.”

  “Yikes. It sounds like Celia has turned him into a mini-me.”

  “Pretty much. I’m not sure if he’s fallen for her or if she’s just brainwashed him.”

  “I don’t know your friend. Is he the type to be duped easily?”

  Martin looked around to see if Randi had picked up the razors and smiled when he noticed she had. He sat them next to the sink, laid out a towel and turned, leaning on the sink as he crossed his arms. “A month ago I would have told you never. Mike even agreed before it happened that I should dump her, that she wasn’t what I needed.”

  “Strange.” Addison sounded as if she was moving again and then she finished her thought. “Do you think he wanted Celia then? Were there signs you missed that he was interested in her?”

  “No, and none. Whatever this is, it started after Celia left.”

  “Wow! She works fast. I feel bad talking about her since she’s in the hospital but she may have just wrapped him around her little finger. Some men are like that. They can fall hard and fast for a weepy lady.”

  “Could be. Either way, I’m going to bow out and tell Mike that I think he should be the one there and not me. I really don’t think he’ll mind.”

  “If he’s got the Celia bug as you say, he won’t mind and he’ll be happy to see you go. I do think it will be the best thing for you and Randi. She’s a sweet girl and she’d never say anything but I’d bet you my new Lexus that she wants Celia out of her life and yours.”

  “Wow, sis! A new Lexus. Things must be going really well at the firm. What happened with that case Rafa was working on?”

  “It is, but the car is not paid for. The man I told you about, Winston Fields, he and his wife are seeing a marriage counselor. She dropped her divorce and the firm is happy with Rafa.”

  “That’s great. I’m happy to hear that.”

  “There were a few rough bumps starting out and they are about to lose one of the partners. If all goes according to plan, he’ll be voted out of the company sometime next week.”