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

  “Sure. Come on. Just drop me off and I’ll catch the bus home or you can pick me up later. What hospital is it?”

  “I don’t know. His wife is supposed to send me another text. The ambulance was en-route to the house. Until I get the other text, I won’t know.”

  “Okay, just drop me off.”

  Randi walked around to the passengers side, tossed her cleaning gear into the back seat and they were on their way. She glanced at her dad. He looked like he’d aged a lot over the past few days.

  “I’ve wanted to ask, how serious is this layoff? I know you and mom aren’t rich. Are you going to be looking for another job or just wait until you turn sixty-six?”

  “I’m not really sure. I don’t think I can sit around and do nothing. I want to work. I want to feel useful. I don’t want to go back to pushing papers or ordering people around. I’m ready to do something simple and get paid for it.”

  “Want to clean houses?”

  “No,” he answered. “I don’t want a job that requires a lot of physical activity. I don’t want to flip burgers. I’d like to make something more than that. I’d like to work outside if at all possible.”

  “I don’t blame you, then again, it can get hot in the sun.”

  “Good point. I’ve been thinking about applying for the janitor’s position at church. It will give me a starting point. I know they can’t keep the young people working because they find the work boring. You’re by yourself most days. I think I might like it.”

  “That’s sounds great. Mom needs something to do, too. I know she can only clean that house so many times. Maybe this will be a good change.”

  “Your mother is a people person. She would love working at some burger joint taking orders but I’m not sure she could take being on her feet all day.”

  “She could get a part time job. She could work at the bank in the drive through. Those people sit all day. You’ll have to suggest it to her.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You’ll have to suggest it to her. I don’t think it would be good coming from me. I don’t want her to think I need her to work. To be honest, I don’t think she’ll need to. We can cut back here and there and do okay. I just think she needs something - at least until she has some cute grandkids to babysit.”

  “Hey! Where did that come from?”

  “I’m getting old. It’s time for the perks of life. I want those grandkids to come along before I’m too old to enjoy them. Your mom says this Martin business is pretty serious. She said that she’s never seen you act like this over any other man.”

  “Act? What I’m doing? Smiling a lot? Going out now and then?”

  Her dad glanced at her as he pulled away from a red light. “You do smile a lot these days. I don’t know. Your mother gets these feelings and she thinks this guy is the one. I know she’s also worried that he’s not right for you.”

  “I know. We’ve been around that one a time or two. What do you think?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never met the man. I did Google him.”

  Randi laughed out loud. It sounded strange to hear her kind of old-fashioned Dad saying the word ‘google’. “What did you think?”

  “I think he’s a man’s man. All but that long hair. He needs a haircut. Other than that, he looks pretty clean cut. I’m not sure about this movie star business. It could be a can of worms you’re opening. Who can say?”

  “I know. I’ve thought about that. I’ve even talked to Martin. I worry more about the love scenes and the ease with which he can do such things. To him, it’s his occupation, but I don’t think of it that way. I see it as cheating, as doing something you shouldn’t.”

  “Smart girl. I know we don’t get on the preaching wagon often, but if you’re serious about this young man, you need to think about the long run. How will his work impact your marriage? Is he someone you really want to spend the rest of your life with? I know nothing is certain, but you want to go into a marriage on the best footing possible.”

  “Yes. I remember Aunt Kate. She thought she had the perfect husband. He went to church and didn’t look like the type to cheat. But he did.”

  “We’re all human and anyone can fall into temptation. I don’t think it’s something most people want to do, but they let their guard down. Kate and Fred were having troubles. Instead of digging deeper into the Bible and seeking advice from the Pastor, he started talking to a co-worker about their troubles.”

  “I know. It really broke Aunt Kate’s heart. It was such a shock to her. He just came in one day and said, ‘I’m leaving’. It worries me, too, that Martin started talking to me while he was living with Celia.” She looked over quickly wondering if her dad knew this part.

  He nodded. “I know. Your mother told me. She hates that. She’s said a few times that you’ve lost your mind - dating a man who would cheat.”

  Randi nodded. “I don’t want to sound like I’m just trying to defend his actions, but there was more to it. He did try to tell me. Now that I look back on some of our conversations, I recall the times he started to tell me and something or someone would interrupt.”

  “But the point is, he didn’t. Why? Have you asked yourself that?”

  Her dad parked the car. Randi unbuckled and turned to look at him. “I know why. At least I know what he told me, and it makes sense.”

  “What is it? Your mother didn’t tell me this part. And here I thought she told me everything.”

  Randi laughed. “I’m not sure I told her. I think I did, but anyway, he had a reason.” When Randi paused, her dad took out his phone to wait on his text.

  “What was his excuse?” he asked.

  She waited until he raised his gaze to meet hers and she spoke, “To begin with, I thought he was the limo driver. Martin said he liked being just another ‘normal person’ and that he didn’t want to lose the connection we were building. He liked being ‘the limo driver’. He enjoyed that I liked him for who he was and not for what he could buy me.”

  Her dad nodded. “I suppose that is a problem for the rich and famous. Something I never had to deal with,” he said, with an impish grin.

  “I think having money isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I’d like to have more than I do, but I’m not sure I want to be rich.” Randi reached for the door handle and turned back as her dad said one more thing.

  “If you’re not sure about the money and the effect it will have on you, then think twice about moving forward. If you marry Martin Taylor, you’ll be one with him. You’ll be rich, famous and everything else that comes with his name and fame.”

  Chapter 19

  The Escape

  It was a little after one and Martin was feeling like a prisoner at the hospital. He had just stepped out of Celia’s room to take a phone call. He walked to the private waiting area they’d been given and talked to Bill for about twenty minutes.

  He looked out the window at the back of the room as he grabbed a cup of coffee. His brows rose and he cursed under his breath as he looked down upon three of the biggest paparazzi names in Hollywood.

  “Great. How am I supposed to get out of here?” He wondered if Celia had done this but decided she more than likely hadn’t had the time. He took a drink of his coffee trying to think of a way to get out without being seen.

  The tabloids had died down somewhat about him, Celia and Randi. He certainly did not want to give them anything more for their papers at this time. He and Bill had just talked about this. The angle was to push Randi out into the open and have them wondering about his new love and forgetting about the triangle.

  He could imagine what the press would say if they found out Celia was moving back into his home. They’d have some sordid sex triangle splashed all over the papers. When the door opened to the waiting room, he turned wondering if someone had ratted him out.

  Relief flooded over him when he saw Mike. “Deer in the headlights look there, friend?”

  “Are we friends again?” Martin asked with a smile.
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  “I suppose. You’ve been around for a long time - like an old worn out shoe. I’d hate to throw you out over a girl.”

  Martin laughed, held out his hand and the two men shook hands briefly. “An old shoe?”

  Mike shrugged. “It fits. I take it from the expression on your face that you’ve looked outside. It’s a circus. I just came in with Vicky. They let us in but I’m not sure you’re going to get out of here unless they get to see you.”

  “I’d hate for them to find out Celia’s here. That mess was just about to be forgotten.”

  “Do you think someone from the hospital called them or maybe someone just spotted you?”

  “Who knows?” Martin took another drink of coffee. “I suppose when I step out they’ll be asking all kinds of questions, if they do know. Then again, there are ‘star-spotters’ all over town who just call in when they see one of us.”

  “I’m sure there are. Do you think Celia might have done it?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Martin reached into his pocket and took out a pen. He looked around the room for a piece of paper. “I’m not sure if anything is going on between you and Celia but I’m leaving her in your hands.”

  “We’re not dating. What are you talking about?” Mike followed Martin over to a table and tried to peep over his shoulder while he was writing.

  Martin straightened up and held the paper in his hand for a few seconds. “I know she’s gotten her memory back or she had actually never lost it and just changed her mind. Whatever! I really don’t care either way. I’m just glad it’s over.”

  “Me too,” Mike said. “I think she’s ready to move on.”

  “Well, she’s ready to move in,” Martin said, handing the paper to Mike and crossing his arms. “She’s all yours, if you want her.”

  Mike looked at the paper and asked, “What’s this?”

  “The security codes to the gate and the front door of my house. Celia’s moving in until she can walk. I’m not going to be there so she’s in your hands.”

  “Again, why me? I don’t want to do this.”

  “I think it’s a little late for that. Ever since that day you showed up at my house to move her out, you’ve been doing it. Why stop now?”

  “You think this is funny, don’t you?”

  “Somewhat. Anyway, I’m out. You can be in or not, it’s your choice. Feel free to pick a room and stay a while if you want. It’ll be closer for you. When you work on that house you’ll be closer than your place.”

  “That’s true, but I don’t know about this.” Mike tried to give the paper back to Martin. He held his hands up, shook his head and walked toward the door.

  “Stay or not, that’s up to you but someone will need to take her there. The way I see it, that person is going to be you.”

  Martin left Mike standing there looking at the paper. He put on his hat and glasses and walked out the door and down the hall. He wasn’t sure what his plan of action would be but he wasn’t staying in this hospital all day even if he had to tell the papers everything.

  He went down the elevator and no one paid him any mind. He could have spoken to a director at the hospital and asked them to fly him out, or take him out in an ambulance, but that wouldn’t be good. They had been nice and treated him and Celia’s family well; he wasn’t going to ask for any favors.

  When he reached the lobby, he noticed that reporters were waiting at both entrances. They were also more than likely covering every exit. He took off the sunglasses and the hat and walked toward the door.

  It didn’t take long for one of the reporters to spot him. There were five or six photographers. One of them looked like a fan, three of them he recognized but the others he didn’t know. As he approached, they all turned toward him and one professional looking young lady stepped up first.

  She was very attractive. Her black slacks, white tank top and multi-colored peplum blazer were understated elegance. Her red hair was swept up into a stylish messy bun. She held a mic in his direction. “Mr. Taylor, could I have a word with you?”

  “Sure. Why not?” Martin asked, in a dry tone.

  “Would you mind telling us what you’re doing here today? Are you ill or did you come to visit someone?” The others moved in closer taking a few shots of him. He knew that it would be best just to let them get their pictures and not argue. If you resisted or tried to avoid them, they seemed all the more persistent.

  “Why don’t you tell me why I’m here?” he asked the pretty reporter, with a bit of a mischievous grin.

  “I don’t know. We just got a tip that you were here. Stars seldom come to the hospital for no reason. Perhaps rehab… a drunken brawl and you needed stitches?” There was a glimmer in her eye. She couldn’t wait to hear some sensational tidbit.

  “Sorry, but it’s nothing nearly that exciting,” said a deep voice behind Martin. He turned to see a tall, rugged looking man in his late fifties walking in his direction. “Martin just dropped by to take me to lunch. I’m waiting for a friend to get out of surgery and I thought this would be a good time for us to get to know each other.”

  Martin wasn’t sure what was going on, or who this man was, but he was game. “Have you decided where you want to eat?”

  “I’m not picky as long as I’m back in about an hour.”

  “I’m not buying this,” the redhead retorted, resting the mic on her arm. “You two don’t even know each other.”

  Martin turned to the man who was about to get him out of this hospital without anyone even having to hear Celia’s name. “Why sure we know each other,” Martin replied, casting a hopeful look at the unknown man.

  “Then tell me, and it better be believable.” She looked at the older man and so did Martin. They all stood waiting. The man gave them a pearly white smile as he rested his hand on Martin’s shoulder.

  “I’d better know him,” he answered, waiting a few seconds before finishing his thought, “after all… he’s dating my daughter.”

  Chapter 20

  Freeloading

  “Now tell me, dear,” Vicky said, as she sat down in a chair by Celia’s bedside, “what is this exciting news?”

  “I’m going to have a nice place to stay while my leg heals. You can stay with me if you don’t have to go home.” Celia loved dragging out surprises and her mother had no clue.

  “Where is it? And, I can stay? You are going to need help. It’s not easy walking on crutches. Your father had to do that.”

  “I remember, and you’re right, he complained about the crutches hurting his arms. I dread it but it will all be a part of getting better.”

  Her mother’s brow furrowed. “Are you going to tell me? Where will you be staying?”

  Celia smiled slyly. “Martin is going to let me to move back into his house until I can walk. It has a ramp and will be much more accessible than staying in the apartment.”

  “Is that wise? Do you think there’s hope for the two of you?”

  “No. It’s nothing like that. It’s about getting a foot in the door of the house where I want to spend the rest of my life. That is my home. I picked it out. I decorated it. I belong there. I’m just not sure how to make it mine. But, I have at least eight weeks to figure it out.”

  “He invited you to stay? Was this his idea or did you bat those pretty eyes and talk him into it?”

  “I didn’t bat anything. He owes me. Now I have to start the loan process so I can buy the house.”

  “Celia, I don’t mean to rain on your parade but just the taxes would be hard for you to manage, not to mention the upkeep on the home and the yard work. Why, just getting the windows cleaned would cost a small fortune! When you and Martin first moved in I thought it was too much. But you… alone! You certainly don’t need a home with that much space!”

  “I suppose not, but I want it. I love it. Didn’t you ever want anything so bad you could taste it? I fell in love with that place, and it was mine for a while. I don’t want to lose it forever.”

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nbsp; Vicky stood up. “I understand. We can talk about it later but right now I want you to focus on getting plenty of rest.”

  Celia knew this meant, ‘I doubt you’ll get the house so come back down to earth’. She smiled. Her mother wanted what was best, and at this moment, it didn’t look like she had any hopes of doing anything but freeloading at Martin’s expense.

  She wasn’t going to come down off her cloud just yet. She needed to feel like she was going to succeed, and she knew she could. Celia looked at her mom and spoke, “Martin was nice and he didn’t question if I’d lost my memory. I was thankful for that.”

  “He seems concerned with your health. Maybe some day the two of you can be friends. I know it may seem strange, but we have to learn from our mistakes.”

  “I want to but I’m too angry. Maybe, in the future. I think getting to move back into the house will help. I felt like I was pushed out.” Celia was quiet for a few seconds and then said emotionally, “I was pushed out!”

  Vicky, in only the way she could, said consolingly, “It’s good that you can talk about it. We all make mistakes. We chose the wrong people. We just can’t dwell on the bad.”

  “I want to move on. Lying in this bed has given me time to think. I need to make it on my own. I don’t like the kind of person I’ve become – moving from man to man. I just seem to fall into a rut, and when I can’t make things move in the right direction on my own, I fall back onto the same old crutch.”

  “Your beauty?”

  “Yes. I’ve depended on my looks for years. I want to do something with my life, but it might be too late. It’s expensive here. I got a rude awakening when I moved out of the mansion.”

  “You could come back home or find a place where living expenses aren’t so high.”

  “Is there a place like that?”

  “There are some. I don’t know how this generation is going to make it. It takes so much just to put food on the table.”