The thunder shaking the house woke me early Tuesday morning. I found myself lying next to Steven in bed, his strong arms holding me close. I could barely see my clothing neatly placed on a chair in the corner of the room. I didn’t remember getting undressed or going to bed. The last thing I remembered was resting my head in Steven’s lap on the couch. I clutched Steven’s hand to my breasts, drifting back to sleep.
It was mid-morning when I awoke the second time. Steven was gone, leaving me alone in the queen-size bed. I could hear voices coming from the other end of the house. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I tried to get my bearings. I had a splitting headache. Making my way to the bathroom, I glanced in the mirror. My hair and make-up were a mess. It took me awhile to get myself fixed up and dressed. Drifting down the hallway, the voices became more familiar.
Frank and Jackie were standing in the kitchen, chatting over coffee. The stopped talking when they saw me approaching.
“How you feeling?” Frank asked. “Better I hope.”
“I’m ok, just a headache.” I muttered. “Where’s Steven?”
“He left for his office around 8:00.” Jackie replied. “Said to keep you here for the day.”
“I can’t stay here all day.” I responded. “I’ve got things to take care of.”
I sat down at the dinette table in the kitchen. Jackie set a cup of coffee in front of me. I needed a cigarette to go with it but I couldn’t remember where I’d put my purse. I settled for the coffee, sipping it slowly.
Frank sat down across from me.
“How about some breakfast to get you day started?” He suggested. “Might make you feel better.”
“No, no thanks.” I replied. “I couldn’t eat anything.”
“Amber’s at the studio with Paul and Ryan.” Jackie said. “She’s going to stay with them till noon. I’ll stay with them the rest of the day.”
“I need to get back to the apartment.” I stated. “Grab a shower and get down to the club.”
“I’m going with you.” Frank spoke. “I’m not about to leave you alone.”
I started to reply to his remark but caught myself before speaking. It was useless to argue with him. He was as bullheaded as his son.
Frank drove me home, waiting in the livingroom while I showered and got dressed. I’d left my attaché at the studio so I asked Frank to drive me there before going to J.R.’s. My headache had subsided so I was feeling better.
I smoked one cigarette after another. The leather upholstery in Frank’s Jaguar sedan was probably absorbing most of the smell.
“You need to quit that awful habit!” He exclaimed. “Not good for your health!”
“You sound like my father.” I responded. “He used to say the same thing.”
“You ever see your folks?” He asked. “I never hear you mention them.”
“They pretty much disowned me after the divorce.” I replied. “Said I didn’t try to work things out.”
Amber was talking with Ryan when Frank and I walked into the studio. She came rushing over to me, putting her arms around me.
“You should take some time off.” She suggested. “Get away till everything’s back to normal.”
“I wouldn’t know what normal is.” I stated. “I don’t want to just sit around and do nothing. I’ve got to stay busy.”
I picked up my attaché and headed towards the door. Frank lagged behind, saying something to Amber. I couldn’t hear what they were saying.
I waited in the car till Frank finally came out. We headed west towards the club when Frank suddenly turned north.
“Where we going?” I asked. “I really need to get to the club.”
“Marcus can take care of the club till Amber gets there.” He finally replied. “Guess you could say, I’m kidnapping you for the day.”
Frank pulled into a convenience store, parking near the door.
“Come on, we need to do a little shopping.” He commanded.
I followed Frank into the store. He piled my arms full with sandwiches, potato chips and snack items. Frank carried the soft drinks as we made our way to the checkout counter. We picked up several bags of ice on our way back out to the car. I purchased two packs of cigarettes, not wanting to run out.
“Mind telling me where the hell we’re going?” I asked as we drove northeast, away from the city.
“Thought the two of us would spend the day on the boat.” He replied. “Just the two of us. Maybe do a little fishing.”
Frank and I loaded everything onto the boat and headed out onto the lake. The clouds had cleared off, letting the sun glare off the water. I put my sunglasses on so I my eyes wouldn’t squint so much.
“You bikini is down below in the cabin if you want to put it on.” He informed me.
Franks suggestion sounded good to me so I stepped down below deck and quickly changed into the white bikini. Frank pulled the boat close to the shoreline and tossed the anchor over, tying it to one of the cleats. He opened two Cokes, handing me one.
“You want to fish or lie out in the sun?” He asked. “I’d love to teach you to fish.”
“Fishing sounds great.” I replied. “I’m willing to give it a shot.”
Frank spent quite awhile teaching me how to cast and reel the line back in. It took me several tries before I started getting the hang of it. I wasn’t nearly as good as Frank but he complimented me anyway.
“My grandsons love to come out and fish.” He stated. “Steven’s not much on fishing though.”
“I can’t wait till you meet Zack and Trey.” He added. “You’ll love them.”
“What do you think they’re going to say about me?” I asked. “Think they’ll approve?”
“Well, they won’t call you Mom right off.” He quipped. I started to respond to his remark but thought it would only start a disagreement. I kept my mouth shut and kept on fishing.
My arms got tired after awhile so I decided to lay out for awhile while Frank kept on fishing. Thoughts of Andrea crept into my mind. I felt Carl and I had done the right thing in taking care of her when nobody else would come forward. That made me feel a little better.
Frank and I sat on the front deck over the cabin, eating the sandwiches and chips. I was hungry, not having eaten since the evening before.
“Steven said he took you over to the house on the lake.” Frank said. “What’d you think of it?”
